Home / Resource Center / A Plan for Your Pets

Resource Center

A Plan for Your Pets if Deported

The APA understands that pets are family. We know many are facing stress and uncertainty with immigration status or deportation. The APA can help keep people and pets together, often when they need each other most, or at least have a plan in place if that is no longer possible.  

Relocating With Your Pets

Rehoming Yourself

Check your destination country’s requirements. This may include, but is not limited to, vaccinations for your pet and a health certificate completed by a veterinarian. If you are flying, it is also important to check with your airline for their requirements. The APA’s wellness clinic can assist with vaccinations and health certificates. We can also help with airline-approved pet carriers. More information can be found here.

Keep Your Pet Out of Animal Shelters

Animal shelters are already full and they are stressful. Make sure your pet has a collar and ID tag with current phone numbers and address. If your pet becomes lost this can help someone return them to you without taking them to an animal shelter. You can also include a secondary phone number for a trusted caregiver. If you need assistance with a collar and ID tag for your pet the APA can help. Please fill out form below. 

Request a Pet ID

Tips for Planning for Your Pets

  • Identify a trusted person who can care for your pet in case of an emergency. Discuss with them in advance and clarify if they can provide long-term care or just short-term emergency care.  
  • Designate this caregiver in writing. You may wish to state that ownership of your pet transfers to them in case of an emergency. Place this somewhere easy to see and give your caregiver a copy with a current photo of your pet. It can also be good to include their contact information in case someone else enters your home and finds your pet.  
  • Have written instructions for your pet’s needs:  
    • The type and amount of food they eat.  
    • Medications they take and instructions.  
    • Vet records and contact information for their veterinarian.  
    • Name and age of your pet.  
    • Any additional information that would be helpful.  
  • If you are able, provide your trusted caregiver financial assistance to help with pet food and other expenses.  

The APA may be able to assist with supplies or vet care to help people and pets affected by deportation. Click here to learn more.

If you must make the difficult decision to rehome your pet, there is additional information for you here. Or you can fill out the following form.