Make A Plan

First scenario: A PBGV owner lives alone with no near neighbors, and no regular support system. They experience a medical emergency and pass away. Days pass before anyone notices that the owner is not coming out of the house. First responders are called for a welfare check and find them and some of the animals dead.

Second scenario: A PBGV owner experiences a medical emergency at home and calls for help. When the first responders arrive, they find the owner unconscious and transport him/her to the hospital. Several animals are in the house, so an animal control officer is called. A neighbor is nearby but has no written authorization to enter the house or take care of the dogs so the animal control officer is unable to leave them with that person and takes them into care.

Third scenario: A PBGV owner is traveling to a show and gets into a serious car accident. The person is transported to the hospital for treatment. The dogs are in crates in the car and some are injured. The local animal control officers arrive to take the animals into care. Fortunately, each crate has a tag that lists the emergency contacts and who to call to get care for the dogs so the animal control officer is able to contact the right individuals and take the dogs to a local emergency practice to get care. The owner’s named agent is then able to direct the care of the injured dogs with the local veterinary practice.

Fourth scenario: A PBGV owner dies and leaves a will with instructions for who is to care for the dogs and how that care will be funded. Unfortunately, the delay between the person’s death and the reading of the will leads the animals to be absorbed into the local animal control system before the instructions are available. The dogs are placed in homes by animal control.

Fifth scenario: A PBGV owner experiences an illness which turns out to be serious and she passes away. She has left clear written instructions as to who is to care for her dogs in her absence and has also made a substantial amount of money available to that person to provide care for her dogs.

First, identify the person/people that you want to deal with your dogs if you are taken to the hospital, have a car accident, or die. In the absence of a family member who can take responsibility, consider a neighbor, dog club friend, pet sitter, or favorite technician at your veterinary practice to act as your agent. Talk to these people ahead of time, with realistic expectations, and be sure that they are able to undertake this responsibility for you. Consider a backup plan in case that person is not available when the need arises. If you are relying on family members, make sure that you have indicated your wishes to them clearly and that they have agreed to those wishes. This is a big decision, so choose a person to be your pet agent who will care for your pets in your absence as you would wish. (Don’t forget to give your agent a house key and your alarm code!)

This is all rather grim and depressing to think about, but being thoughtful about what happens in the event of a medical emergency or serious illness will keep your dogs safe and will be the best expression of kindness and appreciation that you can make for the people that are left picking up the pieces in the event of your death or a short or long term illness.

You’ll find some tips from the AKC on selecting a trusted emergency caregiver here >>

Now that the right people have been chosen, make sure that their contact information is easily found in your house (front hall, refrigerator door, dog crates) so that the first responders will find the contact information easily. Make sure the information is on the crates in your car, on the doors of the outdoor kennels, on a card in your wallet or purse and anywhere else you can think of. Consider updating the information with your microchip company so that your designated dog agents’ phone numbers are on the list to be called. Think about all the ways that the paramedics or police or animal control can find the contact information if you aren’t able to give it to them directly.

Here’s some links:

Dog info tubes >>
Custom tags for crates >>
And check out Afterhours 3D printing >> – they’re Fauve people!
Emergency cards on Amazon >>
Here’s a template if you want to print cards yourself: FILE >>
The “Vial of Life” website has cards, forms, and stickers for humans’ emergency info >>
Etsy has tons of emergency stickers >> 

Create a document for each of your pets that includes information about any medical issues, medications, behavioral traits, diet, schedule, etc. Be as detailed as you like but make sure to think about what information the first responders and your designated pet caregivers need to provide care in a timely way. This paperwork can be stored in your home (“vial of life” in or around the fridge, or on crates in the house), and also on any crates in the car. Update this information regularly, certainly before any trips. Also consider sharing and storing it digitally, perhaps as a Google doc so your pet caregiver can get access easily (what if there was a fire at your house?) Include pictures and microchip numbers so the dogs can be identified in case they don’t wear collars with tags all the time.

Here’s a fillable info sheet for your dog, in Word format. It should be flexible enough to fill out and modify if you need to change or add more information. FILE: Blank info sheet final easier fillable >>

If your dog is on several medications/supplements, consider filling out a separate sheet for that. FILE: Pet Supplement Chart >>

Think about your own support system. Who do you check in with regularly? Who knows your travel plans? Are you checking in each day with them while you’re away? If you live alone, how long before someone would notice that you weren’t out and about? What if you have friends nearby but don’t speak daily? Having more than one person to check in with every day, or every other day, can help avoid your dogs being left alone without food or water even if for a day or two, which could be critical to them.

Consider a medical alert app which will have your emergency contact information and alerts first responders to the fact that you have dogs and how many. Here’s an article with recommendations.

