Are you overwhelmed with all the information regarding COVID-19 and how it may impact your pet? Have you thought about who will take care of your pet if you can’t?
The single most important step any pet owner can take is to create a pet emergency preparedness plan. In this recorded webinar, veterinarians Dr. Sara Pizano of Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at UF and Team Shelter USA; Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Intern Dr. Amelia Sikora, and Dr. Elizabeth Berliner, Director of the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at Cornell University, are here to help.
The team takes a deep dive into the latest information regarding the transmission of COVID-19, including the risk to your pets. They also share the latest recommendations for caring for pets who are exposed to COVID-19. View the webinar here:
Planning for Pets in the COVID Era
It is important to identify a family member, friend or neighbor who can care for your pet if you get ill or are unable to provide care. It is always a good idea to have a back-up (or two). Make sure your pet has proper identification, as well as an emergency kit prepared and easily accessible. Not sure what should be included in the emergency kit? Check out these helpful resources to get started:
- Pet disaster checklist from the CDC
- COVID-19 emergency kit from Red Rover
- COVID-19 preparedness plan from Best Friends
Financial assistance for pet owners who need to board their pets may be available through:
Remember to prepare a written authorization for a family member or friend to care for your pet in the event that you cannot. Here are examples that can be downloaded and printed at home:
- Guardianship authorization form
- Pet emergency care form
As pet owners, it is our responsibility to make sure that our pets are cared for throughout their entire life. Consider setting up a pet trust, which is a legal arrangement for the care of companion animals in the event that the owner is disabled or has passed away. Pet trust laws are unique state by state, so stay informed!
Catnip, a nationally circulated newsletter affiliated with Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, provided a great summary regarding estate planning for pets.
More resources: