Estate planning isn't just about safeguarding the future of your human loved ones—it's also about ensuring that your pets are cared for if something happens to you. Many pet owners worry about what might happen to their animals if they are no longer around. This is where a pet trust can be invaluable.

What Is a Pet Trust and Why You Need One

A pet trust is a legal tool that can be included in your estate plan to ensure your pets are looked after according to your wishes. Without a plan, your pets could face uncertainty, and in the chaos that follows a death, they might even be overlooked or abandoned. By setting up a pet trust, you can avoid these scenarios and make sure your furry family members are well cared for.

Key Decisions in Setting Up a Pet Trust

When you decide to create a pet trust, there are three important choices you need to make:

• Choose a Caretaker: This is the person who will take over the care of your pet if you are no longer able to do so. You can provide detailed instructions or general guidelines on how your pet should be cared for. You can also allocate funds to compensate the caretaker if necessary.
• Select a Trustee: The trustee is the person responsible for managing the funds in the pet trust. Their job is to ensure that the money is used according to your instructions—whether it’s for food, veterinary care, or other needs. The trustee oversees the financial aspects of your pet’s care, making sure that your wishes are followed.
• Decide on Funding: Determine how much money you want to set aside in the trust. This amount could be based on the estimated cost of your pet’s care throughout their life. Some people also use the trust as a way to achieve charitable goals, such as leaving remaining funds to an animal shelter.

Planning for the Unexpected

You might assume that you’ll outlive your pets, but estate planning is about preparing for the unexpected. By including a pet trust in your estate plan, you ensure that your pets will be cared for, even if you’re not there to do it yourself. Don’t leave your pet’s future to chance—work with a Nevada trust attorney to protect what matters most to you.