Is your dog, cat, bird, or other pet the most important thing in your life? Do you worry about what will happen to your pet when you pass away? You can create a “Pet Trust” as part of your estate plan to protect your pet.
When you create your living trust you can include a Pet Trust to provide for your pet. You can also designate the person you want to be your pet’s caregiver when you pass. And you can include any monetary compensation you wish to leave your caregiver for your pet’s expenses. By creating a pet trust, you ensure your pet will be taken care of by the right person in the right way.
It’s important to include the following information when creating your Pet Trust:
- The name and address of your caregiver;
- The amount of monetary compensation to go to the caregiver for your pet’s expenses;
- Specific instructions regarding care and feeding for your pet;
- Detailed information identifying your pet (including microchip or DNA info, or license registration records);
- Instructions for the trustee to regularly inspect the pet to prevent fraud by the caregiver;
- Directions for what should be done with your pet’s ashes or body when it dies.
How specific should you be in describing your pet’s care and maintenance?
Detailed instructions are best to ensure your pet receives the care it deserves. Base your instructions on your knowledge of your pet and its food preferences, exercise/play routines, housing needs, and vet care.
If a pet trust is not right for you, there are other options:
- A conditional bequest where you give money to a specific person, with the condition that the
money be used for your pet’s care; - Instructions to your trustee or executor to make the decisions regarding who will be your pet’s caregiver and the care and feeding instructions for your pet.
Estate Planning Services
For more information on preparing a living trust, including pet trusts, contact Estate Planning Attorney, Eric A. Rudolph, at (760) 673-7600 or schedule an estate planning consultation.
