Pets can play
a special role in the lives of senior citizens who live in care facilities
and at home. For those elderly citizens living at home with pets, there
are several issues that may be helpful to discuss.
Housing
Federal mandates
allow persons living in federally-assisted housing units to have pets.
Pets allowed include dogs, cats, birds, rodents, rabbits, fish, turtles.
As may be expected,
there are some caveats:
An additional
pet deposit may be required.
A limit may
be placed on the number of animals in a unit.
There may be
restrictions based on the size and type of building or project.
“Dangerous"
animals are prohibited.
According to
the law, pet owners will have to maintain their pets responsibly and in
accordance with applicable state and local health, animal control, and
anti-cruelty laws and regulations, and meet the standards on waste disposal.
Contingency
plans
All pet owners,
whether senior citizens, persons living alone, or those in families should
develop contingency plans for the care of their pets. You should have a
card on your person, in your vehicle and on the refrigerator that has the
names of your pets, their descriptions, where they are (including favorite
hiding spots), any medications they are taking, the name of your veterinarian,
and who to contact regarding them. That contact person should know your
vet, and know where you keep your pet’s medications and medical records
stored.
Many people
have provisions in their will or attachments to their will that provide
for the financial and care needs of their pets. A lawyer can help you write
such a document. In doing so, think about the financial aspects of pet
care; whom you would want to have your pet(s); if you have multiple pets,
is there someone who can take care of all of them; and if you have an older
or ill pet, are there special provisions you want to make.
It is also helpful
to have someone available who can come and do the more difficult tasks
if you are unable to, such as walking the dog or cleaning the litterbox.
Neighbors, scouts, church members and friends may be more than willing
to help.
It is also important
to continue the socialization of your pet. Your pet should be comfortable
around other people, and allow other people into the house if the need
arises.
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Information Provided By
PetEducation.com
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