There are many factors you must consider when planning your estate. Of course, there is the entire matter of distributing your assets and outlining your last wishes. But if you are a pet owner, including your pet in the estate plan is another thing you should never forget.
Ensuring your family, including your pets, is well taken care of can give you peace of mind for the future. Here are some important tips for estate planning with pets in consideration.
Consider a pet trust
The law considers pets as personal property. In your will, you can specify who gets your pet after you pass. However, traditional wills primarily handle estate distribution, and advance directives regarding your pet’s care might not be enforceable.
This is why you should consider a pet trust, which can include your last wishes pertaining to your pet. You can name a caregiver to take in your pet after you pass and outline specific instructions regarding your pet’s diet, exercise, vet care and so on.
An experienced estate planning attorney can help you create this specific type of trust and make sure it is legally sound according to Pennsylvania law.
Choose a reliable caregiver
Take the time to decide who among your loved ones you trust the most to take care of your beloved pet. Your chosen caregiver can be a family member, a friend or even a neighbor, but the most important thing is that they are highly likely to care for your pet properly.
It is also crucial not to spring this responsibility on your caregiver. Make sure you talk to them before creating the trust. Doing so will help ensure that they are able and willing to give your pet the best care possible.
Leave money for your pet’s care
In your pet trust, you can also designate a specific amount of money that will go toward your pet’s care. The funds will go to the caregiver, who will, under legal obligation, use the money to pay for your pet’s needs.
Ensure a good future for your pet
When planning your estate, one of the first goals is to secure your family’s future, and that includes your animal family members. While your loved ones may adopt your pet even without a trust, creating a plan for your pet can help you rest easy knowing they will be in good hands no matter what.
