For many of us, pets are family. But have you considered what would happen to your dog, cat, or other pet if you became incapacitated or passed away?
For California pet owners, estate planning can include provisions specifically designed to protect pets and provide for their future care.
Why Simply Naming Someone May Not Be Enough
You may have a family member or friend who has promised to care for your pet. That’s a good start, but circumstances can change.
A thoughtful estate plan can provide more detailed instructions about:
- Who should care for your pet
- Who should serve as a backup caregiver
- How veterinary and everyday expenses should be paid
- Your pet’s medications and health needs
- Food, exercise, grooming, and boarding
- Special routines or other care preferences
Planning ahead is especially important if you have multiple pets, an older animal, or a pet with significant medical or behavioral needs.
How Does a Pet Trust Work in California?
California law allows you to create a trust for the care of an animal.
A pet trust can set aside funds specifically for your pet’s care and provide instructions for how those funds should be used. You can name a caregiver to look after your pet and a trustee to manage the money. Your plan can also address what should happen to any funds remaining after your pet’s death, such as distributing them to family members or a favorite charity.
Choosing the Right Pet Caregiver
Choosing your pet’s caregiver is one of the most important decisions.
Consider whether the person:
- Is willing to accept the responsibility
- Has a home and lifestyle suitable for your pet
- Can handle your pet’s physical and medical needs
- Gets along well with your pet
- Is likely to be available when needed
It’s also wise to name one or more backup caregivers in case your first choice cannot serve.
Most importantly, talk with your chosen caregiver now rather than assuming they will be able to take your pet.
How Much Should You Leave for Your Pet?
Consider your pet’s age, life expectancy, health, and lifestyle when deciding how much money should be available for care. Expenses may include food, veterinary care, medications, grooming, boarding, pet sitting, insurance, and other ongoing needs. The goal isn’t necessarily to leave a large amount of money. It’s to create a realistic plan that gives your chosen caregiver the resources needed to provide the level of care you want for your pet.
Include Your Pets in Your Estate Plan
At Lungu Law Group, a Long Beach estate planning firm, we help families plan for everyone who depends on them—including their pets.
Whether you are creating a new estate plan or reviewing an existing trust, we can help you incorporate appropriate provisions for your pets so the people you trust know who should care for them, how their care should be funded, and what you want to happen if you can no longer care for them yourself.
Contact our Long Beach estate planning office to learn more about including pet care provisions in your California estate plan.
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice.