How to Include Your Pets in Your Estate Plan

As of 2024, roughly two-thirds of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. And for many of us, pets are family. We think about their food, toys, and vet visits, but may not take the time to consider who would care for them if something happened to us. In fact, many people don’t realize you can include pets in your estate plan, just as you would other things you value.

Estate planning for pets is about ensuring your animals have a safe home, consistent care, and the resources to meet their needs if you’re no longer able to provide for them yourself. Here are some practical ways to incorporate pet care into your estate plan, so you can feel confident your furry (or feathered) family members will be protected.

Why Pet Planning Belongs in Your Estate Plan

If you were suddenly hospitalized, became incapacitated, or passed away, your pet would rely entirely on others to step in and care for them. Without clear instructions, family members or friends may be left guessing about your wishes or may not be prepared for the responsibility and expense of caring for your pet.

Including your pets in your estate plan can help ensure they continue to receive the care and attention they deserve. It also allows you to:

• Choose who will care for them, rather than leaving that decision to chance.
• Set aside funds for food, veterinary care, grooming, and other expenses.
• Provide detailed instructions to help maintain their daily routine, preferences, and medical needs.

Taking these steps can provide peace of mind for you, reduce stress for your loved ones, and help protect the animals that depend on you every day.

Key Legal Tools for Pet Care

There are several ways to formally incorporate pets into your estate plan depending on your situation and your state’s laws.

#1: Pet Trust

A pet trust is a legally enforceable arrangement that sets aside funds and instructions specifically for the care of one or more pets. Nearly all states now recognize pet trusts, and they can be designed to take effect if you become incapacitated, upon your death, or both.

A pet trust allows you to:

• Name a caregiver (the person or organization responsible for your pet’s day-to-day care).
• Name a trustee (the person who manages the funds and oversees distributions for your pet’s expenses).
• Provide guidance on how the money can be used, including food, grooming, veterinary care, medications, boarding, and other needs.
• Decide who receives any remaining funds after your pet passes away, such as a family member, charity, or animal welfare organization.

For pet owners who want to feel confident that their wishes will be carried out, a pet trust can provide an extra layer of protection. Since it’s enforceable under state law, it helps ensure the resources you’ve set aside are used for your pet’s care and well-being.

#2: Will Provisions for Pets

Your last will and testament can also include provisions for your pets, helping ensure they’re cared for by someone you know and trust. Typically, this involves:

• Gifting your pet to a chosen caregiver.
• Leaving that person a sum of money to help cover your pet’s care and expenses.

This approach, sometimes called a “pet clause,” is generally simpler than creating a trust and may be appropriate in straightforward situations. However, it’s important to understand that once the money transfers to the caregiver, it legally belongs to them, and they can technically use the money however they want—even if it’s not for the pet.

#3: Powers of Attorney That Mention Pets

Beyond guiding what happens after death, estate planning helps protect you and your loved ones if you become incapacitated and are unable to manage your own affairs. By including pet-related provisions in your durable financial power of attorney, you can authorize a trusted person to:

• Use your funds to pay for pet-related expenses.
• Arrange for temporary or permanent care for your animals.
• Work with shelters, rescues, or other organizations if rehoming becomes necessary.

Including this language can help ensure your pets continue to receive the care they need, even during an unexpected health event or extended period of incapacity. It also provides clear guidance for the person stepping in on your behalf, reducing uncertainty during an already difficult time.

Choosing the Right Caregivers (and Backups) in Your Estate Plan

The documents you put in place matter, but so do the people you choose to carry out your wishes. Taking time to select the right caregivers can go a long way toward ensuring your pet receives the care and attention they deserve.

Primary Caregiver and Alternates

Start by identifying someone who:

• Knows your pet and has a good relationship with them.
• Is willing and able to take on the long-term responsibility of caring for them.
• Has a lifestyle and living situation that can accommodate your pet’s needs.

Before naming someone in your estate planning documents, have an open conversation to make sure they’re comfortable with the role. It’s also wise to name at least one backup caregiver in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve if and when the time comes.

Caregiver vs. Trustee

If you establish a pet trust, you can separate the caregiving responsibilities from the financial responsibilities:

• The caregiver provides day-to-day care for your pet.
• The trustee manages the funds and oversees distributions for your pet’s expenses.

This arrangement can provide an additional layer of accountability and may be especially valuable if you’re setting significant funds aside for your pet’s care.

Estimating Costs and Funding Pet Care in Your Estate Plan

An important part of pet planning is making sure the person caring for your pet has the financial resources to do so. The goal isn’t to predict every future expense, but to create a realistic plan that helps support your pet throughout the rest of their life.

Understand Your Pet’s Needs

Work with an experienced professional to estimate:

• Annual expenses, such as food, treats, litter, grooming, insurance, boarding, and routine veterinary care.
• Medical costs, including medications, recurring treatments, or age-related care.
• Special needs, such as prescription diets, training, or ongoing behavioral support.

Once you have a reasonable estimate of annual costs, consider your pet’s expected remaining lifespan and build in a cushion for emergencies, unexpected medical expenses, and inflation.

Ways to Provide Funds

Depending on your goals and overall estate plan, you may choose to:

• Leave a specific dollar amount through your will or trust.
• Allocate a percentage of your estate for pet care.
• Name a pet trust as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, retirement account, or other asset.

The right funding approach will depend on your pet’s needs, the resources available, and the structure of your broader estate plan. Working with your estate planning attorney and financial planner can help ensure your pet care strategy aligns with your overall financial and legacy goals.

Documenting Your Pet’s Daily Life

Legal documents are an important part of pet planning, but they often work best when paired with practical information about your pet’s day-to-day life. The more guidance you can provide, the easier it may be for a caregiver to maintain the routines and comforts that help your pet feel safe and secure.

Consider creating a written pet profile or “pet portfolio” that includes:

• Identification details, such as name, breed, microchip number, and date of birth (if known).
• Daily routines, including feeding schedules, food preferences, exercise needs, sleeping arrangements, and favorite toys or activities.
• Health information, such as medical history, current conditions, medications and dosages, allergies, and vaccination records.
• Key contacts, including your preferred veterinarian, emergency veterinary clinic, groomer, trainer, or other care providers.

You can reference this document in your estate plan and keep it in an accessible location at home. Reviewing and updating it periodically can help ensure caregivers, family members, and professional advisors have the information they need to provide consistent care and keep your plan aligned with your pet’s changing needs.

Including Pets in Your Estate Plan

Including pets in your estate plan can help ensure they receive the care, stability, and resources they need, no matter what the future holds. If you share your life with a pet and haven’t addressed these considerations in your estate plan, now may be a good time to review and update your plans.

At SageMint Wealth, we believe financial planning is about more than managing investments. It’s about helping you protect the people, priorities, and relationships that matter most, including your furry family members. If you’d like to discuss how pet care fits into your estate plan, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more.

SageMint Wealth and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or services. Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation.