While most people know it’s possible to set up a trust for their children and other beneficiaries, many may not know they can set one up for their pets. By setting up a pet trust, you can legally determine how your beloved pets will be cared for physically and financially after you’re gone. Learn more about the process in the below guide.

How to Create a Pet Trust

Why You Need One 

Because you can’t legally leave money, life insurance payouts, or property to a pet, the best way to make sure they’re cared for after your death is to set up a trust.

This way you can make sure there is always money for your pet’s food, daily care, grooming, and vet bills rather than trusting that someone in your family will automatically take on the responsibility when you can no longer provide care. You can also use the trust to lay out the end of life treatments you prefer when your pet passes away.

How to Establish It

You’ll need an estate planning attorney to draft the document, as well as a designated trustee to handle your affairs. When structuring the trust, consider the level of care you expect your pet to receive, potential caregivers, their life expectancy, how much money you think will be necessary for their care, and what you’d like to have done with any remaining money after your pet passes away.

Consider specifying that the trust should take effect before your death should you become incapacitated so your pet always has proper care. You should also include your pet’s microchip number in the document to ensure the funds cannot be used fraudulently.

Get the help you need establishing a pet trust by contacting the estate planning attorneys at Ng & Niebling in Honolulu, HI. This law firm has been serving clients on the Big Island for more than 40 years, which means they have the experience to understand the complex legal processes involved in drafting documents. They are also fully equipped to provide you with compassionate and helpful legal advice for every situation. Find out more about the practice online or set your first appointment by calling (808) 732-7788.