For many people, pets are cherished members of the family. A Pet Trust allows you to create a legally enforceable plan for their care if you become incapacitated or after your death.
A Pet Trust may identify the person you would like to care for your pets, name a trustee to manage the funds provided for their benefit, and include detailed instructions concerning food, housing, veterinary care, grooming, exercise, daily routines, and end-of-life decisions. It can also identify alternate caregivers and state how any funds remaining after the death of the last surviving pet should be distributed.
A Pet Trust may be included within a Revocable Living Trust or created as a separate stand-alone trust. It offers greater protection than simply leaving money directly to a caregiver because the funds are held and administered specifically for the animals’ care.