If you are at risk of being detained or deported, you may be worried about what will happen to your pets. Pets are important members of many families, and making arrangements for their care is a key component of planning for detention or deportation. This chapter provides guidance on how to plan ahead for your pets, what legal documents you may need, and what options may be available to you. This chapter addresses the following issues:
- Checklist: Caring for Pets During Owner’s Detention or Deportation
- What Challenges Do Pet Owners Face During Detention/Deportation, and Why Should You Plan Ahead?
- What Happens to Pets if You Are Detained/Deported?
- Planning Pet Care Arrangements Before Detention or Deportation
- Additional Pet Caretaker Planning – Options and Alternatives
- Legal Documents and Authorizations
- Financial Considerations
- Exporting Pets Internationally
- Resources and Organizations
Each Chapter is intended to provide generalized information on a particular topic. In many cases, laws may differ from state to state. Therefore, this information is not intended to replace state-specific legal assistance. Nothing in this manual is intended to create an attorney-client or fiduciary relationship.