Pet Godparents for Furry Family

Is securing cat or dog godparents on your roster of things to do? If not, why not? Or perhaps you’ve already kitted your pets out with a godparent?

For most of us, thinking about the passing of life isn’t something we tend to dwell on. Our recent endurance of the pandemic upheaval may have prompted more in depth thoughts for the first time.

In this article, we look at what it means to have cat / dog godparents and what the merits are.

Cat and dog (god)parenting

When considering our own mortal coils, there’s the obvious knock-on question: If something were to happen to us, who would take care of our pets?

It’s a given that we’ll ask this question when it comes to our children. We appoint a guardian so, if the worst was to happen, someone would be there for our kids. That person is usually someone who’s fond of our kids and vice versa. They also have the capacity to care for them with shelter, food, time, effort and attention.

There’s great emotional security in having someone in the wings to step in if you a time comes when we can’t. And usually, this arrangement is outlined in our will.

Note, there’s no need to shudder at the thought of creating a will no matter how old or young you are. A will is essential planning not just for death, but in many ways for life.

You’re ensuring your loved ones will be comforted, supported, loved, and cared for. Even if you can’t be the one to do it.

Pets are family too

Our pets are our family too, and in much the same vein, we should provide for their safety in any eventuality. If you weren’t there to decide what should happen to your pets, wouldn’t you wish you’d decided when you could? Essentially, choosing a cat/dog godparent gives you that opportunity.

Our pet insurance operations manager, Michelle Le Long, shares “enlisting a pet godparent may sound quirky, but it helps safeguard your furkids’ future.”

Having proper arrangements in place will ensure your furkid always has a safe space to turn to. Not only does this secure your pets’ future wellbeing, it but it also reduces pressure on animal shelters.

Appointing cat/dog godparents

A good starting point is to talk about ‘adoption’ with family and friends first. You may have someone in mind you feel would be willing and able to give your pet a soft landing. Talk to them about whether they feel comfortable becoming your cat or dog’s godparent.

Once you’ve found your fairy cat/dog godparent, concretise the arrangement. Plans like these should always be formal, not just implied. Because taking on a pet is a big responsibility which should be given its due respect.  

Likewise, if you’re someone who loves pets but doesn’t have your own, perhaps you might consider being a pet godparent. In many ways, the role of godparent is a privilege. It shows a level of trust, faith, and commitment in the godparent-to-be.

Building the bond with cat and dog godparents

Perhaps your pet’s already close with their godparent. If not, it’s a good idea to develop the bond they share as a ‘just in case’ measure. Ideally, your pet can get to know their intended godparent from a young age.

Knowing your pet is already comfortable with their god dad or mum is a great thing. Should they ever need to step in, your pet is less likely to experience fear or develop separation anxiety or OCD. Want to explore this a little more? Read about obsessive compulsive disorder in dogs and ‘is my dog afraid’.

When it comes to senior pet parents, having contingency plans in place for pets is a major boon. Definitely try to have your cat or dog spend regular bonding time with their godparent. For example, weekly walks, or regular playtime gives your pet a chance to feel ultra comfortable around their godparent. It’s also an outlet for their energy that offers you a chance for downtime.

As Le Long says, “death is inevitable. That’s why planning for it is part of our culture. Planning should cover every aspect of your pet’s care, too. Putting necessary measures in place means peace of mind knowing they’ll be provided for in your absence.”

Remember to include provisions for your pet as well as an instruction in your will. Read about your will and provisions for pets in more detail here.

Pet insurance is your pet’s assurance

Having cat or dog godparents is similar to having pet insurance. Pet insurance is about protecting your pet against the expected and the unforeseen. Which is why our affordable plans offer you financial support for many pet health costs, such as hospitalisation, vet tests and medication.