Also for Pet Lovers - Provisions in Will?

scfr · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 11:25 AM

Pet owners, have you thought about what would happen to your beloved pets if they outlived you? Have you made provisions for them?

When we updated our wills last summer, my husband & I made a provision for a "Pet Trust" to be established, named the people who would take physical custody of our pet(s) and who would administer the trust, and directed any funds remaining after our pet(s) die be left to a charity.

Our lawyer said not many people do this but that it is a good idea, especially if you don't want your pets to be a financial burden on the person who will care for them after you die.

PRICEPLUS · #2 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 12:28 PM

I never gave it a thought! My Bad! I shall make plans to have someone take care of Mikey should something happen to us!

Joan.of.the.Arch · #3 (**permalink**) 01-01-2007, 12:37 PM

I would most likely tell anyone who asked me to be guardian to their pet to please ask someone else. If it were a case ethey were currently dyin, I'd say yes. BUt it were my healthier than me brother or sister or friend, I'd ask them to check with someone else first.

I do not expect to have any more pets myself, so I'm unlikely to have to make provision, but I surely agree that pet owners need to have a plan.

shelbylovesmelby · #4 (**permalink**) 01-04-2007, 07:05 AM

Never thought about it. Though we're still young so I think we'll easily out live our pets.

pearlieq · #5 (**permalink**) 01-04-2007, 08:52 AM

We're planning on a pet care trust in our wills. If we were to both pass on part of our assets would be diverted to a trust to pay for their care until the end of their lives. We've got a guardian and a back-up, just in case.

nanamom · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2007, 10:11 AM

First of all, young or not, you never know when it is your time. We used to have an ancient dog that helped raise our grown kids. I always left instructions that she go to our daughter in the advent of our demise. Now with an active young dog and a kitten we've had to change our plans. Our Pastor will take care of them. I don't think either of our grown kids are in a position to take or provide for them so we are leaving it up to our Pastor who is also our best friend and an animal lover.