How to Protect Pets with Estate Planning

How to Protect Pets with Estate Planning- Just as you don’t need to be wealthy to have a trust, you also don’t need to be rich to protect pets with a pet trust. Without any formal estate planning, your beloved cat Luna or dog Cooper could easily end up in a shelter, where senior animals are often overlooked in favor of puppies and kittens. This can be avoided with the use of a pet trust, as explained in a recent article from The Street, “Think about what will happen to your pets after you’re gone.”

Here's why a pet trust matters. An informal agreement among family members that someone will take your pet may or may not be followed. If your granddaughter develops allergies, no matter how devoted the family is, your beloved cat may find themselves re-homed or given to a shelter. Even the best shelter is confusing and terrifying for an animal used to a loving home.

A legally enforceable pet trust sets aside funds for the care of pets after the owner’s death or in case of incapacity. A detailed plan will help the trustee—the person in charge of the trust and the funds—and the guardian—the caretaker—work together to protect the pet.

Longevity is a key factor in devising a plan. Most dogs live around 13 years, although smaller breeds live longer than larger breeds. Cats live around 14 years on average, and some birds, like cockatoos, can live 50 to 70 years. Turtles live even longer. The type of pet will determine how much money needs to be set aside in a pet trust. Figure out the annual cost of care by the expected remaining years in the pet’s life. Most people leave between $5,000 and $10,000 per year.

An experienced estate planning attorney will know how to draft a pet trust in keeping with your state’s laws. You’ll need to appoint a trustee to manage assets and ensure funds are appropriately used. A caregiver will be in charge of daily care, housing, feeding, medical attention, and companionship. Care instructions should be as detailed as possible and include contact information for the veterinarian as well as info on diet, medical needs, and routines.

Some owners add end-of-life instructions, including palliative care, major medical interventions, and yes, final arrangements.

Outline your preferred investment strategy for funds in the trust and specify the duration and distribution of the trust. How long will the trust remain in effect, and what do you want to happen with the remaining balance of funds once the pet dies? Leaving a legacy to a local animal shelter is an option to consider, although you may want to leave the funds to the caregiver and trustee.

Speak with the people you want to be the trustee and guardian to be sure they are willing and able to take on these roles. Always name a successor trustee and guardian in case the primary choices change their minds, move, or can’t serve. Remember, you cannot leave money directly to a pet, although you may leave assets in trust to provide for their care.

While you can put your instructions for your pet in a will, they aren’t as enforceable as a pet trust. A family or friend isn’t required to follow directions the same way a trustee is. Talk with your estate planning attorney about providing continuity of care, peace of mind, and a safeguard for your animal companions.

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How to Protect Pets with Estate Planning

Reference: The Street (September 25, 2025) “Think about what will happen to your pets after you’re gone”