Lifestyle
Life After Death:
Making a Plan for Your Pets BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES
Planning for death or a disability is not usually high on the to-do list. Many people delay planning until later in life or until illness or injury strikes. If you were suddenly unable to care for your pet, do you have a plan in place to ensure their wellbeing?
Short Term and Long Term
It is helpful to plan for who would take care of your pet in the case of a short-term need, such as a hospitalization. Discuss this with the intended caregiver to ensure they are in agreement and know what the responsibilities entail. You also want to plan for long-term placement in the event that you are no longer able to care for them due to permanent disability or death. This may or may not be the same accommodations as your short-term plan.
Legal Considerations
According to the American Pet Products Association, only 9% of people that have wills have made provisions for their pets. If you add your pet to your will, use generic language such as “pets” or “dogs” or “cats” instead of specific animal names, to prevent the need for editing the document should you adopt other animals. A will is a useful document to express your wishes but it may take some time before it is enacted. According to Florida law, pets are classified as property, which means that you cannot leave money directly to the animal. Because executing a will can take some time, many people choose to set up a trust. This allows for money to be allocated toward the care of the animal as well as immediate wishes regarding the responsible party. A trust kicks in immediately, allowing for your pet to quickly and seamlessly transition to the next chapter. The trustee is the person who will be responsible for managing the trust, including the financial components. If the trust is established as a pet trust, all funds must be used for the care of the pet. You may
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also wish to designate a trustee that will manage the financial aspects and a different party who will provide the daily pet care. While considering your wishes, you may elect a Power of Attorney (POA) to make decisions on your behalf while you are living if you are unable to do so. This person may also be designated to make decisions regarding your pet or you may elect to have a limited POA regarding your pet, whose responsibilities solely revolve around your pet’s welfare. When selecting a professional to help draft legal documents, choose someone that is familiar with the needs and requirements of a pet will provision or pet trust. When working with clients on their trust or will, Alison Walker, an associate attorney at the law firm of Folds, Walker & Maltby, suggests that they spell out who will be the caregiver for their pet in the event that they pass, how much money to keep in a trust, and what their wishes are if the pet becomes ill. If there are specific instructions regarding the pet’s end of life care and burial instructions, these can also be included.
Rehoming Options
If you do not have someone who is willing to assume care for your pet, there are many charitable organizations that help with rehoming efforts. Designate a trusted person to oversee this process and initiate contact with the organization. They can provide your list with information about your pet to assist the organization in finding the perfect home. The Humane Society of North Central Florida has a list of rehoming resources and local rescues like Haile’s Angels and Faithful Friends sometimes accept rehoming requests based on space availability.
Other Considerations
It is also helpful to create a list that gives details about your pet. Include information you have learned over time about your pet’s personality and preferences, along with any quirks or bad habits. This will assist the transition for your pet as they will be more comfortable with fewer changes to their routine. A list can include any information you find pertinent but might cover the following topics:
• Feeding frequency and brand of food • Sleeping arrangements • Instructions for being left at home alone • Favorite toys • Favorite activities • Vet name, number and relevant health information • Routine and preventive medications • Toileting care • Walking schedules • Bad habits • Quirks (scared of storms, afraid of strangers) While planning for worst case scenarios can be difficult, there is peace of mind knowing that there is a plan for your pet if you are no longer able to care for them. Pets are family members and their safety and wellbeing are important factors to consider in estate planning.
