Need to get admitted to inpatient but have no one to care for my animals

[Broken_flipflop]

I have lived in this country for a decade, but I have only a couple of acquaintances. I am very isolated. My dog and cat are everything to me; they are like support animals. My dog has actually stopped my panic attacks before by stepping on my chest while I was hyperventilating. I know I need to check into an inpatient hospital to deal with complex grief. I have suffered from suicidal ideation since I was a teen, and the isolation here has made it stronger. But this past week, my father, whom I adored, took his own life. I am compartmentalising it at the moment, but I am not sure how I can survive it. So I know the right thing to do is get to a facility.

Luckily, I have been keeping low-level private insurance to upgrade in case of this. I have no income but have carried this cost because I knew I might need to use it soon. But now, I have to figure out how I can go for 2-3 weeks with my pets having no one to care for them. What are safe and low-cost ways for my most precious pets to be cared for? Does anyone know of a community service that could help or a pet sitting service that isn't really expensive? I don't necessarily want people in my house while I am gone, but if I have to, how can I make sure that it is safe? Thanks, I am hoping that asking the community will take a level of anxiety away so I can focus on just getting admitted. There has to be a way. 

[Ru-bee]

Hi @Broken_flipflop and welcome to the forums.

Firstly, I just want to say how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Even having the presence of mind to be able to take these steps in reaching out while this is still so very fresh shows such resilience that's you've been able to tap into, even if just for a short while.

In terms of getting support for your pets while you are away, it depends which state you are in. In SA there is Safe Pets Safe Families who offer emergency short term care of pets. Pet Rescue also has a form (see here) you can send in requesting support and they will contact you with resources. Another option is Pets of the Homeless, who operate in Vic. On their website they state: "Nobody should be forced to stay in a violent situation, delay medical care or live on the streets rather than give up their best friend. That’s why we arrange as well as fund temporary care for pets in need through our Safe Shelter program. We provide care for the  pets as their person focuses on getting back on their feet, reuniting them when their situation improves."

I hope one of these is able to assist you and give you the ability to get the support you need while knowing that your pets are being taken care of. Let us know how you get on and if you need more possible resources

[AlwaysMyself]

Hi @Broken_flipflop , 

Sorry to hear for your loss and the pain that brings with it. Glad you are looking for ways to provide yourself with the support and help you require.

In addition to the ideas from Ru-bee, I would also suggest asking the hospital (admin staff or intake clinicians) about this, because they may also know what organisations can help with pet-minding, as well as if there is any ability for the hospital to accommodate you with your pets for a psych admission. 

Depending on how trustworthy your local community is, there may be a social media group where you could ask if anyone is willing to pet-sit whilst you are in hospital. I would naturally be nervous of a stranger, but if it was a friend of a friend (and my friend vouched for them) or someone who was long-term well-respected in the local animal community, then for myself I would feel more comfortable.

How are you doing today?