When you become incapacitated or pass away, the strategic planning you’ve put in place to provide for your loved ones goes to work. The important things will be taken care of. That is, the bills will continue to get paid, investments will continue to grow, and your minor children will be cared for by loving guardians.
But what happens to your beloved family pets? Who will care of them? You might assume that a relative or good friend will step up to the task. But that’s an unwise assumption on your part. Every year the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) takes in a number of animals whose owners passed away. Usually a family member or neighbor drops the animals off. Most apologize and say that their loved one or friend made no plans. Many of these once-loved animals will likely be euthanized.
A little planning today can help your pets avoid this fate. Here is a checklist to help you plan for your pets when you can no longer care for them:
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Ø Identify and designate someone (and at least one alternative) to assume ownership.
Ø Keep in touch with them to ensure that they are still willing, especially if a pet has special needs.
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Ø Carry a “pet alert” wallet card listing names and phone numbers of the pet’s emergency caregivers.
Ø Authorize payments to provide food, veterinary care, grooming, exercise, etc.
Ø In any documents, use language that refers to “pets” rather than names. This will ensure that no newly added pets will be left out and that there is no need to update documents.
Ø Name a Trust Protector to oversee a pet’s new owner and any funds set aside for the pet’s care.
Ø Ask us how to include language in your estate planning documents that will protect your pets.
There are additional considerations, including the criteria to be used to determine when it’s time to euthanize a sick pet, who will make that difficult decision, and how that pet’s remains should be disposed.
Just another one of life’s details to think about and plan for. Feel free to contact my office if you need help with any of this: 805-277-5020 www.CAestatelaw.com
