Getting Started

In the event you are unable to care for your pets, plan for their future through our FREE Pet Planning Packet . The packet includes the following items to help you ensure your pets are always safe, even if you are no longer able to care for them.

Step 1: Carry a Pet Alert Card in your wallet.

This card will alert authorities that you have a pet at home and list two emergency contacts for them to notify if something happens to you.

Step 2: Place an Emergency Contact Sheet

If friends, family members, or emergency services enter your home, having a clearly visible Emergency Contact Sheet ensures that all of your pets are accounted for and that someone can be contacted immediately to care for them.

Step 3: Create a Pet Portfolio for each pet in your care.

This document contains pertinent information about your pet that would be valuable to a potential guardian and/or caregiver in your absence. Even if you don’t have a plan in place for the future care of your pet, this information is vital to helping your pet find a new home faster.

Some examples of information to include are:

1. Habits
2. Food preferences
3. Medical conditions and medications taken
4. Veterinary information and records
5. Behavior around other pets/people/children

Your Pet Portfolio should be kept in a safe but accessible place with your other important papers. Copies should be distributed to all parties in your pet’s circle of care.

For more information about deciding which arrangement works best for your pet, please see our analysis of informal vs. formal arrangements .