By: Bridgette E. Becker,Esq.- bridgette@elvilleassociates.com, 443-393-7696
Did you know you can provide for your pets after you have passed away? Approximately 60% of households in the United States currently own at least one pet. Although many people may make informal agreements with family members or friends to care for their pets if they become incapacitated or pass away, we can now set up pet-specific trusts to care for them when you are no longer able to care for them yourself.
Estate planning attorneys draft Pet Trusts to ensure that your pets can be cared for pursuant to your wishes. Pet Trusts can be very extensive and may include provisions setting forth appointment of caretakers as well as guidelines for caretakers and care of your pets. These guidelines could include provisions addressing adoption or re-homing of pets, veterinary care, diet, or address any other wishes or concerns you may have regarding your pets when you are no longer able to care for them. Pet Trusts may be funded during your lifetime or at your death, depending on your preference. Finally, do not worry if you are unsure of how many pets you may have in the future when you may need a Pet Trust, these trusts can easily be drafted to include any pets you may have at the time of administration of the Pet Trust.