Don't Forget to Plan for Your Pets: An Estate Planning & Probate Attorney Takes Cats to the Vet
By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi
October 28, 2024
Artemis Plays Hide-and-Seek in the Wall Cabinet - image by M. Gustafson Gervasi |
Normally my household responsibilities are clustered on nights and weekends, leaving my weekdays available for clients. Today was not one of those days. A previously scheduled annual vet visit for two of our four cats was crowded out of my weekend calendar due to my high schoolers’ cross country commitments. Fall is a busy time in our home. So, on a Monday morning I threw on casual clothes (that would soon be covered in cat fur), fished out the cat carriers, and wrangled the twins in record time. Cages secured, we piled into my car and headed south on Highway 14 to our vet clinic. Both cats received clean bills of health and I had a nice chat with our veterinarian, someone I have known since we were in high school together. The excursion was uneventful. And for that I am thankful. However, I am also prepared for challenging times.
Cats have been a part of my home my entire adult life. As an estate planning and probate attorney, I have also taken steps to make sure the care of our furry family members is not compromised should I die or be too sick to care for my cat crew. My estate plan includes a pet trust, which is more common than you might think. I also have a Power of Attorney for Finances that explicitly grants my agent to make financial decisions regarding my pets.
A pet trust is a tool that transfers ownership of any pets you own at death (legally pets are considered your property) as well as some cash funds. The trust holds the pets and the cash, which is used by a trustee you appoint to pay for vet bills, grooming, food, medicine, etc. My trust even says where any unused funds should be donated when the last of my pets dies. But what if I do not die? What if I am alive but too sick to manage their care? Under my Power of Attorney for Finances I have included language so that my agent (first my spouse, second a local bank) can secure lodging, vet services, etc., if I cannot. Having practiced estate planning and probate for nearly 20 years, I am aware that what used to kill us immediately no longer does. We may survive, but not in a capacity to resume our prior habits and to live independently.
Estate planning boils down to taking control of who will do what when you no longer can. For all of my fellow pet owners out there, please do not overlook making plans for your feathered and furry family members. Even if you do not have the time or financial resources to create the documents described here, take a few minutes to leave notes related to your pet companions. Any amount of organization can be a gift in the event of a medical crisis:
- Name, location, and contact information for your veterinarian
- Name and contact information for pet sitter(s)
- Information on pet health insurance if you carry it
- Instructions for feeding, especially if prescription food is needed
- Instructions and location of medications
- Grooming schedule, including contact information for any professional service you use
- Name and contact information for short-term and long-term caretaker for your pet if you are in the hospital or care facility for an extended stay
- Notes on any subscription deliveries for food or supplies that are auto filled and delivered
Please note, a blog is not legal advice. It is meant to spark thought and reflection. Please consult an attorney licensed in your state for counsel specific to your situation. Thank you for reading. Please share with others who might find this piece helpful. Be well!