The following is an except from this recent Washington Post column, regarding how to plan for the care of your pet after you die:
“Dear Dr. Fox:
For people like me who are up in age and worried about who will take care of our animals if we die — three rescue dogs, in my case — there is a need for a solution.
My local Humane Society has not made a commitment. “No-kill” sanctuaries have said no.
What am I to do? Any suggestions are welcome. My family cannot help.
C.S., Bethesda
DF: You have my sympathy, and I embrace you for considering the fate of your beloved canine companions if they outlive you. I understand that your family cannot help, but I am dismayed that your attempts to find peace of mind and assurance that your dogs would be well cared for if you were to die before them bore no fruit within your community.
I would advise the executor of your estate to go online to find nonprofit organizations dedicated to finding foster homes and forever homes for companion animals, especially for those belonging to people with terminal illnesses or who have to go into a retirement or nursing home.
There are many such networks of dedicated volunteers in most metropolitan areas across the United States. Some take animals into their own homes on a temporary basis while the pet owners are hospitalized or sent abroad for military or other reasons.
I have urged active retirees to consider dedicating their time and effort to providing foster homes and forever homes for animals in need in their communities by joining with other volunteers associated with legitimate charities dedicated to this humane purpose. I would have a person you trust visit any no-kill operation or animal sanctuary that might promise to take your dogs to determine how well the animals are being cared for, including veterinary attention when it is needed.”