Pet Care Arrangements Sheet

Who this is for

A new home agreed for every animal. For each pet the sheet names the person who has agreed to take it, a backup, the vet and microchip details, what you have set aside for its care and where its records are kept.

Pet owners who want their animals looked after without delay if they die or can no longer care for them, and the family members who would carry out the plan.

What this helps you track

• Who has agreed to take each pet, and a backup
• Microchip, vet and age details in one place
• Money or belongings set aside for each animal's care
• Where vaccination, insurance and feeding records are kept
• Which parts of the plan are settled and which are still to do

How to use it

1. Write your name, the date and who holds a copy of this sheet.
2. Give each animal a line: name, species and breed, age, microchip number and vet.
3. Ask the person you would like to take each pet, and only write them in once they have agreed; add a backup carer with their contact details.
4. Note any money or items you have set aside and where the records are kept, then work through the checklist.
5. Keep the sheet with your will and other papers, give copies to both carers, and update it when a pet or carer changes.

Formats

• Printable PDF (A4 and US Letter)
• Fillable PDF with form fields
• Fill in online, saved in your browser

The printable is laid out inside a box that fits both A4 and US Letter, so the two files are identical and neither one is scaled. The fillable PDF has real form fields. The online version keeps what you enter in your own browser and builds the completed PDF on your device.

How to print

Download the A4 or US Letter file to match the paper in your printer, open it in a PDF reader and print at 100% — not "fit to page", which shrinks the writing space. Both files leave a 14 mm margin, which clears the unprintable edge on home printers. To print the online version with your entries in it, use the Print this sheet button, which prints only the sheet and none of the page around it. More on printing.

Questions

Should the carer agree in writing?

The checklist includes it because a written note removes doubt for your family later. The sheet does not say what form that takes or whether it has legal effect; ask whoever drew up your will how to record pet arrangements.

How much should I set aside for a pet's care?

The sheet gives no figure. Think about food, insurance and vet costs for the rest of the animal's life, from your own records, and talk it over with the carer so they know what is there.

What if nobody can take a pet?

Write that down and think about a backup. Some rescue organisations run schemes for rehoming pets after an owner dies; check what is available where you are and add the details to the backup carer column.

Why record the microchip details?

The keeper details on a microchip database usually need changing when a pet moves to a new owner. Having the number and database to hand makes that quick for the new carer.