Pets cannot inherit. Pet trusts legal all 50 states.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Choose caretaker — Willing, able
- Choose alternate
- Create pet trust — Trustee, caretaker, instructions, funding
- Fund trust — Food, vet, grooming, meds x lifespan
- Detailed instructions — Feeding, exercise, medical, end-of-life
- Include in will — Reference trust (will alone is request only)
- Remainder beneficiary
- Pet protection agreement — For incapacitation
- Inform all parties
- Update regularly
Common Mistakes
- Will alone not enforceable
- Not discussing with caretaker
- Under-funding
- No alternate
- Not updating
Pro Tips
- Trust = LEGAL obligation; will = REQUEST
- Dogs $1,500-3,000/yr, cats $1,000-2,000/yr
- Include caretaker funds
- ASPCA/Best Friends resources
- Attorney trust $500-1,500