All pet owners should complete a Power of Attorney for pet care to make sure that their pets are taken care of in their absence or incapacity. This document provides protection for their pets and upholds your choices, such as who to use as the pet’s vet, who can make decisions for your pet when you can’t, and how much money your agent can spend to care for your pet without your authorization.
A limited Power of Attorney for pet care establishes a time limit for when the agent’s authority is in effect. A durable Power of Attorney for pet care becomes effective on the date is signed and has no time limits. The durable Power of Attorney for pet care remains in effect unless and until you revoke it.
It’s up to you which animals your Power of Attorney for pet care covers. Remember that any pets you don’t list won’t be able to be cared for in your absence if they are not covered under the POA.
With Gentreo, you can add multiple vets and specify which of your animals are treated by which vet.
The start date should be the first day that you need your agent to take care of your pets. The end date should be 48 hours after your planned return to allow for any unforeseen travel delays. Of course, these are general guidelines, and you should use the dates you feel most comfortable authorizing your agent to care for your pets.
Most agents are not privy to the pet owner’s financial information. Without financial limits, your agent could agree to a $5,000 surgery and you might not have the budget to afford that bill. Regardless, you would be responsible for that bill, not your agent. Accordingly, it is important to set financial limitations if you have budgetary considerations.
Use this section to note anything particular for your pets like allergies, medications or specific actions you would want your Power of Attorney to take or not take.
Your agent is the person you appoint to uphold your wishes in regards to your pet. The caretaker is the person/institution who will provide the daily care of your pets. Your agent can be the same as the caretaker but may only be the decision-maker with regard to your pet’s care and not the one actually taking care of them.
You should choose the person that you trust the most who will be able to take care of your pets in your absence or incapacity. Important considerations are the proposed agent’s relationship with your pet, your agent’s availability to care for your pet, and the agent’s willingness to honor your wishes for your pet’s care.
No, it is optional; but it’s highly suggested. Naming an alternate agent allows you to have a backup if your first choice is no longer able to serve.
If you no longer have the ability to care for your pet(s), you have the choice to name who will be permanently responsible for the care and financial costs that come along with said care.