MAKE OUT A WILL AT ONCE!

Your Samoyed is as much your responsibility as the rest of your family. Should disaster strike your home, know where he will be placed, fed and loved. Dogs have been known to starve when owners suddenly died. They were forgotten in the tragedy and nobody was informed to take over and see that they were fed and cared for. Make it known in writing who will receive your pet and see that a substantial sum is set aside for their care. See that this is in ready cash, they will need it!!

When an owner suddenly dies and no previous arrangements have been made for care of the dog then there typically three options for legally transferring ownership.

1. If possible, locate the dog’s breeder as many breeders maintain co-ownership via the puppy contract and will either take the dog back or work to find the dog a new home. Breeder information may be found on paperwork the owner kept, though veterinary (puppy) records or through microchip registration. It must be confirmed that the breeder has a contractual right to the dog before it is transferred.
2. The executor of the estate can transfer ownership of the dog via probate.
3. The dog may be surrendered to the local animal shelter. The dog will be held for some period of time as specified by the jurisdiction to ensure no legal owner comes forward (typically a week or two). Once this time has elapsed the dog can be legally adopted out to new owners. Some shelters will allow for the dog to be fostered during the wait period rather than held at the shelter.