For many people, their pets are like family members, but all too often are forgotten when it comes to estate planning.

Clients spend a lot of time thinking about who to leave their assets to, but don’t pay much attention to what will happen if they outlive their pets or become too ill to care for them. Too often, this leads to pets being placed in shelters or getting euthanized. A little bit of careful planning can make all the difference. 

Pet care in a time of crisis

Name the caretakers

Planning for the future care of your pet doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive. It can be as simple as adding a few paragraphs to your will or trust describing who you want to care for your pets once you have passed away. In our office, we include language also giving such caretaker your pet’s personal items, such as his favorite bed and toys, prescriptions, food, carriers, and other items that will be important to its new owner.

Sometimes clients will include a gift for the person who takes in their pet to help offset the cost of ongoing care. It need not be tens of thousands of dollars. The amount, if you chose to set aside any funds, will depend on the size of your estate, the needs of your other beneficiaries, the age and health of your pet, and the level of care you feel your pet will need. The goal is to be sure that your pet will be loved and cared for after you are gone.

Note that pet trusts are allowed in most states, but most clients do not require such elaborate planning for their pets.  If you plan to leave a large amount of money aside for your pets, certainly discuss the option of a pet trust with your attorney. 

An unexpected medical stay

But what happens if you are still alive, but simply unable to care for your pets? What if you have an extended stay in the hospital or rehab facility? What if you need to move to an assisted living facility, but they don’t allow pets?

Remember, your will won’t take effect until you pass away. At Cane & Boniface P.C., we also include relevant language in your power of attorney, as well.  A power of attorney is an important legal document that allows you to name individuals you trust to act as your agent for financial and other personal matters (other than making health care decisions for you). 

If you are ill and cannot care for your pet, your power of attorney can find a temporary or permanent home for your pet. Your agent can also be sure that the veterinarian bills get paid and pet prescriptions get filled.  

Care and feeding

Your pet will need to adjust to a new home, even if it is just temporary, and will miss you, so making the transition as seamless as possible is important. Be sure to provide important information about your pet for a new or temporary caretaker. 

• Who is your pet’s veterinarian?
• Does your pet take any prescription medication? 
• Is your pet allergic to any foods or medications?
• Does your pet prefer or require a specific food? 
• Do you have a preferred pet-sitter or walker?
• Does your pet sleep in a crate, or in your bedroom?
• Does your pet get scared during thunderstorms or fireworks?  

Pet Cards

At Cane & Boniface P.C., we also provide our clients with wallet cards for their pets. If you live alone with your pets and are suddenly hospitalized, will anyone remember to check on your pets? Feed them? Family members who don’t live close by might be so distraught or caught up in your care that they may not remember you have a pet at home. Neighbors may not even realize you haven’t been home. 

A pet card lets first responders or medical staff know that you have a pet at home who is in need of attention. The card includes the names and phone numbers of individuals who can be notified of the situation. Of course, ask these individuals in advance if you can list them as emergency contacts. They should know how to access your home in case of an emergency so that they check on your pets or bring them into their own home. You need not give them a key or the garage door code but let them know a person they can call who can let them into your home.  

Our pets provide unconditional love and support to us and making sure they are cared for is one way we can show them our unconditional love and support. Knowing your pets are in good hands will give you peace of mind.