From:
<grape_apes@charter.net>
Date: 2007-06-20 18:40:05 UTC
Subject: [ferrethealth] pet-sitting, vacation etc-healthcare proxy
To: ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com
Hi, all. Since I run a pet-sitting business, I have developed a very specific, detailed pet-sitting contract (I got the original from another vet tech and pet-sitting friend who is now a vet) and have tweaked it to my own specifications over the years. I also have all my clients sign a healthcare proxy telling me what they'd like me to do, in advance, if there is a problem, and giving treating vets their legal, signed permission to treat (the form has three options: do not treat until pet owner is reached, treat for emergency care only till owner can be reached, or do whatever is necessary, even if owner can't be reached, basically). This way I don't have too stress about it at the time of a problem, and I have the legal signatures to have a vet care for a problem.
I will happily send a copy of my contract and healthcare proxy (I use one for my own pets whenever I leave them with a friend-it also confirms that I guarantee payment for any care my pets receive) to anyone who'd like. The contract gives you a place to write all your pet's details, such as dietary and bathroom habits, meds, medical problems, quirks, who is allowed into your house, where you'll be, your vet's phone number and info, even what you want me to do if there's an earthquake or something (a bit extreme perhaps, but I have heard horror stories, and have even heard stories of pet owners dying while their pets are in a pet-sitter's care, so they can tell you in advance who would take pets in emergency situation like that....). I also keep a running pet-sitting "report card" for my clients so they can see when they come back how things went day-to-day.
Let your regular vet know you'll be going away whenever possible and let them know who will be caring for your pets and that you'll accept financial responsibility based on what you are willing to do on your healthcare proxy. Preparation makes everything easier!
Best,
April vet tech, ferret owner and operator of CritterSitters Veterinary Technician-Staffed In-Home Pet-Sitting in MA-not an ad, just proof that I do this! ;) )
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ferrethealth/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:ferrethealth-digest@yahoogroups.com
mailto:ferrethealth-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
ferrethealth-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/