Don’t Forget Fido: Planning for Pets in Your Estate Plan
If you’re like most pet owners, your furry (or feathered or scaly) companions are more than just animals—they’re family. You make sure they’re fed, exercised, loved, and cared for every day. But have you considered who would take care of them if something happened to you?
Estate planning isn’t just about money or real estate. It’s also about making sure the things you love—including your pets—are protected. Here’s why it’s essential to include your pets in your estate plan and how to do it thoughtfully.
Why Estate Planning for Pets Matters
Pets are legally considered personal property in most jurisdictions. That means without a plan, your beloved animal could be treated like any other possession—possibly rehomed, surrendered to a shelter, or even euthanized—depending on your family dynamics and local resources.
By proactively planning, you ensure:
- Your pet is placed with someone you trust
- There’s funding for their care
- Your wishes for their quality of life are honored
1. Choose a Caregiver You Trust
The first step is deciding who you’d want to care for your pet if you couldn’t. This could be a family member, friend, or neighbor. It’s important to:
- Talk with them beforehand. Make sure they’re willing and able to take on the responsibility.
- Name backups. Life is unpredictable. It’s wise to name at least one or two alternate caregivers.
2. Include Pet Care Instructions in Your Will or Trust (And Power of Attorney)
Your will can name a pet guardian and leave them money for your pet’s care, but it only takes effect after your death. If you become incapacitated, your will won’t help. So be sure that your power of attorney also includes instructions for your pets.
You can also consider a pet trust. A pet trust can:
- Take effect during your life or after death
- Appoint a trustee to manage funds
- Provide detailed instructions for care (diet, routines, vet preferences)
- Ensure funds are used solely for your pet’s needs
3. Set Aside Funds for Your Pet’s Needs
Caring for a pet can be expensive, especially for animals with medical conditions or long lifespans. When deciding how much to leave, consider:
- Veterinary care
- Grooming
- Food and supplies
- Boarding or pet-sitting services
A pet trust is one way to do this. But sometimes it can be as simple as allocating a certain amount of money in your Will to your pet caregiver. We can help you make the right choice.
4. Plan for Emergencies
What if you’re hospitalized or suddenly unable to return home? Consider a temporary pet care plan, such as:
- Carrying a wallet card that alerts responders to your pets at home
- Leaving care instructions and contact info for a pet sitter or emergency contact
- Posting a notice on your door (inside and outside) indicating pets are inside
Our clients with pets can ask for a wallet card and notice with their estate planning documents.
5. Make It Legal and Keep It Updated
Like every part of an estate plan, your pet provisions should be formalized with an attorney and reviewed periodically. Update the documents if:
- You get a new pet
- Your chosen caregiver becomes unavailable
- Your pet’s needs or health change
Final Thoughts
Our pets give us unconditional love and joy—it’s only fair we return the favor by planning for their future. Including them in your estate plan ensures they’ll continue to be cared for, even if you’re not around to do it yourself.
So whether your companion is a cat, dog, parrot, or bearded dragon, it’s time to ask yourself: Who will care for them if I can’t?
A little planning today can mean a lifetime of love and security for your loyal friend tomorrow.
Want help getting started with pet planning as part of your estate plan? Reach out to a qualified estate planning attorney who can guide you through your options—and help ensure every member of your family is protected. If you live in Colorado, we can provide you with a complimentary planning checklist for your pets. Just reach out and ask.
