How to provide for a pet in your will

The law treats a pet as property, so you can't leave money to your dog or cat directly. You can name the person who will take your pet, leave that person money for its care, and write down how you want it looked after. If you want the money to be used only for the pet, you can set up a pet trust, which every state and the District of Columbia allows.

Ask the person before you put their name in your will, and pick a second person in case the first can't take your pet.

What happens if you don't plan

If your will doesn't mention your pet, it usually passes to whoever receives what's left of your estate. If you have no will, your state's inheritance rules decide who gets it. What happens if you die without a will explains those rules.

Either way, the person who ends up with your pet may not want it, may not have room for it, or may not know it exists. A pet in that position can end up at a shelter.

Option one: leave your pet and some money to a person

Your will names the person who gets your pet and leaves them an amount of money for its care. It also names a second person in case the first can't take it. Describe the animal clearly enough that no one can mix it up with another, and if you have more than one pet, say whether you want them kept together.

The weakness is that the money becomes theirs. They have no legal duty to spend it on your pet. Use this plan only if you trust the person completely and your family won't argue about it.

Option two: a pet trust

A pet trust holds money for your pet's care and gives someone a legal duty to spend it that way. You name a trustee to manage the money and a caregiver to look after the animal. One person can do both, but naming two means one can keep an eye on the other. You also name who receives any money left over after your pet dies.

The rules differ by state. In some states a court can reduce the amount if it's far more than the pet needs. Some states limit how long the trust can last. Connecticut requires the trust to name a trust protector, whose only job is to act for the animal.

A pet trust costs more and takes more work to set up than a line in a will. It can be written into your will, in which case it starts after your death. It can also be a separate trust you set up now, which can cover your pet if you become unable to care for it while you're alive.

How much money to set aside

Add up a year of food, vet visits, medication, grooming and boarding. Multiply that by the number of years your pet is likely to live, and leave room for larger vet bills as it gets older. Be careful about leaving far more than that. Relatives may question it, and in some states a court can cut the amount down.

Plan for the first few days

A will may not be found or read for days, and your pet will still need feeding. Give a neighbor or friend a key and make sure they know the animal is there. Keep a card in your wallet that says you have a pet at home and who to call.

Then write down what the next caregiver needs to know: the vet's name and number, the food your pet eats, any medications and doses, and its habits and fears. A letter of instruction is a good place for this. Keep it where your family can find it, and give a copy to the person you've named.

Common questions

Can I leave money directly to my pet?

No. A pet can't own property. Leave the money to the person who will care for it, or put it in a pet trust that pays for its care.

What if the person I name can't take my pet?

Your will or trust can name a backup caregiver. If neither can do it, some animal organizations run programs that take in pets after an owner dies. Ask what they require before you name one in your plan.

Can I change who gets my pet later?

Yes. You can update your will at any time while you're able to make decisions, and the same goes for a trust you can revoke. When you change the plan, tell both the old and the new caregiver.

If you don't have a will yet, you can start one free with FinalPeace and name who receives the rest of your estate.

FinalPeace is not a law firm and this article isn't legal advice. Rules differ from state to state.