Estate planning ensures that the proper distribution of your assets will happen after you pass away. It can also put plans in place for caring for family members—including pets. As you prepare to generate your will or complete similar activities, below are a few options for ensuring your pet has adequate care.

How to Add a Pet to a Will

Legally, you cannot leave any money to an animal. However, you can allocate funds in your estate to an individual for the cost of caring for a pet. During the estate planning process, you must designate an owner for the pet. You can also leave them a sum of money, and indicate that you’d like it to go towards care for the animal.

Ideally, the funds you leave will go towards veterinary bills, food, and any other supplies the animal needs, such as grooming and toys. However, you should know that leaving this money to an individual does not legally force them to use it for the care of the pet. You should choose someone who you believe will do so anyway.

Setting Up a Pet Trust

Another estate planning tool for covering pet care is a trust. While these arrangements are more complex, they are legally binding and ensure your pet will get the necessary attention. A pet trust allows you to appoint a specific caregiver, leave a sum of money which must go towards care for the animal, and provide details about how to allot funds, as well as other instructions. You can also designate an individual to enforce the trust in court on your behalf if the caregiver violates the terms.

No matter which assets or family members you need to take care of, Dennis P. Faller, Attorney at Law in Wapakoneta, OH, can help. With comprehensive estate planning services, this experienced attorney has been trusted throughout Mercer, Logan, and Auglaize Counties for nearly four decades. Explore his full list of services online or call (419) 738-4578 to schedule an appointment.