There are several legal documents you may want to prepare in advance to ensure that your caretaker has the legal authority to care for your pets and make decisions on your behalf. This section describes the most important documents.
Power of Attorney for Pet Care
A power of attorney (“POA”) is a written document that allows you (the “principal”) to authorize another person (the “agent”) to act on your behalf. You can use a limited or special power of attorney to give your caretaker the authority to make decisions about your pet’s care. For example, a POA for pet care can give your caretaker the authority to:
- Authorize veterinary treatment and make medical decisions for your pet;
- Pay for veterinary care and other expenses using funds you have set aside;
- Transfer ownership of your pet to another person, if necessary; and
- Take any other actions necessary to care for your pet.
See Chapter 9 of this manual for more information about powers of attorney.
Authorization for veterinary treatment and medical decisions
Even without a formal power of attorney, you can sign a written authorization allowing your caretaker to seek veterinary treatment for your pet. Many veterinarians will require written authorization before treating a pet that is not brought in by its owner. You should ask your veterinarian whether they have a standard authorization form, or you can prepare a simple written statement that identifies your pet, names your caretaker, and authorizes the caretaker to consent to veterinary treatment on your behalf. This document should be signed and dated by you, and you should give a copy to your caretaker and to your veterinarian.
Transfer of Ownership Documents
If you decide to permanently transfer ownership of your pet to another person, you should prepare a written transfer of ownership document. This document should identify your pet (including any microchip number or license number), identify the new owner, and state that you are transferring ownership of the pet to that person. Both you and the new owner should sign and date the document. You should also update your pet’s microchip registration and license to reflect the new owner’s information.
Temporary vs. permanent transfer
You will need to decide whether you want to transfer ownership of your pet permanently or temporarily. A permanent transfer means that you are giving up all rights to your pet and the new owner will have full legal ownership. A temporary transfer means that you are giving physical possession of your pet to another person for a period of time, with the expectation that you will reclaim your pet in the future. If you are making a temporary transfer, you should put the agreement in writing, signed and dated by both parties, and clearly state that the transfer is temporary and that you retain ownership of the pet.
Updating microchip registration and pet licenses
If you transfer ownership of your pet, either temporarily or permanently, you should update your pet’s microchip registration and pet license to reflect the new caretaker’s or owner’s contact information. This is important because if your pet is lost, or found by animal control, the microchip registry will be used to identify and contact the owner. Contact the microchip registry directly to update the registration. You can usually do this online or by phone. You should also contact your local animal control authority to update your pet’s license.
Financial Considerations
Caring for a pet can be expensive. If you are detained or deported, you will need to make financial arrangements to ensure that your pet continues to receive proper care. This section describes some of the financial considerations you should keep in mind.
Ongoing pet care costs may include:
- Food and treats;
- Veterinary care, including routine checkups, vaccinations, and emergency care;
- Medications and supplements;
- Pet insurance premiums;
- Grooming;
- Boarding or daycare; and
- Supplies such as bedding, toys, and litter.
You should estimate these costs and make arrangements to ensure that your caretaker has access to sufficient funds to cover them. You should discuss these costs with your caretaker in advance and agree on how they will be managed.
Financial arrangements for ongoing expenses and care
You should make arrangements to help your caretaker cover the ongoing costs of caring for your pet. These costs may include food, veterinary care, medications, grooming, and other supplies. You should discuss these costs with your caretaker in advance and agree on how they will be covered.
Options include:
- Providing a lump sum of money up-front to your caregiver, setting up a regular transfer of funds, or on an as-needed/as-requested basis by the caretaker;
- Ordering food and medication online directly and having it shipped to the caretaker;
- Keeping a card on file with the veterinarian that is authorized for use, and making arrangements with your veterinarian to pay for anticipated care in advance; or
- Setting aside a sum of money in a separate dedicated pet care account and giving your caretaker access to that account through a financial power of attorney or by adding them as a joint account holder.
- See Chapter 4 of this manual for more information about managing bank accounts, and Chapter 9 for more information about powers of attorney.
You should choose the option that best fits your situation and that you are most comfortable with. Whatever option you choose, you should make sure your caretaker understands how to access the funds and what they may be used for relative to the pet.
Prepaid veterinary care plans
Some veterinary practices offer prepaid care plans or wellness plans that allow you to pay for anticipated veterinary services in advance. If your veterinarian offers such a plan, you may want to consider enrolling your pet before you are detained or deported. This can help ensure that your pet receives routine care even if your pet caretaker has limited funds. You should ask your veterinarian about the details of any prepaid care plans they offer, including what services are covered and how your caretaker can access the plan.