Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi all. I volunteer with a 501(c)(3) dog rescue charity in Westwood, NJ. In light of the Federal government's increased  zeal for deporting immigrants, it occurred to me that any children and/or pets in the household could be at great risk. Pets could be abandoned, and children could be forced into the foster system, or deported themselves. As an attorney I have prepared legal guardianship papers for parents to sign which designate a guardian for their their kids in the event of the parents' detention.  I will be meeting with a group of people facing such a risk to provide them with a form document for them to fill out then sign and have notarized. I'm wondering if the same sort of guardianship relationship could also apply to pets. Their people could even have the guardian's contact information put onto a tag hanging from the collar. What do you think?   

#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#LawsandPublicPolicy

------------------------------
Tracy Wells
volunteer/grants
Peace4Paws, Inc.
NJTracyWells
------------------------------

Hi, this is a very interesting idea. I would be interested in learning more about what you have found out, especially as an attorney. What sort of documentation are your thinking would be helpful, besides the tags with the guardian's information? Thanks!

------------------------------
Kate Detwiler
Grant Writer
Lovepaws
MD
------------------------------

Good morning! I am also interested in this idea. I do have the concern of how to reach those at-risk to even inform them of the preparation. What are your suggestions for that?

I do find (already) that we are facing 'abandonment' concerns because unlike normal law enforcement we (Animal Services) are not told when ICE/Immigration responds so we've had a few neighbors/housemates call and advise an animal was left once someone was picked up. Unfortunately without any real documentation/verification we end up having to start a 3 day abandonment watch THEN seize for the additional 10 day protective custody hold. Bit cumbersome. It would be nicer if we had some contact information on a collar that we could then follow-up with right away.

------------------------------
Rachel Ide
Animal Services Director
Young-Williams Animal Center
TN
------------------------------

Hello,

I think this is a good thing to think ahead about, especially if you can put word out to folks to prepare for this possibility. It's also good practice for anyone who has a pet, honestly, to have a backup caretaker prepared.

When I worked in animal control, we commonly picked up pets of folks taken away to the hospital, jail, etc. In general, we needed some kind of "proof" of a next-of-kin or other secondary caretaker who could take the pet. Often, family would step forward within a few days. Legal papers would work as long as someone knows to come to the shelter to claim the animal with the papers. I think having the second caretaker's info on a dog tag would be even easier because it enables animal control to reach out immediately. Having the second person listed on the microchip would be similar and better for animals that don't wear tags. Another back-up could be putting the secondary person on the pet's record with the veterinarian. That way if animal control traces a rabies tag to the vet, depending on how thorough they are, they might find the owner this way.

That's all to say, one part of the equation is having adequate proof of right to reclaim. The other part of the equation is making that information available to the sheltering agency.

Peace,

------------------------------
James Pawlowicz
Humane Rescue Alliance
------------------------------

I like all these ideas. The issue is how to inform people - shelters, vets, pet foster families, adopters,  pet stores, municipal authorities registering a pet, etc. Also, in what way should the notification be made. As for reaching out to immigrants, I've had little luck with the larger immigration organizations; they're also overwhelmed at this time for obvious reasons. I contacted a woman my husband knows  who ran for office in my town as a democrat and lost. Her suggestion was to disseminate information at soup kitchens and churches. The information applies to immigrants and citizens alike, so it could even be provided to schools, made part of a school project.

------------------------------
Tracy Wells
volunteer/grants
Peace4Paws, Inc.
NJTracyWells
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-05-2025 07:35 AM
From: James Pawlowicz
Subject: Protecting pets of immigrant detained suddenly by ICE or other immigration enforcement

Hello,

I think this is a good thing to think ahead about, especially if you can put word out to folks to prepare for this possibility. It's also good practice for anyone who has a pet, honestly, to have a backup caretaker prepared.

When I worked in animal control, we commonly picked up pets of folks taken away to the hospital, jail, etc. In general, we needed some kind of "proof" of a next-of-kin or other secondary caretaker who could take the pet. Often, family would step forward within a few days. Legal papers would work as long as someone knows to come to the shelter to claim the animal with the papers. I think having the second caretaker's info on a dog tag would be even easier because it enables animal control to reach out immediately. Having the second person listed on the microchip would be similar and better for animals that don't wear tags. Another back-up could be putting the secondary person on the pet's record with the veterinarian. That way if animal control traces a rabies tag to the vet, depending on how thorough they are, they might find the owner this way.

That's all to say, one part of the equation is having adequate proof of right to reclaim. The other part of the equation is making that information available to the sheltering agency.

Peace,

------------------------------
James Pawlowicz
Humane Rescue Alliance
------------------------------

Hi All,

There are so many great suggestions in this thread. Aside from immigrant focused community organizations, I think another great way to inform the immigrant community about making plans for their pets is to disseminate information (translated flyers, etc.) at community vaccine clinics, low-cost clinics, mobile clinics, and retail pet stores that provide clinical services (like petsmart).  It's my experience that these are the places most frequented by pet guardians who may need this information most.

The Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (MCVMA) is hosting a know your rights event later this month on Zoom with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project called "Caring for Each Other: What to do if ICE comes to your vet clinic." Registration is free and all veterinary and animal welfare professionals, pet parents, etc. are welcome to attend. If you're interested, please register here.

------------------------------
Melody Martinez
Executive Director
Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association
OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-05-2025 09:32 AM
From: Tracy Wells
Subject: Protecting pets of immigrant detained suddenly by ICE or other immigration enforcement

I like all these ideas. The issue is how to inform people - shelters, vets, pet foster families, adopters,  pet stores, municipal authorities registering a pet, etc. Also, in what way should the notification be made. As for reaching out to immigrants, I've had little luck with the larger immigration organizations; they're also overwhelmed at this time for obvious reasons. I contacted a woman my husband knows  who ran for office in my town as a democrat and lost. Her suggestion was to disseminate information at soup kitchens and churches. The information applies to immigrants and citizens alike, so it could even be provided to schools, made part of a school project.

------------------------------
Tracy Wells
volunteer/grants
Peace4Paws, Inc.
NJTracyWells
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-05-2025 07:35 AM
From: James Pawlowicz
Subject: Protecting pets of immigrant detained suddenly by ICE or other immigration enforcement

Hello,

I think this is a good thing to think ahead about, especially if you can put word out to folks to prepare for this possibility. It's also good practice for anyone who has a pet, honestly, to have a backup caretaker prepared.

When I worked in animal control, we commonly picked up pets of folks taken away to the hospital, jail, etc. In general, we needed some kind of "proof" of a next-of-kin or other secondary caretaker who could take the pet. Often, family would step forward within a few days. Legal papers would work as long as someone knows to come to the shelter to claim the animal with the papers. I think having the second caretaker's info on a dog tag would be even easier because it enables animal control to reach out immediately. Having the second person listed on the microchip would be similar and better for animals that don't wear tags. Another back-up could be putting the secondary person on the pet's record with the veterinarian. That way if animal control traces a rabies tag to the vet, depending on how thorough they are, they might find the owner this way.

That's all to say, one part of the equation is having adequate proof of right to reclaim. The other part of the equation is making that information available to the sheltering agency.

Peace,

------------------------------
James Pawlowicz
Humane Rescue Alliance

Hello all.  I am the owner of Big D's Big Dog Rehab in Cortlandt Manor, NY.  I'm also a social worker and currently going for my Doctorate.  The class I'm taking right now is on policy and I am drafting one that would require ICE to allow detainees to make a call about their pets at home.  I read of at least a couple of cases where ICE either let loose someone's dog, or didn't let another call a friend about their dog home alone.  While ICE's website says that they might allow someone to make a call, they do not have to.  So for the policy I'm writing, I was thinking of one in which it is an on-the-ground, community effort.  We have to know our neighbors.  I don't think most would disagree that the way ICE is currently carrying out things is beyond barbaric and cruel.  In fact, it seems to be the very point.  However, I think that many people, even those who agree with deporting everyone, do not like the idea of animals being abandoned to starve to death.  

One thing I am working on is a presentation to the county legislature.  However, I think even before that is reaching out to local communities, especially faith communities.  Many immigrants are tied to a faith community and that could be a way to get people to trust rescuers to know about their status.  If we can get religious figures to make announcements at services as well as perhaps post signs in local stores, etc., with someone's number, we can be alerted to the fact there are animals inside.

Here is the sticky part though:  animals are not considered sentient beings.  Not even domestic animals. They are considered property.  Even ICE's website lists them as such when you type in the question about what happens to your pet if you're deported.  Because they are property, police and ACO's cannot just go into a residence to get an animal, even if they know it's been abandoned.  Trust me, I know.  There have been calls for help about pets in abandoned homes and apartments because owners have moved or jailed and the police don't just let anyone in to take them.  So, there would have to be a signed, notarized form that is kept on file with either a local rescue group, faith community, etc., granting permission to enter the residence to rescue a pet if an owner has not returned in 24 hours.  This will be a tall ask because people are afraid of being turned in.  But it's the only thing I can currently think of to help save pets.  I'm open to any other suggestions.  Also, if anyone here would like to try to work on this lobbying effort with me, I am more than open to accepting input and help.  Animal rescue is overwhelmed with abandoned, unsheltered, etc., animals.  So many are being euthanized for space.  I don't expect that to change.  But at least we can work towards not allowing them to die frightened, hungry, thirsty and alone, not understandng why a guardian has not returned.

------------------------------
Diana Gonzales
Owner
Big D's Big Dog Rehab
NY
------------------------------

This is a fantastic topic! At our rescue we have a woman volunteering who is an American citizen born  in Argentina. She talks about the "Disappeared" during her time living there and is petrified about what could happen to her cats if ICE got ahold of her. My rescue partner and I have discussed this with her. We decided the best thing for her to do is to leave us a key to her place. We will ensure her pets are cared for until we can adopt them out through the rescue. She also has the rescue information in her refrigerator incase someone else gets there before us. She names me and my partner as responsible for her pets should something happens to her. Our phone numbers are included. We also microchipped the cats and registered them with Lauren's Lost Cats. 