Keep your mobile phone updated with your emergency info – include info about your dogs, too:

iPhone: Open Health → tap your profile picture → Medical ID → Edit. Update your medical information and emergency contacts, then tap Done.
Apple instructions >>

Android: Open Settings → Safety & emergency → Emergency information. Update your medical information and emergency contacts, then make sure the information can be shown when the phone is locked. Menu wording may vary slightly by phone. Google instructions >>

Check-in apps offer a simple safety net for seniors and solo dwellers by requiring a quick daily tap to confirm safety, automatically alerting trusted contacts or dispatchers if missed. Top options include Snug Safety, CheckinBee, AssureOkay, and Iamfine, which provide smartphone check-ins or SMS prompts without needing emergency pendants. Some are free, some aren’t – make sure that you completely understand the cost (if any) and enrollment requirements if you choose to use a check-in app.

Many local police and sheriff departments have telephone check-in programs that are free to use. You sign up for a daily check-up, specify your emergency contacts, and choose a designated time of day for the call. A computer-generated call system calls you at the specified time. If you don’t answer at that time, or your call goes to voice mail more than once, your emergency contact is reached. If you didn’t designate an emergency contact, an officer is dispatched to check on you. This is where having your emergency plan for your dogs readily visible and posted where it can be seen is very important.

Some local community groups, churches, faith groups, and senior programs offer adults living alone – senior or not – a connection to others who will check on them and also conduct welfare checks.

Expand your community. If you have friends in the PBGV community, let them know of your situation, and ask them to check on you. Make them aware that you have a plan for your dogs, and that you have emergency contacts and who they are.

Your pet caregiver/agent needs access to money to fund the care of your pets. If you are alive and have a durable power of attorney, the person who holds it can access your bank accounts and credit cards. Make sure your pet caregiver knows who that is. When you die, that access is gone and the money will be tied for a period of time until your will goes through probate.

Also for emergencies, you can designate an authorized signer (convenience signer) at your bank. An authorized signer can use the funds while you live without owning them, but when a bank account owner dies, an authorized signer immediately loses all legal right to use, withdraw, or manage the funds in the account. An authorized signer has permission to conduct transactions for the owner while they are alive, but they do not own the money. Once the bank learns of the death, it generally freezes the account until an executor or legal representative is appointed by the court.

One option to cover that eventuality is to set up a POD (“payable on death”) on one of your bank accounts in the name of your pet caregiver so that they can get access to funds quicker after your death. (This could have tax implications for your pet caregiver, so be thoughtful about this and make sure the person knows about it.) A payable-on-death (POD) account lets bank or investment assets transfer automatically to named beneficiaries upon your death. This arrangement bypasses the slow probate court process, overrides conflicting instructions in a last will, and keeps full account control with you while you are alive. There are also drawbacks to POD accounts, so make sure to educate yourself to inform your decisions. Here’s a good FAQ article on POD accounts >>

Because banking policies and account options vary, the best way to determine how to provide a trusted person with access to your accounts in an emergency is to speak directly with your banker. Your banker can explain the available arrangements and help you choose the option that best protects you, your finances, and the needs of your PBGV(s). For longer term planning, seek legal advice on setting up pet trusts and establishing terms to take care of your pets financially in your will.

FILE: PET TRUSTS – GUIDE TO CREATING >>

Contact your local emergency medical services, fire department, and police department to learn what information they need in order to assist your pets if something happens to you. Ask whether they maintain emergency contact or pet-information records and find out how those details should be submitted and kept current. Providing the right information in advance—including the number and types of pets in your home, their locations, any special medical or handling needs, and the names of trusted caregivers—can help first responders act quickly and make sure your pets are not overlooked during an emergency.

You should also speak with your veterinarian about making plans for your pets in the event that you are unable to care for them. Ask what information they need to keep on file, including the names and contact information of anyone authorized to make medical decisions or assume responsibility for your pets. Be sure your veterinarian knows who may access your pets’ medical records, arrange treatment, or pick them up, and review this information regularly to keep it current. Many veterinary practices have fillable emergency authorization forms to fill out, either in person or online.

Here are a few examples, in case your vet doesn’t provide them.

FILES:
Veterinary Treatment Authorization Fillable >>
Temporary Veterinary Treatment Authorization >>
Pet Caretaker Authorization Fillable >>

Now that you’ve designated your agents for care of your dogs, provide them with a letter of authorization so that animal control and the police know that your agent or agents are allowed to remove your dogs from your home.

The letter should include:

Owner & Agent Info: Your name, phone number, and the full name and phone number of your designated proxy.
Dog’s Details: Name, breed, age, sex, color, and microchip number.
Medical Profile: Known allergies, current medications, and vaccine history.
Financial Limits: Maximum dollar amount you authorize the clinic to charge on your saved card or payment arrangement.
Treatment Boundaries: Clear instructions on whether life-saving measures (like CPR or surgery) or humane euthanasia are permitted if you remain unreachable.
And also consider: Keep copies handy – Leave a physical copy with your emergency caregiver, keep one in your pet emergency kit, and file a digital copy directly with your regular veterinary clinic. And as discussed, ensure that your designated agent has a secure way to pay.
Here’s a sample, in Word format, that you can fill out yourself. FILE: Letter of Authorization Fillable >>
And another, longer version, in Word format. FILE: Emergency Caretaker Auth >>

We hope the information and resources provided on this page will help you make thoughtful plans for the immediate care of your PBGV(s) should you become seriously ill, incapacitated, or pass away.
Sometimes, despite the best planning, an owner may no longer be able to care for their PBGV and may have no family member or friend who can take responsibility for the dog. If you ever find yourself in this situation, please contact the PBGVCA Rescue Committee rather than surrendering your PBGV to a shelter.
The Rescue Committee will respond promptly, compassionately, and confidentially to help find a safe and suitable new home for your dog, regardless of age. PBGV Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of purebred PBGVs whose circumstances make this assistance necessary.
Your privacy will be respected throughout the process. Information shared with the Rescue Committee is treated as confidential and, under normal circumstances, will not be disclosed outside the Committee.

