Pet Trusts: Your Pets Need a Plan Too

When Ian Burke, a mail carrier from Denton, Texas, heard that Floyd—a 70-pound dog he’d befriended on his delivery route—had ended up in a shelter after his owner’s death, he didn’t hesitate. Burke arrived at the City of Denton Animal Shelter before it opened to be first in line to adopt Floyd and give him a new home.

It’s a heartwarming story with a happy ending, but it also highlights a sobering reality: Floyd was lucky. Thousands of pets aren’t so fortunate when their owners pass away without making arrangements. That’s where pet trust planning comes in. Without a plan in place, beloved animals often end up in shelters. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 5.8 million dogs and cats entered animal shelters and rescue organizations in 2024—many because their owners died or became incapacitated with no instructions or provisions for care.

As touching as Burke’s story is, Floyd’s situation could have ended very differently. What if no one had stepped forward? What if Burke hadn’t heard about Floyd’s plight? This story serves as a powerful reminder that our beloved pets depend entirely on us—not just for their daily care, but for their future security.

The Reality Most Pet Owners Don’t Consider

This scenario plays out across the country every day. Well-meaning pet owners assume that a family member will automatically step in to care for their animals, but this isn’t always the case. Families might live far away, have allergies, rent properties that don’t allow pets, or simply be unable to take on the financial responsibility of pet ownership. Even more challenging is that when families are grieving, they’re often overwhelmed by legal processes they don’t understand, leading to hasty decisions that leave beloved pets in uncertain situations.

Animals also grieve the loss of their owners and struggle with sudden changes in environment and routine. Floyd was fortunate that Burke acted quickly, but many pets experience weeks or months of uncertainty before finding new homes, if they find them at all. So what can you do to make sure your beloved pet is cared for by the people you want in the way you want?

What to Do Instead

You might think that simply telling a family member, “Take care of Fluffy if something happens to me,” is enough, but informalities often fail when put to the test. During times of grief and stress, verbal promises can be forgotten, circumstances can change, and family dynamics can complicate even the best intentions. Without clear legal guidance and a trusted advisor who understands you and your wishes, your pet could end up in a shelter, just like Floyd.

Thoughtfully Choose and Prepare Your Pet’s Future Caregivers

A comprehensive pet plan goes far beyond naming a caregiver within a set of documents. You need to identify the right people to care for your pet, and prepare them so they know how to care for your pet in the way you want. You need to have honest conversations with your chosen caregivers about expectations, financial arrangements, and long-term commitments. Additionally, you need to create contingency plans, including choosing backup caregivers in case your first choice is unavailable, or selecting a “first responder” who can be immediately available in the event of an emergency.

Consider the Practical Aspects That Are Often Overlooked

Your plan should also include detailed and practical guidance that’s often overlooked by cheap legal plans, AI, financial advisors, and even traditional lawyers. This includes information about your pet’s routine, dietary needs, medical history, behavioral quirks, and preferences. For instance, does your dog have specific walking routes or dog parks he enjoys? Does your cat need medication at certain times? What treats does your pet love, and what foods should be avoided? This information helps ensure continuity of care and reduces stress for both the pet and the new caregiver.

Other practical aspects to consider include providing your caregivers information about how to access veterinary records, vaccination schedules, microchip information, and pet insurance policies. Your chosen caregiver will also appreciate having details about your pet’s daily routine, favorite toys, and comfort items that should accompany them to their new home.

Additionally, consider what you want to happen when your pet is approaching the end of their life. Having clear instructions for your pet’s caregiver about when and how to make these difficult decisions removes an enormous emotional burden from your caregiver and ensures your values guide these important choices.

Finally, a critical issue often overlooked is what happens if you’re incapacitated and can’t take care of your pet. If you become incapacitated, who will care for your pet during your recovery or long-term care? In an emergency, how will they access your home to retrieve pet supplies and comfort items? These practical considerations are often overlooked, but are crucial to ensure your pet is fed, watered, and walked.

Make a Financial Plan for Your Pet’s Care

Having a solid financial plan can make all the difference between your pet being cared for by the right person or ending up in a shelter. One option to consider is creating a pet trust.

A pet trust offers two main benefits: it removes or lessens the financial burden a pet may place on a designated caretaker, whom may not be able to care for your pet otherwise, and it allows you to dictate, in enforceable and detailed terms, the type of care your pet will receive. Pet trusts can also specify how much money should be spent on routine care, medical expenses, and even end-of-life decisions.

Take Action for Your Pet’s Future Today

Floyd’s story ended happily because of one mail carrier’s compassion and quick action, but your pet’s future shouldn’t depend on chance encounters and random acts of kindness. With comprehensive pet trust planning, you can ensure that your beloved companion receives the care, love, and security they deserve, no matter what happens to you.

And when you’re no longer here, your loved ones won’t struggle to understand the legal process or wonder what you would have wanted for your pets. Call The Soto Law Group today at (949) 945-0059 to speak with a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney who can help you set up a plan that will work when you need it.

The post Pet Trusts: Your Pets Need a Plan Too appeared first on The Soto Law Group.



from The Soto Law Group https://www.thesotolawgroup.com/blog/2025/07/pet-trust-planning/
via Soto Law Group

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