These two cats were given to Peggy Adams as part of the program when their owner passed. After a short stint, they were adopted as a pair to a loving home. Photo provided
As I write this column, I am surrounded by my five pets. They feel safe and loved by me. But I find myself asking the question that impacts many pet parents: What will happen to my pets should I need long-term hospitalization or worse, die?
It was a question Jackie Sims, of Delray Beach, asked herself more than a decade ago. Back in 2015, she shared her home with two cats named Lexi and Kumi.
“I was about to rewrite my will to include them because I found myself wondering, what would happen to them if they would out-survive me?” Sims said.
She reached out to Peggy Adams Rescue League officials to inquire about whether they had a program that would guarantee care for her cats.
“Jackie Sims is the reason we have our Peace of Mind program here at Peggy Adams,” said Kim Hanson, senior philanthropy officer. “She found a program in Denver but could not find one in our area. She is the one who got us started.”
The Peace of Mind program at Peggy Adams officially began Sept. 1, 2015, after shelter officials traveled to Denver to learn more about the program there.
“Today, more major shelters are able to offer such programs,” said Hanson. “Some may call them Forever Friends; some refer to guardianships. We call ours Peace of Mind. It is created so that people know their cats or dogs are cared for the second that something happens to them. The animals receive a full medical evaluation upon their arrival here and then go into our adoption program to find a loving family.”
Today, Sims’ cat is Willow, who is 13 and “living her best life.” Willow is enrolled in the program. “Peggy Adams offers me that peace of mind,” said Sims. “I am confident that Willow would be well taken care of at Peggy Adams should something happen to me.”
Hanson explains that Peggy Adams’ program asks for a donation of $25,000 to enroll up to three pets in Peace of Mind. Arrangements can be made to have that amount earmarked in the decedent’s estate, through a will, living trust, life insurance policy, a retirement account or bank account to be paid upon the death of the pet parent. It does not have to be contributed at the time of enrollment.
“In cases of an accident or emergency to the pet owner, first responders very often take surviving pets to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control,” explains Hanson. “It is very important for pet owners to list Peggy Adams as an emergency contact on their pet’s microchip and to alert their personal representatives to be sure the pet is brought to us should an emergency or accident occur.”
Informal arrangements, such as relatives or friends agreeing verbally to care for pets of people who die, are not legally enforceable. And, sadly, sometimes these people change their minds, and the pets are surrendered to animal control or kill shelters.
Recently, Terri King, a certified public accountant, saw the Peace of Mind program at work. She represented a woman who died in June and had enrolled her two beloved 10-year-old cats. King was immediately notified and was able to take the black-and-white pair to welcoming, comfortable space at Peggy Adams.
“They were at Peggy Adams for only two weeks before they got adopted together,” said King. “The Peggy Adams staff honored my client’s wishes for these cats. People with pets should always have a plan in place if something happens to them.”
Parting message: National shelter statistics show that more than 500,000 pets are surrendered to shelters because their owners died and had not made plans for the pets’ continued care. Unfortunately, many healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized due to space constraints and the inability to find new homes. Please plan for the care of your pets now for your peace of mind.
Arden Moore is an author, pet podcast show host and master certified pet first aid instructor. Check out her sites at ardenmoore.com.
Learn more about legally protecting pets
Each August is designated as Make A Will Month. This is an annual reminder to ensure your estate planning documents are current and accessible for your loved ones to honor your wishes. For more details about Peggy Adams’ Peace of Mind program, visit peggyadams.org/help/donate/planned-giving/pets-future/#program-pom.
In Palm Beach County, these law firms have offered pet trusts for many years:
• Kitroser Lewis & Mighdoll in West Palm Beach. Learn more about its pet trust offerings at kitroserlaw.com/pet-trust/.
• Felinton Law in Delray Beach. Learn more about what it offers at felintonlaw.com/pet-trusts/.
On the national front, 2nd Chance 4 Pets is an all-volunteer, nonprofit animal welfare organization committed to reducing pet euthanasia due to the death or disability of the pets’ human companions. It offers a free online will-writing tool on its website and guidance on setting up a plan for the care of your pets should they outlive you. Learn more by visiting 2ndchance4pets.org.
***
Emergency tips
Carry a pet alert card in your wallet that alerts first responders of the pets you have at home and info on a trusted person they can contact to care for your pets if you are injured or killed. Many animal welfare groups provide these pet alert wallet cards online that you can print for free.
Post decals on your door or window that alert firefighters and police of the type and number of pets inside your home. The ASPCA offers free decals upon request. Visit secure.aspca.org/take-action/pet-safety-pack.
Many municipalities in Palm Beach County enable residents to download household information (including pets) in a secure portal called Community Connect that can be quickly accessed by first responders during an emergency, such as a house fire. Visit your own city or town’s website for details on how to register.
Comments