In the unexpected event of the owner's death, the fate of his beloved pets often becomes uncertain. This concern prompted Tracy Jennings, a landscaper in Buffalo, Minnesota, to take proactive steps to ensure her pets were well cared for in her absence. After witnessing the distressing outcome of her friend's animals who were hastily rehomed and subsequently euthanized, Jennings decided to set up a legally binding animal trust.
A pet trust fund is not simply a thoughtful gesture; This is a solid agreement that designates a caretaker for pets and allocates funds to manage their expenses, such as veterinary care, food and grooming. This trust takes effect immediately upon signing and continues to operate posthumously, providing peace of mind to pet owners.
The legal enforceability of a pet trust offers a significant advantage over other informal arrangements. For example, if the designated caretaker does not comply with the care required by the trust, a guardian can intervene, ensuring that the animal's welfare is not compromised. This level of detail can extend to specifying the animal's dietary preferences, medical treatments, and even routine living needs.
Older lawyers, like Bernard Krooks of New York, have noticed an increase in clients choosing to create pet trusts as part of their estate plans. These clients often consider their pets to be the center of their lives and want to safeguard their future unequivocally. While some may choose to include pet care provisions in their will, trusts offer immediate and ongoing protection that a will cannot provide.
Despite the growing popularity of pet funds, they are not universally necessary. Bette Heller, an attorney who helped draft Colorado's pet trust statute, says such trusts are especially beneficial to those who don't have reliable friends or family members to provide pet care. For pet owners who have a network of trust, a simple agreement may be enough, but for those seeking certainty, a trust may be indispensable.
In conclusion, while creating a pet trust can involve considerable planning and financial commitment, for many pet owners like Tracy Jennings, the assurance that their beloved animals will continue to receive love and care in their absence is invaluable . Creating a pet trust fund can prevent pets from facing an uncertain fate and ensure that they live their lives with dignity and stability.
