According to a 2013 study, domestic dogs outnumber children in the United States by four to one. The majority of people in Canada have the fewest pets, while 45% of people in the United Kingdom have a furry (or scaled or feathered) pet at home.
Many pet owners worldwide, and many of us consider our pets family members. But what if we, as pet owners, find ourselves in unplanned or unexpected situations? This article will discuss the significance of including your pets in your last will. Pets play a role in relocation, travel, and daily activities, so why not include them in our estate plans?
How to Care for a Pet Through Estate Plans
There are numerous ways to include your pet in your estate planning, and which one you choose is entirely up to you. Whatever option you choose, make sure to discuss the details with your caretaker and ensure they are willing to look after your pet if you pass away.
Even though you can’t give money or property to your pets, you can help them in other ways. You can also get your pet a wellness plan. One of them is the service that will give you inexpensive care for your pet, by doing this you won’t have to worry about routine care. Learn more here.
Wills and Testamentary
Your first option is to include your pet and caregiver in your estate plan. Name the pet’s guardian and decide how much money you want to set aside for your pet’s care and upkeep.
The Living Trust
Include your pet in your trust, which is the second safest option. Within your trust, you can designate a caretaker and a care plan.
You can state how much you want to pay them to care for your pet and how you want them to care for your dog, and you can designate a representative who will take your case to court if the caretaker does not follow your instructions.
Why should my pets be considered in my will?
Including your pets in your wills and estate plans ensures that they will be cared for if ever you pass away. If your pet is not with someone they know and trust (such as friends and family members), it will be difficult for your pet, who has recently lost their owner because they are used to a certain way of life.
It’s because if you do not have a plan in place for your pet, they may end up in a shelter. It’s important to have a good veterinarian you can trust, therefore if you don’t have one yet so your new caretaker won’t need to find one. There are many expert veterinarians at this animal hospital who can put your mind at ease.
Why is it so difficult for your pet to be in a shelter?
Shelters provide care for your pet while you search for a new home. Rehoming pets used to specific living situations (such as being the only pet or not being around kids). Your best friend may end up in a shelter for a long time. As a result, shelters become overcrowded, making it difficult for abandoned or mistreated pets to find homes.
Incorporating your pet’s needs into your plans ensures that they will be cared for in the event of an emergency. Making a decision with your guardian and discussing your pet’s needs and preferences ensures that Mittens and Barkley will continue to be fed late at night.
You can also register them with a pet boarding facility. This is preferable to your pet adjusting to its new life than to live in a shelter with too many other animals; check out websites like centralvalleyanimalhospital.com for more information about pet boarding.
The Takeaway
We should treat our pets as if they were members of our family. If something happens to you, planning for your pet’s life span is an excellent way to ensure that they receive the attention, love, and devotion needed. We include our pets in nearly every aspect of our lives, so it stands to reason that we should plan for their future in the same way that we prepare for our own.
