Over a Half a Million Pets are Euthanized Every Year
What will happen to your pet if you die or become disabled?
Have you seriously considered what will become of your faithful companion – your beloved pet – upon your death or disability? If not, now is the time. If you don’t have a plan that quickly and easily provides for your pet’s food, shelter, and care, please keep reading.
One of the main goals of estate planning is to provide for your loved ones, and for many of us, “loved ones” includes our pets. While you can always ask a friend or relative to look out for your pet, they aren’t legally obligated to unless you set up an estate plan for this.
The specific estate planning method you use will depend on your pet’s needs, goals, and financial resources. Working together, you can plan for the best method to ensure that your pet will continue to have a quality life.
Consider these frequently asked questions and be sure to ask your attorney for more details. Don’t wait until it’s too late …
Can I provide for my pet in my estate plan?
Yes. However, even though you consider your pet as a companion and devoted friend, legally, your pet is ‘personal property’ – and is not given the status of a person. That makes it critical to choose the right planning method. You could provide for your pet in your last will and testament or by creating a trust.
Isn’t my will the easiest place to plan for the care of my pet?
Even though it may seem ‘easy’ to include a bequest for your pet within your will, it may not be the best approach. Why? Because your will must go through probate before it takes effect. This can be time consuming and uncertain, and your pet will need immediate attention. Your pet is not like your spouse, adult children or your siblings – they can take care of themselves until the probate process is complete.
But since your pet needs food, water, shelter, and love every day, this may not be the best way to provide for your pet.. During probate, your pet’s care, or even ownership, can be in jeopardy. So, while you may want to include provisions in your will for your pet, first consider other methods. Many people are now using a ‘trust’ to provide funds and direction for the care of their pet. Establishing a trust for the benefit of a pet is specifically authorized under Florida Statute 736.0408 Trust For Care Of An Animal (2009).
How does setting up a trust help me provide for my pet?
Unlike a will that is subject to the probate process, a trust becomes effective immediately upon the terms outlined in your trust – usually death or disability. Your trust specifies the details concerning the care and control of your pet, as well as making funds available. Your trust can also give specific directions about the daily care, medical attention, physical control, and even burial of your pet.
What is a trust and how does it work to provide for the care of my pet?
A trust is a legal entity set up to accomplish a particular purpose. You and your attorney will outline the specifics that detail when and under what circumstances the trust will take effect. This includes how the trust will be funded, who will be the trustee, successor trustee, beneficiary, and caretaker, and how the trustee or caretaker will manage your pet and the funds for your pet.
You want your loving pet to be fed, cared for, and to receive medical attention. You may also want to designate funds for pet insurance, or even to enforce the trust. In your trust, you can also leave real property for housing your beloved companion.
How much should I leave for the care of my pet?
You and your attorney will work together to evaluate the factors that influence this decision. You need to consider your finances, your pet, and the amount of care that will likely be involved for the pet’s anticipated lifespan. Obviously, providing for the care of some pets will be more expensive than for others. If your pet is an elderly dog, you will not need to designate as much as you would for a young horse.