Every year, people pass away without a will, or intestate, leaving their loved ones to navigate uncertainty during an already difficult time. Without an estate plan in place, there are often no clear instructions for the care of family members or beloved pets. As a result, pets may be surrendered to shelters or rehomed without regard to their long-term well-being. These risks are even greater for unmarried couples, as unmarried partners typically have no automatic legal rights, leaving both the surviving partner and their fur-babies particularly vulnerable.
Since COVID-19, pet adoptions have surged, but also, unfortunately, so have owner surrenders. In many cases, these surrenders stem from inadequate planning for a pet’s care after an owner’s death. But what if there was a way to ensure your fur-baby is provided for and loved, even after you pass?
Estate Planning can help to plan for pets when you are gone. You sleep with them, eat with them, bring them everywhere with you, so it only makes sense to plan for them as if they were our own flesh and blood. In the United States, Pets are increasingly thought of as part of the household, and modern estate planning has begun to reflect that.
A trust is an effective tool used in estate planning. While trusts are often associated with avoiding probate or managing assets for children, they can also be used to create financial security for pets. A pet trust allows you to set aside funds specifically for your animal’s care and designate a trusted guardian to carry out your wishes.
According to the ASPCA, more than 5.8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year, many due to the financial or emotional inability to care for them. Guardians can quickly become overwhelmed by the cost of veterinary care, food, and ongoing wellness expenses, especially when they are uncompensated and without guidance. Caretakers may be left asking: Where does the money come from to pay for your pet as they age?
By establishing a pet trust, you can provide financial support to the person caring for your pet, ensuring they have the resources needed as your animal ages. This clarity helps reduce uncertainty, prevents hardship, and gives peace of mind that your pet will receive the same level of care you would have provided.
For those deeply committed to animal welfare, you may wish to reflect that in your estate plan. Charitable contributions to animal shelters or other animal care and preservation organizations can help ensure that pets left without care after their owners’ deaths still receive much-needed support. These charitable gifts may be implemented through charitable trusts or gifting via your estate plan.
Regardless of marital status or family structure, an estate plan can help protect and provide clarity for loved ones, including your fur-babies, left behind after you pass. Planning ahead ensures they remain safe, cared for, and loved, just as they deserve.
If you have questions about protecting your loved ones through estate planning, our team would be happy to assist you.
