Please could you advise?
I have two Japanese Chins and would like to know what options are available for making sure they’re looked after in the event of my death.
I do have family and friends who have said they would take them on, but I just wondered if there was anything I could do to guarantee they will be cared for. I would not wish for them to spend a long time in kennels after I’m gone.
Thank you for your help.
Linda Benson, Croydon
Dogs Trust advises...
Many people worry about what would happen if they were to die before their dog. Thankfully, Dogs Trust is on hand to ease this worry. The Canine Care Card scheme is a fantastic free service that gives you peace of mind, knowing that Dogs Trust will care for your dogs if you pass away before they do.
What would happen if your dog came to Dogs Trust
If you pass away and have registered as a Canine Care Card holder, we will arrange to bring your dog or dogs to our nearest Rehoming Centre. Once there, they will be examined by our vet and cared for by our dedicated, trained staff.
We will then try to find your dog or dogs new owners whose lifestyle and experience match their needs. Any new owners would be visited at their home and given a thorough briefing in caring for your dog.
How to join the Canine Care Card scheme
If you decide to become a Canine Care Cardholder, we will issue you with a handy wallet-sized card. It acts in a similar way to an organ donor card and notifies people of your wishes for your dogs, should anything happen to you.
We also strongly recommend that you mention the care of your dog in your Will. That way, there can be no confusion about your wishes. If this is something you wish to do, we suggest that you include the following phrase in your Will: "It is also my wish that Dogs Trust care for or rehome any dogs that I may own at the time of my death".
Find out more
If you would like further information about how Dogs Trust can arrange to take care of your dog in the event of your death, please contact our Supporter Relations team on 020 7837 0006 or download a registration form online via http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/_resources/resources/caninecarecardpdf.pdf
Mrs Jarvis, CEO of The Cinnamon Trust, says...
Cinnamon Trust specializes in caring for bereaved pets. Although The Trust offers may different services to elderly and terminally owners, anyone of any age can make arrangements with The Trust to care for their pet in the event of their death – all bereaved pets have had their lives shattered, no matter what the age of their owner. The Trust undertakes to care for bereaved pets for the rest of their lives. This can be in one of our two unique home-from-home sanctuaries or in a lifelong foster home where The Trust pays all vet bills, food bills if necessary and acts as a “safety net” to ensure all bereaved pets are happy, loved and properly cared for for life. Very great care is taken to ensure that each pet’s needs, likes, dislikes and previous lifestyle are taken into consideration – every pet is a unique individual!
