Estate Planning to Protect Your Pets

What happens if you don't have a plan to care for your pets after you die? Pets are considered property which means you cannot leave money to your pet for its care. If you have a will, your pet will go to your residuary beneficiary. If you don't have a will, your pet (along with all your other possessions) will be distributed according to the laws of your state. Don't leave your pet's fate up to your state.

A pet trust creates a legal obligation to care for your pet (as you detail), provide accountability for the money that you leave to care for the pet, and allows you to set up a plan for your pet that will take effect if you should die before your pet.

What happens if you don't have someone you trust to leave your pet with? There are options available that allow you to leave your pet with a trustworthy caretaker such as a veterinary school program, private animal sanctuary, or rescue organization.