------------------------------
Lauren Warner
President
Lauren's Lost Cats
PA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-04-2025 11:22 AM
From: Diana Gonzales
Subject: Protecting pets of immigrant detained suddenly by ICE or other immigration enforcement

Hello all.  I am the owner of Big D's Big Dog Rehab in Cortlandt Manor, NY.  I'm also a social worker and currently going for my Doctorate.  The class I'm taking right now is on policy and I am drafting one that would require ICE to allow detainees to make a call about their pets at home.  I read of at least a couple of cases where ICE either let loose someone's dog, or didn't let another call a friend about their dog home alone.  While ICE's website says that they might allow someone to make a call, they do not have to.  So for the policy I'm writing, I was thinking of one in which it is an on-the-ground, community effort.  We have to know our neighbors.  I don't think most would disagree that the way ICE is currently carrying out things is beyond barbaric and cruel.  In fact, it seems to be the very point.  However, I think that many people, even those who agree with deporting everyone, do not like the idea of animals being abandoned to starve to death.  

One thing I am working on is a presentation to the county legislature.  However, I think even before that is reaching out to local communities, especially faith communities.  Many immigrants are tied to a faith community and that could be a way to get people to trust rescuers to know about their status.  If we can get religious figures to make announcements at services as well as perhaps post signs in local stores, etc., with someone's number, we can be alerted to the fact there are animals inside.

Here is the sticky part though:  animals are not considered sentient beings.  Not even domestic animals. They are considered property.  Even ICE's website lists them as such when you type in the question about what happens to your pet if you're deported.  Because they are property, police and ACO's cannot just go into a residence to get an animal, even if they know it's been abandoned.  Trust me, I know.  There have been calls for help about pets in abandoned homes and apartments because owners have moved or jailed and the police don't just let anyone in to take them.  So, there would have to be a signed, notarized form that is kept on file with either a local rescue group, faith community, etc., granting permission to enter the residence to rescue a pet if an owner has not returned in 24 hours.  This will be a tall ask because people are afraid of being turned in.  But it's the only thing I can currently think of to help save pets.  I'm open to any other suggestions.  Also, if anyone here would like to try to work on this lobbying effort with me, I am more than open to accepting input and help.  Animal rescue is overwhelmed with abandoned, unsheltered, etc., animals.  So many are being euthanized for space.  I don't expect that to change.  But at least we can work towards not allowing them to die frightened, hungry, thirsty and alone, not understandng why a guardian has not returned.

------------------------------
Diana Gonzales
Owner
Big D's Big Dog Rehab
NY
------------------------------

I think the most effective thing to do would be to have paperwork drawn up that is signed by both parties and the potential guardian has a copy. That way, if the pet is left, there will be documentation of chain of guardianship for the animal control agency to see so that they know they can legally release the pet. I work at an animal shelter that holds a county contract and we have to have legal permission from the the pet owner in order to release the pet to another person. written documentation is considered acceptable.

------------------------------
Elsa Enstrom
Helpline Coordinator
Asheville Humane Society
NC
------------------------------

This is a wonderful idea and desperately needed. I think all professionals, particularly immigration attorneys, who interface regularly with the immigrant community need to include a question about household members (including pets and emergency contacts/next of kin) in their intake questionnaires. Vets should also have an intake that asks about emergency contacts in the event the pet owner cannot be reached. Shelters should try to ascertain the reason for abandonment which would help to collect data to understand what percentage of pets brought into shelters are being surrendered because owners are scared of being deported. Separately, landlords, coops and condo boards should have a process in place to check on the apartments of those who may have left pets behind. Would love to put my head together with the rest of you to see what kinds of resources already exist and how they could be supplemented and disseminated to immigrant communities across the country. On the topic of children, state specific resources on guardianship should be made available. 

------------------------------
Marcella Marucci
attorney
private practice
NY
------------------------------

Now for brainstorming how to reach out to the people who can help.

------------------------------
Tracy Wells
volunteer/grants
Peace4Paws, Inc.
NJTracyWells
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-29-2026 02:02 PM
From: Marcella Marucci
Subject: Protecting pets of immigrant detained suddenly by ICE or other immigration enforcement

This is a wonderful idea and desperately needed. I think all professionals, particularly immigration attorneys, who interface regularly with the immigrant community need to include a question about household members (including pets and emergency contacts/next of kin) in their intake questionnaires. Vets should also have an intake that asks about emergency contacts in the event the pet owner cannot be reached. Shelters should try to ascertain the reason for abandonment which would help to collect data to understand what percentage of pets brought into shelters are being surrendered because owners are scared of being deported. Separately, landlords, coops and condo boards should have a process in place to check on the apartments of those who may have left pets behind. Would love to put my head together with the rest of you to see what kinds of resources already exist and how they could be supplemented and disseminated to immigrant communities across the country. On the topic of children, state specific resources on guardianship should be made available. 

------------------------------
Marcella Marucci
attorney
private practice
NY
------------------------------