What options are available to a pet owner to be sure the pet is cared for in the event of the owner’s death?
“When an animal’s owner passes away, the animal will pass through the decedent’s estate as personal property, just as would a lamp, a couch, or a bedroom set. As such, the ongoing ownership of the animal should be addressed in the animal owner’s Last Will and Testament. “When planning for the ongoing care of an animal, the typical documents established are a Will and/or a Trust. The Will must leave the ownership of the animal to the proper party. The Will may also leave a lump sum to be distributed along with the ownership of the animal. In that case, the ongoing care of the animal is not monitored, and the management of the lump sum left for care is also not overseen. It is also possible to create a trust within a Will to address all issues of ongoing animal care.
