Leaving Your Pet with the Pet Sitter

We all love our pets. However, sometimes we need a break-even from them:) Whether it is a pet sitter or a boarding kennel you can avoid unnecessary heartache if you leave very clear emergency instructions for them.

Make a list of emergency numbers that can be left by the phone, placed in a chart, and a pocket sized reference card. This way the facility or sitter can grab and make necessary calls from the road or clinic. Information such as your preferred veterinary clinic, nearest 24 hour emergency clinic, your/alternate cell phones, and hotel numbers.

So now the sitter can call you, but what if you are lazing away in the ocean taking a surf lessen? Or in the woods on a hike with no cell phone signal? The next best thing is your wishes in writing. Now this does not mean plan for every possible emergency that could happen. This means a general overview of your wishes. Put a budget in your letter. Perhaps you are willing to authorize a budget of $400; put it in writing. No one ever wants to have to end their pets life, but consider adding a clause such as if bill will exceed X, all attempts to reach me have failed, and my pet is suffering please euthanize. Example:

I will be staying at X. I will be reachable at X, Y, Z. I authorize any medical services deemed necessary to be performed in an emergency situation. I want all measures used to extend my pet's life. Please take my pet to X clinic if they are open. Please take my pet to X emergency clinic if not.

or

I authorize up to $500 to be spent on medical services necessary in an emergency situation. I wish only the bare basics be performed to stabilize my pet. My pet is Do Not Resuscitate. If the bill will exceed this amount and my pet is suffering, please euthanize.

Don't forget to sign the paper. It can be considered a legal document. In case no attempts to find you work and you would authorize a high amount, consider leaving your credit card number temporarily on file with them. This type of financial payment arrangement frees up the clinic to perform necessary services in the security of knowing they will be compensated, and you the peace of mind to know your pet will receive care.

Little details like this can really give you peace of mind. Knowing that your wishes will be honored can take a large burden off of you when you can't be there.

chris