People love their pets. For most people, pets are considered family members. We care for them like they are our children, and we mourn for them when they are no longer with us. You would think folks who love their pets so much would not even consider leaving them out of their estate plan, but many do. A lot of pet owners accept verbal promises from friends or relatives to look after their pets after they die, but relationships and circumstances can change over time and those promises can fade.
Perhaps the reason pets get left out of estate plans is their shorter life span. Most of us expect to outlive our pets. What happens, however, when our pets outlive us? Pets left behind when their owners die often end up in animal shelters. If you cherish your beloved pets, including them in your estate plan should not be an option. The Humane Society has a printable fact sheet entitled “Providing for Your Pet’s Future Without You.”available as a guide for anyone who wants to include their pet in their estate plan. You could also consult with a qualified elder law attorney when you’re ready to set up a will or estate plan and need some guidance on including your pets.
