Animal Welfare Professionals

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

As part of our adoption contract, we have a clause that says, over the lifetime of the animal, if the adopter is unable to care or keep the animal and cannot find a safe rehome, we will take back our animal.

Our staff sees this program as a huge comfort as knowing that one of our animals is less likely to end up dumped or badly rehomed is a great trade-off for the relatively minor intake bump we see from this.  We generally only have a handful of pets that come back a year, if that.

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

As part of our contract, we do require all animals be returned to us if the adopter is unable to care for keep the animal.  Because we are a small shelter, we do ask for advance notice to find space or a foster.  We may even ask the adopter to keep the animal and be part of rehoming.

We also have furever fosters - that care for those animals that we have not been able to place and the foster is willing to keep.  We cover food, medicines, vaccinations and care while the foster promises to keep them.  We have a couple of cats in furever foster at a retirement center and one at our jail (Cuff's and Collars program) and a semi-feral dog that is great with other dogs and lives in a great home with other dogs but wants nothing to do with people (we've had hi 5 years).  

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

Thanks Sean! I hadn't thought about forever fosters, what a great program! Do you also work with pet parents (who haven't adopted from you) to make a plan in case something happens? That's our main goal - making sure pets don't end up at shelters because their person passed away or became incapacitated. It's something most parents  don't think about, which is something we're trying to change. 

As part of our contract, we do require all animals be returned to us if the adopter is unable to care for keep the animal.  Because we are a small shelter, we do ask for advance notice to find space or a foster.  We may even ask the adopter to keep the animal and be part of rehoming.

We also have furever fosters - that care for those animals that we have not been able to place and the foster is willing to keep.  We cover food, medicines, vaccinations and care while the foster promises to keep them.  We have a couple of cats in furever foster at a retirement center and one at our jail (Cuff's and Collars program) and a semi-feral dog that is great with other dogs and lives in a great home with other dogs but wants nothing to do with people (we've had hi 5 years).  

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

Hi Leah!

We do - if we know something is going on.  We have a great network of foster families and they always seem to setup for these emergencies!  We also allow our followers to post personal rehoming needs on our facebook pages.  We have info to assist and a dedicated volunteer that helps share additional info on rehomes (vet checks, etc.).  Our website has a Resources tab and we address rehoming there as well.   https://www.hsforbc.org/rehoming-a-pet.html

Thanks Sean! I hadn't thought about forever fosters, what a great program! Do you also work with pet parents (who haven't adopted from you) to make a plan in case something happens? That's our main goal - making sure pets don't end up at shelters because their person passed away or became incapacitated. It's something most parents  don't think about, which is something we're trying to change. 

As part of our contract, we do require all animals be returned to us if the adopter is unable to care for keep the animal.  Because we are a small shelter, we do ask for advance notice to find space or a foster.  We may even ask the adopter to keep the animal and be part of rehoming.

We also have furever fosters - that care for those animals that we have not been able to place and the foster is willing to keep.  We cover food, medicines, vaccinations and care while the foster promises to keep them.  We have a couple of cats in furever foster at a retirement center and one at our jail (Cuff's and Collars program) and a semi-feral dog that is great with other dogs and lives in a great home with other dogs but wants nothing to do with people (we've had hi 5 years).  

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

Hi Leah,

We have a unique situation I am the director of Mended Paws Sanctuary (my full-time job that pays the bills is Family Nurse Practitioner).  We do have a forever program.  For example, a patient recently lost his dog of 13 years, he came in and scheduled an appointment to let me know that (Bullet) had passed away.  We talked, and I told him to let me know when he felt like adding a new family member (he has no living family), he said he didn't know about getting another dog because if something happened to him, the dog would be alone.   I assured him we would not let that happen, and he left, five days later, he texted me to say his house was lonely, and he really needed a four-legged friend or his depression was going to get him...so we set him up with a unique 16-week old fur baby and a note to place by his door, if something happens to him,  someone is to call us. 

We have the same arrangement with several elderly people in our community.  We have a note by their doors that say in case of an emergency to call us, and we will be responsible for the pet (we list the pets' names).   This gives the person a sense of comfort, and we know the pet will be taken care of. 

