Arranging Emergency Care for Pets and Other Animals

When someone passes away, most of the focus is on family, funeral planning, and urgent paperwork. But one responsibility that can be overlooked is the care of pets, farm animals, or other living beings who depended on the deceased. Unlike paperwork, animals cannot wait. They need food, water, and shelter right away. Making quick arrangements for their care is just as important as handling other immediate matters.

Why it matters immediately:

Pets and animals require daily attention. A dog needs to be walked, a cat fed, or livestock cared for within hours. In some cases, no one even realizes animals are still on the property. Neglecting this step can cause unnecessary suffering for the animals and create added stress for the family. Addressing their needs quickly provides peace of mind and prevents emergencies from becoming worse.

First Steps to Take

If the deceased lived with pets or livestock, check on the animals as soon as possible.

• Secure the home or property so they are safe and cannot wander off.
• Provide food, water, and shelter right away.
• Walk through the house, yard, garage, or outbuildings to make sure no animals are missed.
• Contact a veterinarian if any appear sick or had ongoing medical needs.
• Look for written instructions, veterinary contacts, or provisions in the will about their care.

If you cannot safely reach the animals or they appear to be in distress, call a veterinarian, local shelter, or animal control for help.

Short-Term Care Options

Once immediate needs are handled, find someone who can provide short-term care.

• Ask family, friends, or neighbors if they can foster pets for a few days or weeks.
• For livestock, check with farm workers, neighbors, or agricultural contacts who can help manage daily chores.
• Boarding facilities, pet sitters, or shelters may be able to provide temporary support.
• Many animal rescues have emergency foster programs for situations like this.

Planning for the Long Term

After the animals are safe, turn to longer-term arrangements.

• Relocate pets to a family member’s home if possible.
• Coordinate with shelters or rescues if no one can adopt.
• For livestock, make arrangements with farm caretakers until the estate is settled.
• Review the will or estate plan to see if funds or instructions were left for animal care.
• If no plan exists, the animals may become part of the estate property and need to be adopted, rehomed, or placed with a rescue.

Why It Helps to Have a Plan

Taking responsibility for pets and animals ensures they do not suffer and gives families time to make thoughtful long-term choices. It also prevents conflict, misunderstandings, and crises such as abandoned animals or neglected farm operations. Caring for these living dependents is not only practical, it honors the bond the deceased had with them.