It’s important to arrange for someone to care for your pet(s) and to specify that in your estate plan. Sadly, a significant number of domestic pets are unwittingly condemned to death or abandonment because their owners did not know—and were not well advised—to make arrangements for them.
You can set aside money to offset the care/feeding of your pet. You can also specify that your pet will require care if you are moving to a retirement community that does not allow for pets. You need to specify the person to care for your pets just as you would specify guardianship for a child. Don’t assume that friends, children or family will automatically come forward.
A friend of mine inherited her mother’s tortoises when she died. Tortoises can live upwards of 150 years. These animals may well need a plan B and Plan C given their unusually long lifespans. There is no guarantee that my friend’s daughter will want to take over the care of the tortoises in the future.
Another friend’s parents recently informed her that they have new “parents” for their beloved Havanese, Lily, should anything happen to them. My friend was relieved to hear it. Her parents are in their 70s and their dog is only 2 years old with a potential 14-16 year life span. My friend was concerned about what might happen to the furry “grandchild” in the event that her parents couldn’t care for her or moved to a retirement community that did not allow pets. My friend was reluctant to bring it up, so it was a great relief for her to find out that her parents had already considered their options and specified a new “forever” home for Lily.
Your local Humane Society may have a program designed to care for pets to make sure they are adopted and not euthanized. This is a terrific option for people who do not have someone who can take on their pets. The shelter will care for your pet until a new home can be found. The Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) has such a program locally. The North Shore Animal League located in New York also has a program and will take your pet regardless of where you live. These sorts of programs can require donations or fees for animal transport, so do your research and make sure you have a plan for your four-legged or winged friend.
You can put your wishes in your will, trust, or even prepare a pet trust (make sure that you specify pet care also in your power of attorney for property). It does not have to be anything elaborate, but you should have a plan for your pets so that they will have someone to care for them when and if you are no longer able to do so.