Who gets your pets if you pass away?

@breepeace (3014)
Canada
January 8, 2009 6:24pm CST
I know lots of people have wills, or they've made agreements with family members in regards to their final resting place, financial obligations, or children, but who actually makes provisions for their pets if the unthinkable happens? I know of so many pets that ended up getting relinquished to the humane society, rescue organizations or a friendly neighbour who is helping look for a new home for them because of an unexpected death, and I would never want my pets in that situation. I also know of pets who were supposed to go to children or a family member who actually didn't want the burden, so I think it's especially important to make sure the person you give guardianship to doesn't take the responsibility of care of your best friend lightly after you're no longer around. Parrots are famous for outliving their masters and recently my boyfriend has been corresponding with a parrot rescue that has 2 fosters right now that were both turned over to the society after their masters passed on. Both were given to the society by a family member of the departed after they discovered parrots aren't as low maintenance as other domestic birds. They're in a good place now, and in capable hands, but I still can't believe their former owners wouldn't take into consideration what a responsibility an unexpected pet is to a mourning family member. Have you ever thought about where your animals would go if you passed away and your partner or kids couldn't take them?
4 responses
@AnakSuNamun (2084)
• United States
9 Jan 09
That's a good question, I haven't though about that. I guess,my dogs will become property of the dog pound if my friends don't get there fast enough. Do you think it's necessary to make an official written agreement or just verbal consent would be enough? I'm not planning to die yet but that might come in handy sometime.
1 person likes this
@breepeace (3014)
• Canada
9 Jan 09
I would put something in writing just in case, otherwise everything is left up to chance. Not a safe position for your pups to be left in.
• United States
9 Jan 09
Hmmmm, I might just do that. Not now,though, it would bring me bad luck
• United States
12 Jan 09
We have made the proper arrangement with our children to take our pets in case of our untimely demise. They will make sure they are properly cared for until they pass on. Fortunately, our children love animals as much as we do. Be happy, be joyful, be safe, be strong! oohcute2340
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• Philippines
5 May 09
After reading your discussion I felt the lump on my throat. This is very tragic and I got to wonder if that happens. Well in my case I still have my mother to take care of my pets. I only have cats and dogs and since my mother love them, I think it will be easy for them to stay with her. The only difference is they will never see me anymore, I know it will be sad for them.
@DCMerkle (1281)
• United States
9 Jan 09
My family, I know would take one of the cats. In fact one of the cats that I have now was born into our family. When Poo was about 3 years old, we gave him to my father-in-law. He so loved him and we knew that Dad would take good care of him. It wasn't like Poo had left the family. Dad passed away about 4 years ago and we got Poo back. Poo was well taken care of for about 7 years and I know that if anything happens to me one of my children would take Poo in. Poo is an, old, well loved member that goes way back. DCMerkle
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