Dallas Probate Attorney: WHAT ABOUT FLUFFY?

Posted on | August 15, 2011 | No Comments

If you are a pet owner, like me, you more than likely consider your pet (whether dog, cat, bird, or even lizard) as a dearly loved family member. So then why do so many of us forget about them when it comes time to draft our wills?

I first became aware of the concept of a “pet trust” in my law school wills and trusts class. My professor, who was unique to say the least, told us that she had left everything she owned to the Texas A&M Veterinary School in trust for her two cats. She designated every aspect of how she wished her cats to be taken care of after her death, including: feeding times and what they ate; how many hours of the day they should be played with; and even what toys they should be given. She also apportioned an amount for everyday living expenses for the cats, as well as for medical expenses in case they became sick.

My professor may have been a little extreme in the creation of her pet trust, but her cats were her everything. If you have pets that you love, it is a good idea to make sure they are going to be adequately cared for if you become incapacitated or die. Losing an owner can be a traumatic experience for an animal, so it is important that you make the transition as smooth as possible for your pet.  Just as you would for your children, you can designate a person that you know loves your pet and would treat them well. You can also make sure they are properly taken care of by designating certain funds for their well-being.

Our pets love us unconditionally, so why not make sure they are loved long after we are gone. If you would like to have the peace of mind that your pets are going to be taken care of in the future, please call the Wright Firm, LLP to discuss how to incorporate a pet trust in your will or intervivos trust.

If you need information regarding a Texas Probate or Estate Planning issue contact The Wright Firm, L.L.P. at 972-353-4600 or visit our website at www.thewrightlawyers.com.

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