The United States is a nation of pet lovers. We pamper our animals, shower them with affection, treat them like members of the family and grieve for them when they die. What we don’t do is plan for when we won’t be there to care for them. That oversight could be a death sentence for adored animal companions left alone by an owner’s illness or demise.

“Many of the pets that are in shelters are there because their owners became ill, went into a nursing home, or died without making plans for their care,” said Lisa Rogak, author of “PerPETual Care: Who Will Look After Your Pet If You’re Not Around?” (Litterature Inc.). “And without a plan in place, the majority of these much loved, healthy, animals are euthanized.”

In a study by the Buehler Center on Aging at Northwestern University, researchers found that dying before your pet is a problem many elderly people ignore. Fewer than 2 percent of those surveyed had made legal provisions for funds to support the pet. Most participants assumed a family member or neighbor would take care of their pet after the owner’s death. Animal experts call that assumption the ultimate pet owner denial.

“In reality, pets may end up at overextended animal shelters, where they will be put down if not adopted within a certain amount of time,” Rogak said. “As awful as it sounds, that’s a good outcome. I’ve seen pets abandoned, dumped and worse.”

Older pets with an illness or need for special care were at greater risk.

“Some shelters won’t even take older animals, and if they do, the chances for adoption are not good,” said Patricia Kauffman, manager of the Humane Society of the United States’ Humane Legacy program.

To help pet owners prepare for the unexpected, the Humane Society has compiled a comprehensive kit, “Providing for Your Pet’s Future Without You.” The kit includes forms and sample language to help design a will and other estate plans to provide financially for your pet, as well as outlining possibilities for future care.

Options include finding a permanent caretaker or making arrangements with a pet retirement home or sanctuary that specializes in long-term pet care. A few veterinary schools in the United States, including Purdue and Texas A&M, have perpetual pet care programs, but the price tag can be high.

Purdue’s Peace of Mind program, for example, asks pet owners to pledge $25,000 per animal. After the owner’s death, the school finds a suitable home for the pet. The money covers the pet’s lifetime care. Any money remaining after the pet dies is donated to the school.