Add Your Pets to Your Will
Have you ever thought about what would happen to your pets if you were no longer around to take care of them. Yes, I know this is a sad thought, but unfortunately it is a very real concern for many people, as their pets are family. An increasing number of pet owners are including their pets in their wills to provide for them long-term. I have experienced this in practice a few times, where dogs come in with a ‘caretaker’ and are treated according to the guidelines of a will or their trust.
Surprisingly this is not a new concept as pet trusts were recognized by English common law back in 1842. The legal system has changed a bit since then, so it is important to keep a few things in mind when planning for your pet's future needs in your absence.
1. Identify a Caretaker for your pet that you think loves your pet almost as much as you do. Discuss your wishes for your pet with this person, as well as your lawyer. Set aside funds to be used according to your wishes that will be supported by state or local law.
2. Carry an Animal Card in your wallet. This will alert medical personnel that you have a pet at home that will need care in the even that you are unable to tell them yourself. This card should have your pets name, breed, color and your veterinarians contact information on it.
3. Discuss with you estate attorney the yearly budget for your pet, as well as its standard of care; for example: How often it should be fed and what brands of food. How often your pet should be walked, how many physical exams it should get per year. How often it should be groomed. Living conditions (indoors/outdoors). And lastly what should be done with any excess funds in the event that your pet passes prior to using all the money you left for its care.
--Dr. Hamilton
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Dr. Hamilton is an oncology resident at Michigan State's Animal Cancer Care Clinic and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.
Diane Pinkard on March 10, 2009 at 12:36 PM
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sandy valencia on April 14, 2009 at 11:14 AM
What % of people include their pets in their wills..
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Courtney on July 26, 2010 at 05:02 AM
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joesen on December 24, 2010 at 10:31 PM
Identify a Caretaker for your pet that you think loves your pet almost as much as you do. Discuss your wishes for your pet with this person, as well as your lawyer. Set aside funds to be used according to your wishes that will be supported by state or local law.