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Staying independent

Living with pets

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    Who this page is for

    This page is for people who need to know about how a pet will be cared for in the case of owner ill health or emergency. Get advice about how to plan ahead and who you can contact for help.

    Day-to-day pet care

    If you are finding the physical side of looking after your pet difficult, you could ask for help from friends, family, pet professionals, such as dog walkers, or charities:

    Pet and property care in an emergency

    If you need to go to hospital for a planned visit, you can make arrangements for your home and animals yourself. There’s helpful advice in our section about preparing for a hospital stay.

    If you need to go into hospital or residential care unexpectedly and are unable to secure your home and arrange care for your pets, the council has a duty of care under the Care Act (2014) to make sure arrangements are made to protect them.

    The council will try to find informal support from friends, neighbours, or family in the interim. If this is not possible, they will find temporary emergency boarding for your pet and you will need to pay for the costs of your pet’s care.

    Please note: the council will make emergency arrangements based on availability, not cost. It is better for you and your pet if a friend or family member can make arrangements for you.

    If a locksmith is needed to gain access to your home in order to care for your pet or make sure your home is secure while you are away, you will need to pay for this as well.

    Preparing in case of a pet care emergency

    No-one expects to need emergency care, but if you live alone, it can be helpful to make a plan just in case. Planning ahead can ease the stress of who is taking care of your companion, can make it quicker to get them placed, and can save money on things like locksmiths.

    Think about:

    Rehoming a pet

    If you are thinking of rehoming your pet because you no longer feel able to look after it properly, the council is unable to help, however, there are several animal rescue organisations in the East Yorkshire area.

    These include:

    Jerry Green Dog Rescue

    The Yorkshire Rescue

    Purr-fect Pals Cat Rescue and Rehoming

    Filey Cat Rescue

    Hull Animal Welfare Trust

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    Pet sitters and dog walkers

    Professional pet sitters and dog walkers can help you play with and exercise your pet if you are less able to exercise on a day-to-day basis.

    If you need to be away from your home for a short period, such as to take a holiday or for a hospital stay, some will help care for your animal in your own home.

    When choosing a dog walker or pet sitter, make sure they are insured, have first aid qualifications, and have them meet your pet before you need to use their services.

    Visit the National Association for Registered Pet Sitters website for advice on how to find and choose the right sitter for you and your needs.

    Kennels and catteries

    If you need to be away from your home for a period of time, you could send your pet on a holiday of their own.

    There are a range of local dog kennels and catteries available who offer pet boarding services. If you do not have one you usually go to, you could ask friends or family for recommendations.

    You can also view a list of businesses who are licensed to provide boarding here on the council's website.

    The Cinnamon Trust

    The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity that helps people who are aged 65 or over or have a terminal illness keep their pets at home.

    They can arrange foster care, walkers and pet sitters, or help you plan your pet’s long-term care after you have gone.

    The Cinnamon Trust

    Leaving a spare key

    Make sure a friend, neighbour or pet sitter has a spare house key, so they can reach your pet, or consider a lock box to keep a key in mounted to an exterior wall.

    Writing down important information

    Make an information sheet about your pet’s care and leave it somewhere easy to find.

    You could include the following:

    • names and contact details of friends or family who can help with arrangements
    • any kennels, catteries or pet sitters you have used in the past
    • microchip details
    • your vet and any pet insurance details
    • up-to-date vaccination records
    • medical information, such as any allergies or medication your pet takes, and where to find it
    • food information, such as what food your pet eats, how much, how often, and where to find their food
    • a list of your pet’s usual daily routine
    • your pet's exercise, if they like to play or walk a certain way or environment.

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