Page 27 - Chow LIfe - Spring 2021

be updated regularly, updates to the contacts should • pet owner's name, address, phone
be included.
• name(s) of persons to receive and/or take
• The responsible individuals should have: 1) keys custody of animals
to the home and kennel where the dogs are housed,
2) your veterinarian’s contact information, and • listing of pet or pets, name, breed, age, sex, color,
information provided by you regarding permanent microchip #, and/or other identifying feature
care of the animals. • authority: statement of what the custodian
• Make sure neighbors, friends, and relatives know is authorized to do (example: to remove the
the names and contact numbers of the individuals pets from the property or location as needed
who have agreed to be emergency custodians. and to do all that is necessary or desirable for
Emergency custodians should also know how to maintaining the health and well-being of my
contact each other. animals. )
• Outside the home and any kennel building (as • timing - when the DPOA goes in to effect and
feasible) post “In Case of Emergency”-type signs when it may be rescinded: (example: at such
on doors or windows with the number and type time as pet owner may direct, at such time as pet
of animals inside. These signs will alert emergency owner is incapacitated, hospitalized, otherwise
responders during a fire or other emergency. Pet unable to care for pets, or upon death and
Alert window decals may be purchased through may cease at such time as pet owner is able to
AKC Reunite https://apps.akcreunite.org/cares-pub/ resume care and custody of pets, or such time
clingoffer/orderCling.car as permanent provisions are put into effect
as outlined in the owner’s will and/or trust
• Inside the home and any kennel building post a document.
listing of the emergency contacts. Inside the home
attach a pet emergency packet to the refrigerator, • additional details, (as required by state or as
or other prominent location. A copy of a Pet appropriate, such as language to): 1) authorize
Care Durable Power of Attorney and/or Pet Trust the custodian(s) to approve any and all medical
document (if in place) should be included. Sample treatment deemed necessary by a duly licensed
packet at http://www.2ndchance4pets.org/2nd%20 veterinarian and to execute any consent, release
Chance%204%20Pets%20Nov%202008%20 or waiver of liability required by authorities
Newsletter.pdf incident to this release and to the provision of
medical, surgical or other essential care to my
A NOTE FOR BREEDERS: Many contracts require dog(s) by qualified veterinary medical personnel
the dog to be returned to the breeder if the owner is and 2) to outline financial arrangements, such
no longer able to take care of it. Consider providing as a access to a previously arranged credit with
puppy buyers with a partially filled in wallet card, veterinarian, a statement as to reimbursement
designating the breeder as one of the emergency for custodians expenses, or access to a prepaid
contacts. Provide buyers with other information on credit card for the purpose of pet care, etc.
Pet Emergency Packets, Durable Power of Attorney
and/or Pet Trusts. Note: 1) Once signed and properly witnessed and/
or notarized, the following should have copies of the
STEP TWO – Creating documentation DPOA: the named custodians, your veterinarian,
As noted in step one, a Durable Power of Attorney members of the owner’s household or immediate
family. Keep one copy readily accessible at home
(DPOA) is a good document to provide for or kennel, in an emergency packet. 2) The DPOA
temporary care. Again, a presentation by a local does NOT authorize the custodian to sign AKC
attorney, or even additional discussion may help documents on behalf of the dog owner. See AKC
club members become comfortable in planning for Incapacitation Authorization Notice http://
their dogs and become more open to understanding images.akc.org/pdf/ASCU02.pdf (attached). 3)
how the club members can assist. An individual who routinely fosters dogs for an
Below is basic information which would be included organization should coordinate any DPOA with the
in Pet Care Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). organization. 4) An individual who boards dogs
The DPOA is only applicable while the owner is for a fee should consult legal counsel for DPOA
alive, but unable to care for animals. NOTE: As requirements.
state laws differ, this most probably needs the STEP THREE - Formalized documentation
assistance of an attorney in your state. There are a
few online legal sites which offer services either as The more formalized and best way to make sure
online fill-in, or which offer more personal services dogs are cared for permanently should the owner
online. The actual form may have different names become seriously ill is to make formal arrangements
or terms depending on the state, but for temporary ahead of time for a pet trust or in case of death,
care and custody, an agreement would cover the make provisions in a will. It is important to seek
following items to include, but (depending on state), advice from an attorney or professional who
not be limited to: can help ensure that everything is in order
to protect the dogs’ future. Such documents
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