Contact: Jan Williams, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-6228
U of M PerPETual Care Program Ensures Pets' Well-Being
After Owners Are Gone
Program reflects larger aging population, estate planning for pets
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (MARCH 28, 2003) - Peace of mind. That's why the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine established the PerPETual Care Program for pet owners who wish to assure continued care for their pets after the owners' death or when they're no longer able to care for them.
The program already has several participants from Minnesota and other states. It joins several similar programs nationwide. According to the Administration on Aging, one in every eight Americans is age 65 or above -- a population that is expected to double over the next 30 years.
"Pets are just like any other member of the family," said Kathleen McLaughlin, director of development at the College of Veterinary Medicine. "The PerPETual Care Program offers a form of estate planning for older pet owners who want to know that their loved ones will receive the very best attention and health care when they are no longer around to give it."
McLaughlin hopes that PerPETual Care will help those who may be reluctant to bring a new pet into their lives due to concern that the animal may outlive them.
Under the program, pet owners pay a one-time enrollment fee and make a minimum $25,000 charitable bequest in their estate to the College of Veterinary Medicine. They also may use a life insurance policy to fulfill the program's requirements. The CVM then arranges a loving foster home and covers the cost of the pet's medical care and food through its lifetime. The PerPETual Care program is open to dog and cat owners nationwide. Unlike some other programs, the CVM program covers the cost to transport the orphaned pet to a carefully selected Minnesota home.
"Everyone benefits," said McLaughlin. "We offer pet owners a high-quality solution, maintain excellent care for their companion animals and offer a useful service to referring veterinarians."
The College of Veterinary Medicine improves the health and well-being of animals and people by providing high-quality veterinary training, conducting leading-edge research and delivering innovative veterinary services. For more information, visit www.cvm.umn.edu.
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For more information about the PerPETual Care Program at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, contact Rob Nordin, development director, at 612-624-1247 or nordi053@umn.edu