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If you are interested in getting involved with the Surry SPCA, you can:
- Become a Member
- Volunteer your Time
- Donate
- Pledge a monthly/annual contribution
- Provide short and long term care arrangements for your pet(s) in the event something happens to you or if you become incapacitated/disabled and can’t care for your pet(s)
- Provide for animals into the future when you do estate planning
What can you do for your pets?
- Keep a current removable sticker on your front window/door to alert rescue/fire personnel on how many pets you have. A permanent sticker can be confusing. The number of pets could change, the sticker could be from a former owner of the home. You do not want emergency personnel forgetting a pet or risking their lives for pets who are no longer in the home.
- Keep a current list of each of your pets with the following information:
- Name
- Physical description
- Medications
- Special behavior characteristics
- Diet
- Names and contact information of two people who could provide emergency care of your pet(s) should you not be able. Check with them to see if they agree to accept the responsibility. These emergency caretakers should know where your papers are kept on you pets or each be given a copy of your important papers. Also consider giving them a key to your home. [These papers are handy for travel, disasters, or forced evacuations where arranging out-of-town accommodations like boarding can’t be accomplished without medical records. It is also helpful to maintain a current emergency travel kit with lead (s) bowels, water, bedding and a supply of medications.] Have a copy of the pet’s medical records as well as name, address, and telephone number of their Veterinarian. A picture of each pet could also provide assistance.
Remembering your animals in your will does not take care of the immediate needs of your pet(s). It takes days for the court to recognize a will. It can take a year to probate a will. The will could be contested by heirs causing further delay. Should you become incapacitated and not be able to care for your pet(s) it is important to have a plan and funds in place. Plan now in a non-emergency time when you can plan thoughtfully. Talk to your attorney about a Trust for the care of your pet(s) in the event of incapacity, disability or death. A Trust allows you to exclude real estate property, insurance, bank account(s) from your will and enable your pet caretaker to take immediate action to care for your pet(s). It would give the caretaker the funds to cover your pet’s needs. For more information, contact the Surry SPCA or go to the Humane Society of the United States for a free kit on planning for your pet.
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