Planning for your pets when you can no longer care for them

(Aging Untold) — Planning for a beloved pet as we age and life changes — whether through illness, hospitalization or other unexpected events — should be just as important as planning for anything else we care about.

However, many pet owners overlook this crucial step until it’s too late.

“You hear so many pet owners and pet lovers that will say, ‘They’re like my children,’” Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, said.

“We would plan for our children, right? I mean, we’re not just planning on leaving a toddler running around the house alone if something happens to us. So, if we care about them that deeply, then we need to plan for them because they don’t just miraculously disappear when something happens to us,” Cradduck added.

Start with your vacation plan

The simplest way to begin planning for pet emergencies is to think about what you already do when you travel.

“What do you do when you’re going to go on vacation and you have a pet?” Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said.

Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, described her own experience after moving to a new city, searching for a dog walker, dog sitter or someone who could stay overnight. While she has relatives who would take her dogs in an emergency, she noted that not everyone has that option.

“I have lived in a city where I didn’t have that, and I did have to do just that,” O’Rourke said. “I started planning.”

Creating this foundation provides peace of mind that extends beyond practical logistics.

“I think really laying that foundation will make you feel better,” O’Rourke said. “You have that nagging worry. And once you make a plan, you feel better.”

Accidents happen — and pets can’t care for themselves

Planning isn’t just about worst-case scenarios. Even temporary situations require preparation.

“Accidents do happen. I’d say it, they’re not called on purpose,” Cradduck said. “You might have a fall. You might end up in the hospital. Who’s going to feed the dog or the cat? Take care of the litter box? Take them out for walks?”

If a pet owner goes to the hospital, someone needs to step in, which is why having a plan in place before a crisis occurs is essential.

Work with family to find the right solution

Katherine Ambrose, an aging-well coach, emphasized the importance of family communication when planning for pet care.

“Sometimes the adult kids can be really harsh and say, ‘We’re just going to take that dog to the shelter,’” Ambrose said. “I really would implore that families to work together, because if they do love that pet like a child, to do the best you can and hopefully not take the pet somewhere where they’re euthanized.”

Having a clear plan for who will adopt and care for a pet can prevent difficult situations after an owner passes or becomes unable to provide care.

“If you have a plan on who’s going to adopt your pet and love it like you would, that is the ultimate love,” Ambrose said.

Consider senior pet rescue organizations

For those without family members who can take a pet, specialized rescue organizations offer alternatives.

“There are some rescues that take care of senior adult dogs,” Cradduck said. “I’ve seen several of them where they’ll take them in after somebody passes if we don’t have family members or somebody that wants them.”

She said some older adults prefer animals that are already accustomed to a quieter lifestyle.

“Other seniors oftentimes like having the older pets that are already accustomed to the age community,” Cradduck said. “It’s a good resource to look for.”

Set aside funds for future care

Financial planning is another critical component that can make the difference in whether someone is willing to take on pet care responsibilities.

“If you set a fund aside for the vet, because that might stop somebody from adopting them because they just can’t afford to,” O’Rourke said.

The experts agreed that companion animals deserve thoughtful planning.

“These are companions to us and it’s really important to do a good job keeping them cared for because they love us unconditionally,” Ambrose said.

Five key takeaways

1. Start planning with your vacation plan
2. Accidents happen and pets can’t care for themselves
3. Work with family to find the right solution
4. Consider senior pet rescue organizations
5. Set aside funds for future care