Frequently Asked Power of Attorney Questions:
What can I do to insure my pet is taken care of if I am not present or I am not able to be reached by telephone or text?
One thing you can do is to create a Power of Attorney for Pet Care (POAPC). This simple to use, easy to complete form gives a person you designate the written authority to carry out your wishes in regards to making any and all decisions with reference to your pet's veterinary care and treatment, making necessary arrangements for your pet at any animal hospital, emergency room or other pet healthcare facility, including transfer to another appropriate veterinary service provider and including the removal from and transfer to another facility or service provider, the power to enter into contracts on your behalf for the benefit of your pet with any service provider or veterinarian, and to assure that all of your pet's essential needs are provided for.
Why is it necessary to put your wishes in writing, as opposed to just telling your pet caretaker what to do in the event of an emergency?
Putting the authority to care for your pet in writing eliminates any confusion that may arise in regards to your agent's authority with respect to your pet's care and treatment.
For example, in the event of an expensive medical procedure necessitated by your pet being involved in an accident or a medical emergency, this document protects both your pet caretaker (agent) and the treating veterinarian. The agent is protected by your appointment in writing. The Veterinarian is protected in following the direction of your caretaker/agent, based upon the written authority granted in the POAPC.
What is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) or letter of attorney in common law systems or MANDATE in civil law systems is a written authorization to act on someone else's behalf in a legal or business matter. The person authorizing the other to act is the principal or grantor (of the power) and the one authorized to act is the agent or attorney in fact. The law requires an attorney in fact to be completely honest with and loyal to the principal in their dealings with each other. A Power of Attorney may be special or limited to one specific act or type of act, or it may be general in nature. Under common law, a Power of Attorney becomes ineffective if the grantor dies or becomes incapacitated. However, if the grantor specifies that the Power of Attorney will continue to be effective even if the grantor becomes incapacitated, this type of Power of Attorney is called a Durable Power of Attorney.
What is the benefit of having a Power of Attorney for Pet Care?
The Peace of Mind Power of Attorney for Pet Care is based upon this common law principal. You, your agent and any person who relies on this document will know they are protected by an age old principal of law, which in this litigious society is very comforting.
How do I create a Power of Attorney for Pet Care?
You can create a Power of Attorney for Pet Care, which is based upon the common law, by filling in the blanks on our pre-printed form using our convenient checklist. You will need to select a person to act as your pet caretaker/agent in your absence. You should also select an alternate caretaker/agent is the event the primary person is unable or unwilling to act.
Is it going to be a difficult document to complete?
In a word, no. The POAPC consists of 4 pages, double spaced, with 14 blanks to complete. The document requires a witness be present and should be notarized. All in all, it will take you approximately 3 to 5 minutes to complete.
