Pet Planning in Colorado: Questions for Elderly Pet Owners

Whether you’ve been a pet owner all your life or have recently enjoyed the experience of being a first-time owner, seniors with pets have a number of issues they need to be aware of as they get older. Owning a pet can be a great benefit, but it also comes with significant responsibilities, and even some risk. Here are several questions senior pet owners need to ask themselves periodically.

Pet Planning in Colorado Questions

What happens after I’m gone?

This is the question at the heart of estate planning. Everyone developing an estate plan has to think about what will happen to your concerns after you die. If you are an animal owner, developing tools that will ensure your pet will be properly cared for after you are gone is essential. A good pet trust will allow you to do this. If you haven’t already done so, you will need to speak your estate planning attorney about establishing such a trust.

What happens if my pet is ill or injured?

If you are retired and living on a fixed income, the possibility of having to pay for significant veterinary care expenses is something you need to think about. Having an animal that gets sick can lead to serious financial consequences. If you haven’t already done so, you’ll want to investigate pet insurance options. Like health insurance, pet insurance will allow you to pay a monthly premium to obtain a policy that will pay for many of the expenses associated with the sudden pet illness or injury.

Will I still be able to care for my pets as I get older?

Pets bring their owners comfort, joy, and many other benefits that non-pet owners don’t experience. Studies have shown that pet owners are less likely to suffer depression or feel lonely than non-pet owners. Pet owners also have lower blood pressure and lower levels of stress.

Unfortunately, pets can also be a serious source of risk for elderly people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 85,000 people suffered injuries resulting from falls caused by animals in the home. For seniors, falls are a serious concern because they can often lead to significant injuries and other medical complications.

For senior pet owners, making your home safer to reduce the risk of suffering a fall is something you can do to prevent such accidents. If you have a multilevel home, for example, you can reduce your risk of injury by keeping your animal restricted to one floor.

Regardless of your particular pet or your circumstances, thinking about your future and how your pet will play a part in your life is key. If you’d like to talk about the issues you face, contact Hammond Law Group for a free initial consultation in the month of December.  Call us today at 719-520-1474 or at 303-736-6060 and schedule an appointment!