Your pets are beloved members of your California family. Whether they are furry, feathered or scaled, you can ensure they will be in good hands by including them in your estate planning endeavors.
Name a guardian
Including your pets in your estate planning documents means first choosing a guardian. This person will be their caretaker once you pass away or become incapacitated and can no longer care for them yourself. Make sure you choose someone responsible and who has a good relationship with your pet.
Create a pet trust
You’ll also have to decide on how to leave funds for your pet’s care. You can’t name a pet as a beneficiary, which means you have to take different avenues to do this. One option is to leave money to your chosen pet guardian by stating a specific amount in your will or a living trust. However, an even better way to secure funding for your pet’s care is to create a special pet trust. You can name a trustee to handle things and include details about how your pet should be cared for and what should happen with the funds if your pet passes away.
Legacy arrangements
If you can’t find someone to take your pet after you’re gone, there are other options available. Some programs can take your pets and find them caregivers. These include animal rescue organizations, SPCA programs and veterinary programs. If you make such arrangements, these groups can ensure that your pets end up with the perfect loving family.
Many people consider their pets their children. As such, it’s only natural to prepare for the future to ensure they will be well-cared for; estate planning can give you peace of mind that your pets will be protected and loved even after you’re gone.