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

YES!! Giving that sense of comfort is such a blessing to pet parents. I love that you helped that single pet parent and fur baby find companionship and comfort!

My day job is a bit on the dangerous side (my husband and I own and operate a mobile sawmill and tree service), and we have no family in the area. After a scary but harmless car accident, I realized that all our fur kids would go to animal control  if something happened to us. After researching I found no organizations where this is their prime focus and that was affordable. Creating AnimalCity was the only way I could protect my guys, and I knew there were others in the same situation.  Our primary focus is helping pet parents protect their pets in case the worst should happen. But one of our future programs is focused on helping seniors keep their pets for longer. With in home help, vet transport, walks etc, this program is so important to me because everyone deserves the love and companionship of a pet. 

Thank you so much for ensuring your community is protected in this way!

Hi Leah,

We have a unique situation I am the director of Mended Paws Sanctuary (my full-time job that pays the bills is Family Nurse Practitioner).  We do have a forever program.  For example, a patient recently lost his dog of 13 years, he came in and scheduled an appointment to let me know that (Bullet) had passed away.  We talked, and I told him to let me know when he felt like adding a new family member (he has no living family), he said he didn't know about getting another dog because if something happened to him, the dog would be alone.   I assured him we would not let that happen, and he left, five days later, he texted me to say his house was lonely, and he really needed a four-legged friend or his depression was going to get him...so we set him up with a unique 16-week old fur baby and a note to place by his door, if something happens to him,  someone is to call us. 

We have the same arrangement with several elderly people in our community.  We have a note by their doors that say in case of an emergency to call us, and we will be responsible for the pet (we list the pets' names).   This gives the person a sense of comfort, and we know the pet will be taken care of. 

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

We also work with out local law enforcement.  If someone is arrested and there is no one to step in  with their animals we will step in (as space allows).  It is not unusual to be called after midnight - if for a vehicle swing towed, someone arrested and the poor animal waiting on a ride. 

Generally  we do not charge for the service. The poor animal isn't at fault.  

Our  list of guest has included cats, dogs, and a rabbi it.

we do this because the county has no animal control and our  city animal shelters are kill shelters.  The other rescue group will not take an animal unless it is surrendered to them.  Now if the person is going to incarcerated for any length of time-  I will go to the jail and meet with them,, in hopes of finding a resource for the pet.  
There are many ways animals ended up abandoned we try to fill the gaps and of at all possible keep the fmaily together . 
Connie

YES!! Giving that sense of comfort is such a blessing to pet parents. I love that you helped that single pet parent and fur baby find companionship and comfort!

My day job is a bit on the dangerous side (my husband and I own and operate a mobile sawmill and tree service), and we have no family in the area. After a scary but harmless car accident, I realized that all our fur kids would go to animal control  if something happened to us. After researching I found no organizations where this is their prime focus and that was affordable. Creating AnimalCity was the only way I could protect my guys, and I knew there were others in the same situation.  Our primary focus is helping pet parents protect their pets in case the worst should happen. But one of our future programs is focused on helping seniors keep their pets for longer. With in home help, vet transport, walks etc, this program is so important to me because everyone deserves the love and companionship of a pet. 

Thank you so much for ensuring your community is protected in this way!

Hi Leah,

We have a unique situation I am the director of Mended Paws Sanctuary (my full-time job that pays the bills is Family Nurse Practitioner).  We do have a forever program.  For example, a patient recently lost his dog of 13 years, he came in and scheduled an appointment to let me know that (Bullet) had passed away.  We talked, and I told him to let me know when he felt like adding a new family member (he has no living family), he said he didn't know about getting another dog because if something happened to him, the dog would be alone.   I assured him we would not let that happen, and he left, five days later, he texted me to say his house was lonely, and he really needed a four-legged friend or his depression was going to get him...so we set him up with a unique 16-week old fur baby and a note to place by his door, if something happens to him,  someone is to call us. 

