Short-term arrangements for care of a companion animal are necessary to cover the period between the death of the caretaker and the issuance of letters testamentary or letters of administration. These letters give the Executor or Administrator authority to act, but depending on the jurisdiction, it may take from two weeks to two months to obtain them. Short-term arrangements are also necessary if the caretaker is hospitalized for a period of time.

A caretaker should try to find a friend or relative who is willing to care for his/her companion animal during these periods. The caretaker should leave word, preferably in writing at home and with a neighbor, or with the building management and/or superintendent for the friend or relative to be notified. The caretaker should arrange for access to his/her home to permit the care and feeding of the companion animal during such short-term periods. If an apartment is involved, the caretaker should consider leaving a key with the superintendent or a neighbor. If there is a relative or friend in the area, the caretaker should consider providing that individual with a key and with written permission to the building management to enter the apartment in the event of the death or hospitalization of the caretaker.

There may be an animal shelter or charitable organization with which arrangements can be made to care for a companion animal in the event of the death or hospitalization of the caretaker. Should the caretaker make such arrangements, shelter personnel would need written instructions addressed to the superintendent or building management and the key to permit them access. Similarly, the caretaker should leave written instructions in his/her home and with a relative or friend to notify the shelter (if a shelter is chosen) or the individual who has agreed to take care of the companion animal during this period.

Once the caretaker has decided upon such arrangements for the short-term care and feeding of the companion animal in the event of hospitalization or death, the caretaker should carry a copy of the instructions as part of his/her identification papers in the event of sudden hospitalization or death due to an accident or illness. An example of the type of instructions to carry appears later.

Finally, in the event of death, and to cover the interim period while letters testamentary are being obtained, the Executor named in your Will should also be given copies of all applicable instructions.

* * * * *

In conclusion, the best way to assure proper care for a companion animal under the circumstances described is to make both testamentary and short-term arrangements for the companion animal now and to have a Will drafted by a qualified attorney. Making such arrangements may entail a significant amount of effort on the part of the caretaker, but is important so that the caretaker's animal is cared for in the event of the caretaker's hospitalization, incapacity or death.

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Susan Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com

Animal Rights Online

P O Box 7053

Tampa, Fl 33673-7053

<A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/1395/">-=Animal Rights Online=-</A>

& Advisory Board Member, Animal Rights Network Inc.,

WebEdition</A>

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