If this situation arises, rescue will need the following information:

• Owner’s name and information
• Contact information for whomever is currently taking care of the dogs
• How many dogs, ages, and sex
• Where are they located and who has them?
• Are the dogs healthy? Do they have any health issues or behavioral problems?
• Does the person who has the dogs have permission to find a home or contact rescue for help?
• Does the person contacting rescue have paperwork or legal documentation saying rescue can help re-home them?
• Did the owner provide or stipulate any monetary amount for the care and feeding of the dogs? Is the caretaker authorized to use those funds and distribute them to whoever adopts the dogs?
• Did the owner ask that the breeder take them back?
• Was the breeder contacted, and if so, did they relinquish right to take them back?
• If rescue is designated as being who should re-home the dogs, who can and will provide vet records for the dogs?
• Is the person reaching out to rescue able to keep the dogs while rescue searches for a home?
• Rescue will need information as to the health and temperament of the dog(s) as well as vet records for the dog(s).
• If a home is found that is outside the area of where the dogs reside, is the person caring for the dogs willing to help transport them?

The aforementioned would be true even if the person is not a club member and reaches out to rescue for help placing the dogs.

Rescue can be reached as follows:
Chairs are Sandy Bustin (East) 813-956-8328, sbustin1@verizon.net and Susannah Cooper (West) 858-354-9801 susannahpbgvca@gmail.com

Filling out the information sheets provided on the Make a Plan web pages will help facilitate Rescue’s ability to help you.

1. Have a person or service that checks in with you each day.
   If you die in your home and nobody notices, your PBGV could be without food, water, and meds for days.
2. Display emergency contact information where it will be seen by first responders.
   Otherwise, when first responders enter your home, they will call animal control. Your PBGV will be taken to the shelter.
3. Designate an agent (friend or family member) who will care for your PBGV in the event of an emergency. Your agent should have a letter of authorization allowing them to take possession.
   Shelters will not release your PBGV to your agent or PBGVCA Rescue without authorization.
4. Have an information sheet that gives your PBGV’s medical issues, medications, name of veterinarian, diet, behavior traits, etc. These should be in your home, in your car, attached to crates, and sent to your agent.
   Without this information, the shelter, agent, foster family, or new owner will not know how to properly care for your PBGV.
5. Set up a durable power of attorney so that, if you are incapacitated, a trusted family member or friend will have access to the funds necessary for your PBGV’s care. This person may, or may not, be the agent who is taking care of your PBGV.
   Depending upon the circumstances, your PBGV may need food, medical supplies, or veterinary care. Your agent may need financial help until you have recovered.
6. Set up a ‘payable on death’ account in the name of your agent so that they can access funds with a death certificate.
   These funds may be necessary to support your PBGV’s care until s/he is rehomed.
7. Arrange for a chosen caregiver to adopt your PBGV in the event of your death. Clear your choice with your PBGV’s breeder. Write a letter of instruction to your executor informing him/her of who will adopt your PBGV. Share that information with PBGVCA Rescue.
   Making a plan is the kindest gift you can give to your PBGV.

PBGVCA Rescue exists to facilitate the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement in a forever home of purebred PBGVs whose circumstances make such actions necessary. https://pbgv.org/pbgv-rescue/
The Health and Rescue Foundation of PBGVCA funds the PBGVCA Rescue Committee’s expenses when they rescue PBGVs that are neglected, endangered, or orphaned. https://pbgvfoundation.org/

The passing of several PBGVCA members in recent years showed us all how important it is to have a plan for what happens to our beloved PBGVs in an emergency. The leadership of PBGVCA called for volunteers to join the “Make a Plan” committee to create a guideline for our membership to use. The committee (Shelley Barclay—chairman, Laura Liscum, Sandy Bustin, Kristina Krieck, Billye Tezel, and Mary Fluke) met over the summer and hashed out the key points to think about as well as the means by which this information would be disseminated to the membership. Thanks to The Health and Rescue Foundation of PBGVCA and the PBGVCA Board of Directors for funding the creation of this web page to make this information available to members and other dog owners. We hope that everyone who looks at our page will find good ideas for making their own plan for the care and well being of their dogs. Feedback is welcome, as are any new tips that we can pass along. Contact us at makeaplan@pbgv.org.

With gratitude, we offer this information in memory of our dear friends Bob Cohen, Jane Swanson, and Jo Quintenz.