Pet Trusts

It has long been believed that owning a pet, especially a dog or cat, helps a person live healthier and longer. Unfortunately, pets purchased late in life could potentially outlive their owner. Before 2006, it was very difficult for a pet to provide for the pet's care after the owner dies or is otherwise unable to care for it. However, in 2006, Pennsylvania adopted a law that allows for pets to be the beneficiary of a trust. As a result, it is now possible to provide for a pet's care into the future.

The way it works is that in either your will or in an inter-vivos trust, you provide that your pet will live with a particular person and you place money into a trust. You will name a trustee, who can be the caretaker or someone else, like your attorney. You will instruct the trustee to make periodic payments on behalf of the pet for the duration of the pet's lifetime. The final provision of the pet trust will specify where any remaining funds will go once your pet passes away. One common plan is to name an animal shelter as the organization that will receive any leftover funds.

As sad as human owners are when a pet passes away, pets also feel sadness when their owner passes away. Letting the pet stick to its normal routine is one way to help the pet. If you want, you can provide the caretaker with instructions about the pet's care, even specifying the brand of food that the pet will eat.

We develop special bonds with our pets and it is common for older individuals to worry about who will take care of their pet if they should pass on. With the 2006 changes to Pennsylvania law, it is possible for that worry to be put to rest. Planning a pet trust will allow you and your pet to spend as much time together as possible. The legal team at Behrend and Ernsberger, P.C. can help you establish a pet trust today- call us at (412) 391-2515.