We have the same arrangement with several elderly people in our community.  We have a note by their doors that say in case of an emergency to call us, and we will be responsible for the pet (we list the pets' names).   This gives the person a sense of comfort, and we know the pet will be taken care of. 

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

YES!! Giving that sense of comfort is such a blessing to pet parents. I love that you helped that single pet parent and fur baby find companionship and comfort!

My day job is a bit on the dangerous side (my husband and I own and operate a mobile sawmill and tree service), and we have no family in the area. After a scary but harmless car accident, I realized that all our fur kids would go to animal control  if something happened to us. After researching I found no organizations where this is their prime focus and that was affordable. Creating AnimalCity was the only way I could protect my guys, and I knew there were others in the same situation.  Our primary focus is helping pet parents protect their pets in case the worst should happen. But one of our future programs is focused on helping seniors keep their pets for longer. With in home help, vet transport, walks etc, this program is so important to me because everyone deserves the love and companionship of a pet. 

Thank you so much for ensuring your community is protected in this way!

Hi Leah,

We have a unique situation I am the director of Mended Paws Sanctuary (my full-time job that pays the bills is Family Nurse Practitioner).  We do have a forever program.  For example, a patient recently lost his dog of 13 years, he came in and scheduled an appointment to let me know that (Bullet) had passed away.  We talked, and I told him to let me know when he felt like adding a new family member (he has no living family), he said he didn't know about getting another dog because if something happened to him, the dog would be alone.   I assured him we would not let that happen, and he left, five days later, he texted me to say his house was lonely, and he really needed a four-legged friend or his depression was going to get him...so we set him up with a unique 16-week old fur baby and a note to place by his door, if something happens to him,  someone is to call us. 

We have the same arrangement with several elderly people in our community.  We have a note by their doors that say in case of an emergency to call us, and we will be responsible for the pet (we list the pets' names).   This gives the person a sense of comfort, and we know the pet will be taken care of. 

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!

2ndchance4pets.org also has great information for pet parents to protect their pets in case the pet parents are the ones who get injured or are the first to go. It's an excellent resource!

YES!! Giving that sense of comfort is such a blessing to pet parents. I love that you helped that single pet parent and fur baby find companionship and comfort!

My day job is a bit on the dangerous side (my husband and I own and operate a mobile sawmill and tree service), and we have no family in the area. After a scary but harmless car accident, I realized that all our fur kids would go to animal control  if something happened to us. After researching I found no organizations where this is their prime focus and that was affordable. Creating AnimalCity was the only way I could protect my guys, and I knew there were others in the same situation.  Our primary focus is helping pet parents protect their pets in case the worst should happen. But one of our future programs is focused on helping seniors keep their pets for longer. With in home help, vet transport, walks etc, this program is so important to me because everyone deserves the love and companionship of a pet. 

Thank you so much for ensuring your community is protected in this way!

Hi Leah,

We have a unique situation I am the director of Mended Paws Sanctuary (my full-time job that pays the bills is Family Nurse Practitioner).  We do have a forever program.  For example, a patient recently lost his dog of 13 years, he came in and scheduled an appointment to let me know that (Bullet) had passed away.  We talked, and I told him to let me know when he felt like adding a new family member (he has no living family), he said he didn't know about getting another dog because if something happened to him, the dog would be alone.   I assured him we would not let that happen, and he left, five days later, he texted me to say his house was lonely, and he really needed a four-legged friend or his depression was going to get him...so we set him up with a unique 16-week old fur baby and a note to place by his door, if something happens to him,  someone is to call us. 

We have the same arrangement with several elderly people in our community.  We have a note by their doors that say in case of an emergency to call us, and we will be responsible for the pet (we list the pets' names).   This gives the person a sense of comfort, and we know the pet will be taken care of. 

For pet parents who want to ensure their pets are cared for in case the worst should happen, a forever care plan is ideal. But I have found very few organizations that address this issue. So the questions are:

1. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets you adopt out? 
2. Does your rescue have a forever care program for pets whose parents just want to protect them from becoming orphans? 
3. If you don't have these programs, what are the hurdles / negatives to implementing one?

Thanks a bunch!