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During financial and estate planning, don’t forget to consider the future of pets who might outlive you.

Photo by Sara Dane Photography

When planning, think about your pets too

By Eyal Lichtmann

Published 12:49 PDT, Thu March 18, 2021

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

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Spring is a time of looking forward. This year especially, as we anticipate the vaccine rollout and a return to a greater degree of normalcy, there is a sense of optimism.

This is also a time of long-term planning and taking care of details. Not only are we opening up the garden sheds and planning the first mow of the year, it’s also tax time. We are assembling our papers and receipts from the past year and making RSP contributions. It’s a time to reflect on the big financial picture and think about saving and budgeting.

When we set our clocks forward, we are also reminded to put fresh batteries in our smoke and CO2 detectors. This is also a good time to think about planning ahead for the well-being of our pets. Here are a few ideas.

• Keep a card in your wallet in the event of an accident with your address and a note that you have a pet at home who needs car in the event you are hospitalized.

• Give a spare key to a friend, family member or neighbour who can care for your pet in the event of an emergency.

• Stock your earthquake kit to have items for Fido and Fluffy, such as food, medications, treats, pet first aid kit and such.

• Put stickers on your doors and windows (they can be bought online) indicating that a pet is in the house so that the fire department is aware, in the event of a fire.

There is something else we might take a moment to plan for. It’s not pleasant to think about but … if not now, when?

Most of us should have our last will and testament in place. (If not, you really should contact a lawyer.) But have you considered what will happen if your companion animals survive you?

Estate planning is all about caring for those we leave behind. Animals are part of our families. We don’t need to go full Michael Jackson, who left $2 million to his chimp Bubbles, or Leona Helmsley, the New York hotel magnate who left $12 million to her dog Trouble. But we owe it to them to ensure that, in our absence, they aren’t abandoned.

At RAPS, we see a great number of sad stories in which dogs and cats who have lived wonderful lives find themselves homeless when their beloved guardian dies.

Many animal organizations, including RAPS, have professionals like lawyers and estate and financial planners who volunteer to advise on how to plan for your pets’ care in the event of your passing. They can advise on setting up a pet trust or, for example, RAPS can arrange to rehome your pet in the circumstance.

Whatever option you choose, it is an obligation we take on as pet guardians to ensure these animals are cared for during their lives. That can mean planning ahead for a time when we might not be around. Your financial planner or lawyer can help. Or you can email RAPS (admin@rapsbc.com) to connect with one of our professionals.

Eyal Lichtmann is CEO and Executive Director of the Regional Animal Protection Society.