First, let’s say you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and remain strong enough to feed yourself and Buster, but you’re quarantined indoors. This week, contact two or three neighbors or nearby friends willing to walk Buster and shop for both of you if the need arises.
Ask these friends if they will take care of Buster if you need to be hospitalized. Make sure each of your helpers has everyone else’s contact information, in case the initial caregiver has an emergency and Buster must stay with someone else. Advise your veterinarian in writing that you authorize these friends to stand in for you.
Invite the people in the caregiver group to walk with you on occasion so Buster gets comfortable with them. Show them how to get into your home in an emergency and where you store Buster’s food and medication. Keep a three-week supply on hand, along with your veterinarian’s contact information.
Here’s the tough part: thinking about what will happen to Buster if you die or are otherwise unable to care for him. This difficult question is worth confronting, even without the threat of COVID-19, because it’s part of loving Buster.
Designate more than one person to adopt Buster so he will have a backup guardian if the first person’s life circumstances change. Reaffirm with each person annually that they still want Buster if you become permanently incapacitated or die.
Talk about whether Buster’s new family will assume financial responsibility for him or if you'll set aside funds to care for him, perhaps through life insurance.
Then put it all in writing. Attorney Amanda Schwoerke, who teaches animal law at Duke Law School, recommends you consult your lawyer to ensure your wishes are carried out. Ask about setting up a pet trust, living trust, or power of attorney specifically addressing Buster’s care.
While pets are legally considered property, you shouldn’t simply add a provision to your will transferring Buster to someone else like he’s a piece of furniture. The person who receives Buster through your will has no obligation to actually take care of him or to use any inherited money for his upkeep.
If you can’t find a friend or family member who wishes to adopt Buster, select a rescue organization or shelter that will choose the right adoptive home for him.
Whatever you decide about Buster’s care, let the important people in your life know, and designate your wishes on a wallet card and in a prominent location in your home.
