Who Will Care for Your Pet If You Can’t? The Importance of a Pet Emergency Plan.
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Sherbert follows both Oren and me from room to room. He waits outside the bathroom door. He knows the sound of our car pulling into the driveway before anyone else. He has his own spot on the bed (usually on top of my husband, Oren, who is allergic to cats) and his own routine that demands our attention throughout the day.
That is the thing about animals. They change our lives. (Sherbert changes ours every single day.) And most of us do not spend much time thinking about what would happen if we suddenly could not get home to them. Not because we do not care, but because the thought is too upsetting to think about.
But emergencies happen every day. A hospital stay can turn into days away from home. A fall, a car accident, an unexpected surgery, or even a caregiving crisis can suddenly leave someone unable to get back to their pet. And pets like Sherbert are still at home, needing care. Sherbert would not understand where we were or why we were suddenly gone; he would only know something had changed. And that is exactly why we put together a plan before something happens.
Why a pet emergency plan matters more than people realize.
Many people assume a family member will “figure it out” if something happens to us. Sometimes they do. Sometimes they cannot. My family members don't know where Sherbert’s food is kept, what medications he takes, which veterinarian we use, or whether Sherbert gets anxious around strangers, loud noises, or other animals. In a crisis, small details matter quickly, and a simple written plan can prevent confusion, missed medications, or a pet being left alone longer than expected.
Putting together this plan is not only for older adults or people with serious health conditions. Anyone with a pet should have a basic emergency plan in place. Because if something happened tomorrow, your pet would still need to be fed. He* would still need comfort, routine, medication if he takes any, and someone who knows how to care for him the way you do.
Choose someone who can step in quickly.
Start with one practical question: Who could realistically get to your pet within a few hours if needed? That person should be comfortable around your pet, have access to your home, know how to contact you or your family, and be willing to help on short notice.
It also helps if your pet already knows them. A familiar person can make the situation easier on your pet. If Sherbert suddenly could not find us, being cared for by someone he already knows would help reduce stress.
It is important to ask your substitute pet caregiver directly rather than assume they will step in automatically. People may love you and still not be able to take on temporary or long-term pet care. Someone may adore Sherbert (okay, everyone adores Sherbert) and still not be able to handle his daily walks (yes, he goes on walks), medications, behavioral needs, or financial responsibility. Have the conversation now while everyone is calm and healthy.
Write down your pet’s routine.
Your pet’s care may feel obvious to you because you do it every day. To someone else, it may not be obvious at all. You already know your pet's habits automatically. What time he eats. Where he sleeps. What stresses him out. What helps calm him down. Create a simple document that includes:
Feeding schedule and food amounts
Medications and dosages
Veterinarian contact information
Emergency veterinary clinic
Behavior concerns or triggers
Daily routines
Allergies or medical conditions
Favorite toys, treats, or calming habits
Leash, harness, crate, or carrier instructions
This does not need to be formal. Even one page can make a huge difference during an emergency. Simple details matter. If your pet has feeding quirks, gets nervous around strangers, or needs medication at certain times, another person needs to know that.
Make access easy.
A good plan only works if someone can get inside and care for your pet. If your pet were suddenly alone for a day or two, would anyone know how to reach him? Would they know where his leash is, where he sleeps, or how to calm him if he was frightened?
Think through the practical details before there is an emergency. Who has a spare key? Does anyone know your alarm code? If you live in an apartment or condo building, can someone actually get inside? Make sure your pet’s food, medication, leash, carrier, and other supplies are easy to find and clearly labeled.
Some people also keep a small emergency pet information card in their wallet or purse. It can include the name of the person to call, your pet’s name, your veterinarian’s phone number, and a simple note that there are pets at home who may need care.
Others place emergency information on the refrigerator, where first responders or family members can quickly see it. Simple systems are best. During an emergency, people are making decisions quickly. Clear instructions make it easier for someone to step in and care for your pet immediately.
Think beyond temporary emergencies.
It is also worth considering a harder question: What would happen to your pet if you could no longer care for them long term? This conversation can feel emotional because pets are family. For many people, the idea of someone else caring for their pet is difficult to think about. But avoiding the conversation does not protect them.
Some people choose a family member willing to adopt their pet or a trusted friend who already has a relationship with the animal. Others create a written pet trust or include pet care instructions in their estate plan. Some also set aside funds to help cover future veterinary care, food, medications, and other expenses. If your pet has medical needs, behavioral challenges, anxiety, or simply depends heavily on routine and familiarity, planning becomes even more important. The goal is simple: make sure your pet is cared for if something unexpected happens.
Planning is an act of care.
Nobody likes imagining worst-case scenarios. But planning for your pet is not pessimistic; it is responsible. Pets depend on us completely. Sherbert depends completely on Oren and me. Having a plan in place means someone could step in and care for him immediately if we cannot. We hope the plan is never needed, but having one can make a difficult situation easier for both your pet and the people trying to help.
*Please note: I use the pronouns “he/his” throughout this essay when referring to pets for simplicity and readability. This is not intended to exclude or offend anyone or any beloved pet.
Links/Resources
Pet Peace of Mind - https://www.petpeaceofmind.org
Comforting Closure - https://www.comfortingclosure.com
My Pet Placement Plan - https://www.petpeaceofmind.org/pet-placement-plan
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