Do You Have a Safety Plan for You and Your Pet?
A 10-question assessment for people who live alone with pets. If something happened to you, what would happen to your pet? And is your pet accidentally putting you at risk?
Pets are wonderful companions, especially for people who live alone. But they also create unique safety considerations: trip hazards, the question of who cares for them if you're incapacitated, and emergency preparedness for both of you. This assessment helps you identify gaps in your safety plan as a solo pet owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my pet if I'm suddenly hospitalized?
If no one knows you have a pet at home, your animal could go without food, water, and care for days or longer. This is why having a designated pet caretaker with a key to your home is so important. A pet alert sticker on your door helps emergency responders, and a daily check-in system like ImAlive means someone will know within 24 hours if you can't care for your pet.
Are pets really a fall risk?
Yes. The CDC estimates that pets cause over 86,000 fall injuries per year in the U.S. Dogs darting underfoot, cats weaving between legs, pet toys left on stairs, and being pulled by a leash are all common causes. For older adults living alone, a fall can be catastrophic — especially if no one knows it happened. Managing pet-related hazards and having a daily check-in system are both important safety measures.
How can I make a legal plan for my pet's future care?
You can include pet care provisions in your will, create a pet trust (legal in all 50 U.S. states), or designate a pet guardian in your advance directives. The most important thing is to have a conversation with the person you'd like to care for your pet, get their agreement, and write it down. Also make sure they know your pet's needs, vet information, and any medical conditions.
How does ImAlive help solo pet owners specifically?
ImAlive's daily check-in serves a dual purpose for solo pet owners: it protects you and it protects your pet. If you don't complete your daily check-in, your emergency contacts are notified. This means someone will come to check on you — and they'll find your pet too. For people who live alone with animals, a daily check-in system can prevent the nightmare scenario of a pet being trapped without care.
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