Long-term Pet Care
Planning for Your Pet’s Future Without You
Sadly, when a pet owner passes away, can no longer care for their pet, or is relocated to a nursing facility, decisions must be made for the pets that are left behind. In the best of situations, a pet will continue to live in the same home with surviving relatives. Little preparation is required in these cases and the pet will most likely be well cared for. But what happens to your pet if you pass away without a designated caregiver for them? The best way to prevent this is to codify provisions for pets in your will or estate plans.
The Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center
The Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center provides the physical, emotional, and medical needs for companion animals whose owners are no longer able to provide that care. Clients of the center include pet owners who want to ensure their pet’s future prior to entering a retirement home, being hospitalized for an extended period, or predeceasing a pet.
The center was established by the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993 at the suggestion of Dr. E. W. “Ned” Ellett, former head of the Small Animal Clinic at Texas A&M University. Dr. Ellett’s dream became a reality with generous donations from the Luse Foundation and Mrs. Madlin Stevenson. Mrs. Stevenson said she chose to support the center because “animals are especially important to the elderly; this center is dedicated to them and their pets.” Mrs. Stevenson, a life-long animal lover, passed away in September of 2000. Her 4 cats, 7 dogs, pony, and llama came to reside at the center at that time.
You are invited to visit the center located on the Texas A&M campus, adjacent to the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM). Please let them know in advance so that the director of the center or a representative can be available to talk with you.
Other Resources
If you or someone you know is trying to rehome a pet, check out these organizations and their placement services:
Home-to-Home (Dallas Animal Services) – Home To Home™ is an online platform that allows residents to proactively rehome their pets when keeping them is no longer an option. This is a great option if you can keep your pet while you rehome them or you want to find them a great new family yourself.