In this book, we cover a range of options to provide for our pets' future under such circumstances when we are no longer mentally or physically able to take care of them. We also discuss a number of related topics, such as pet retirement homes, pre-planning after-death arrangements for pets, and working around special problems associated with exotic pets. Pets are becoming more important in our lives. This is borne out by recent research, which shows that 75% of American dog owners view their animals as family members and more than 50% of cat owners feel the same. About 20% of pet owners have actually changed romantic relationships because of disputes over pets. Nearly 40% of pet owners carry pet pictures in their wallets and more than 30% have taken time off work because of sick pets. A majority of pet dogs and cats sleep indoors,