How To Make a Plan for Your Dog if Something Happens to You

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 3
4 min read

What would happen to your dog if something happened to you and your family?

We get it. This isn’t the most upbeat thing to think about. However, having a care plan for your dog is one of the kindest, most responsible things you can do if you decide to take on the joys of getting a dog.

Here’s why you need to make a plan and how to ensure your dog is safe, loved, and cared for no matter what.

Why You Need To Make a Plan

It doesn’t matter how young or old you are. You need a plan for your dog. Life is unpredictable, and accidents happen. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

Whether you are injured or worse, your dog will need someone who can care for them in your absence. Even a short delay in care could mean:

Missed medications
Missed meals
Added stress, confusion, or trauma for your dog

In a more serious situation where you pass away and haven't made a plan for your dog, one of three things will likely end up happening:

If your dog is lucky, someone you know may step up and care for them.
Your dog may end up in the care of a rescue and hopefully find a new home.
Your dog may end up in a shelter where they may or may not make it out alive.

That last potential outcome is one you want to make sure NEVER happens to your pet. Shelters are overcrowded, and most are euthanizing animals daily.

If you don’t want that to happen to your pet, you must make a plan for them.

Learn More: Essential Things To Do Before Bringing Home a New Dog

How To Make a Plan

But what are the steps you should take to actually make a plan? Here’s how you can make sure your dog is safe if something happens to you.

1. Choose an Emergency Caregiver

Think about who you would want to care for your dog if you and your family were unable to care for them yourself. This could be:

Another family member
A close friend or neighbor
A fellow dog owner or pet sitter

Talk to them in advance and get their permission to be your pet's emergency contact. You’ll need to talk to them about:

Caring for your pet if there’s a short-term emergency
Caring for your pet in the event you pass away
Routines and expectations
Any financial support they will receive for doing so

It's crucial to ensure that whoever you choose is capable of handling the task for the duration of your dog’s life. If they say no, go back to the drawing board.

If they agree, you’ll want to give them:

A key or access to your home
Information on where to find care instructions, food, medications, and supplies
Your vet’s contact info

Learn More: Dog Professionals You Need in Your Contacts List

2. Choose a Backup Caregiver

You’ll also want to have a secondary person on standby in case the first person you choose is unavailable or their situation changes. It’s not uncommon for this to happen, so you’ll want to have your bases covered.

Just like the first person you choose, this person also needs to understand exactly what you are asking of them and be willing to take on the responsibility of caring for your dog. If they aren't, you will need to choose a different backup.

Again, if they agree, make sure they have everything they need to take care of your dog in a worst-case scenario.

3. Include Your Dog in Your Estate Planning

To ensure long-term care if you pass away:

Add a pet clause in your will, naming the permanent guardian as well as your backup
If you can, set aside funds for your dog's care
Consider creating a pet trust to legally ensure funds go directly to your dog's needs

You may want to consider consulting with an attorney who is familiar with pet trusts or estate planning. This may seem like a lot of work, but it's worth the effort to ensure your dog is safe in the event something happens to you.

4. Prepare for Worst-Case Scenarios

Not everyone has close family or friends who can take in a pet permanently. Even if you do have people who say they will take your pet today, sometimes things can change.

It can be wise to research rescues in your area that will take in dogs whose owners have passed away and include any potential options you’d be comfortable having your dog go to in your will. This provides an extra safety net to keep your dog out of a shelter.

5. Create a Pet Information Sheet

Put all your dog’s important info in one place, including:

Name, breed, age, and microchip number
Medical history and current medications
Feeding instructions
Behavior quirks (e.g., scared of storms, reactive to other dogs)
Commands they understand
Daily routine
Vet contact info

Keep a printed copy in your home and give one to your emergency caregivers.

6. Place Emergency Pet Alert Stickers

Put a pet alert sticker on your front door or window to let emergency responders know your dog is inside.

Include:

Number and type of pets
Your name and contact info
Backup contact in case you are unavailable

You can find low-cost or free stickers online.

7. Carry a Pet Emergency Card

Keep a card in your wallet that says something like:

"I have a dog at home. If I am incapacitated, please contact [Your Name] at [Your Phone Number]."

This way, your dog won't be forgotten if something happens to you while you're out. You can make your own or purchase one from Amazon.

Learn More: Things You Should Buy Before Bringing Home a New Dog

Final Thoughts

Making a plan for your dog in case something happens to you isn’t morbid. It’s a loving act of responsibility that ensures your best friend won’t end up scared, abandoned, or in a shelter.

A little planning now provides peace of mind for the future.