Protecting Bonds That Bring Comfort and Joy

For many individuals living with dementia, pets are more than companions—they’re family. Whether it’s the loyal dog who sits beside the armchair, the cat who curls up on the bed, or the bird whose song fills the morning silence, these animal companions offer unconditional love, emotional support, and a powerful sense of routine.

But as care needs increase or living situations change, families are often left asking: What happens to the pets? Planning for pets and animal companions in advance ensures these meaningful bonds are honoured, even as dementia progresses.

With Evaheld, families can document pet care wishes and include instructions or legacy stories in the secure Evaheld Legacy Vault—ensuring no furry (or feathered) friend is forgotten.

Why Pet Planning Is Essential in Dementia Care

As dementia progresses, it may become difficult to:

• Feed or groom animals consistently
• Remember medication schedules for pets
• Notice signs of distress or illness
• Ensure safe interactions between person and animal
• Arrange vet visits or renew supplies

Despite this, animals often remain a vital emotional anchor. According to Dementia Support Australia, structured pet interaction can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and even support memory in people living with dementia.

Creating a Pet and Animal Companion Plan

1. Document Current Pets and Their Routines

Record:

• Name, species, and breed
• Feeding schedule and preferred foods
• Medication details or allergies
• Favourite toys, walking times, and habits
• Vet and pet sitter contact details

Upload this list to the Evaheld Legacy Vault for easy sharing with carers and future decision-makers.

Templates from Family Legacy Series can help preserve this information in both digital and physical formats.

2. Add Pet Preferences to Your Advance Care Plan

Your Advance Health Directive can include pet-related instructions such as:

• Whether pets should remain in the home
• Plans for temporary or permanent rehoming
• How the animal contributes to daily comfort
• Preferred carers if the person can no longer manage

Advance Care Planning Australia supports including personal and lifestyle values in health decisions, especially in dementia care.

3. Include Emotional and Legacy Connections

Pets are often part of our family stories. Preserve this legacy by recording:

• Photos or videos with beloved pets
• Stories about how a pet came into the family
• Audio clips of the person talking about their animal’s habits
• Wishes for the animal’s future (e.g. “Please keep Max with Emma”)

You can use Evaheld to record these reflections and assign them to trusted recipients.

The Evaheld blog shares examples of families using legacy tools to keep pet stories and routines alive even after cognitive decline.

Planning for Rehoming or Foster Support

In some cases, a person may move to aged care or supported accommodation where pets aren’t allowed.

In these cases:

• Choose a carer ahead of time (family, friend, or neighbour)
• Create a legal pet custody clause via a solicitor
• Work with animal rehoming organisations to document preferences
• Provide a printed or digital version of the pet’s history

The Online Will Blog explains how to incorporate pet guardianship into estate and care planning.

Supporting Carers and the Sandwich Generation

Carers already managing medical, financial, and emotional responsibilities often feel overwhelmed by last-minute pet arrangements. A written and accessible plan helps:

• Ensure continuity in pet care
• Avoid emergency boarding or rehoming
• Maintain the individual’s comfort through pet interaction
• Protect the wellbeing of both the person and the animal

Nurse Info also provides pet therapy insights to support aged care workers and family carers.

When to Review the Pet Plan

Update the pet care plan:

• After any change in the individual’s health
• If the pet develops a medical condition
• When a move to care or hospitalisation occurs
• If family roles or living arrangements change

Using Evaheld, these updates can be made securely and shared only with relevant parties.

Cultural and Emotional Considerations

For many, animals have spiritual and symbolic meaning:

• Certain cultures believe pets provide spiritual protection
• Animals may be part of healing or ritual practices
• Pets often serve as emotional surrogates for late family members

Document these beliefs in your Advance Health Directive and legacy records to ensure they are honoured.

Advance Care Planning Australia encourages cultural inclusivity in all aspects of care planning—including pet relationships.

Final Thoughts

Pets are not an afterthought. They are part of the heart of a home. Planning for their care means protecting joy, comfort, and the gentle routines that offer peace to someone living with dementia.

With thoughtful preparation, the person and their animal companion can remain connected—no matter what changes come next.