What is a Pet Trust
What do you mean she’s “Just a Dog”!
By : Rachel Hirschfeld
A guardian trust for your pet will ensure a loving home for your companion when you can no longer take care of him. Don’t leave things to chance, very often nobody wants to take on the responsibilities of your pet and the poor animal is left unloved and it many cases destroyed. The Hirschfeld Pet Trust™ is a structured method to provide for the well being of your pet, money is placed into an account and the funds are distributed over the pets remaining life to ensure their well being and to respect your wishes.
In 1995, I created The Hirschfeld Pet Trust™ I had rescued a dog, Soupbone, and wanted to make sure he had a loving place to live in case I was no longer able to care for him. Pets are an important part of the lives of many individuals. Considering the close bond between pet owners and their pets, it is not surprising that a substantial number of owners want to make provision for the care of their pets should they be unable to do so themselves.
My experience as an attorney is that there was a great need to provide for the care of your pet. A simple story might suffice to illustrate my point.
Don’t count on the will.
A brief history
In her will, Jane left $10,000 to her sister, Nancy, for the care of her dog, Max. Nancy cried at her sister Jane’s funeral than took Max to the pound and used the $10,000 for a shopping spree in Paris. No one, including the court, could do anything about it.
Because pets are considered property, they cannot legally inherit. Jane is not permitted to leave money directly in her will to her pet. The provision asking Nancy to care for the pet with the monies left is a request and the court has no power to enforce her wishes.
Recently, however the law did make provision to plan for uninterrupted care for our pets should one become incapable of caring for them ourselves. We now can create an enforceable trust with a pet as primary beneficiary by forming a Pet Trust.
What is a Pet Trust?
Secure your pets future
A Pet Trust is a legally sanctioned arrangement providing for the care and maintenance of ones companion animals in the event of ones disability or death.
Because it’s a legally enforceable arrangement, pet owners can be assured that their directions for the care of their companion animal will be carried out. Since you, the Pet owners know the particular habits and needs of the animal take some time to make a little list. This memorialized list should describe the care that your pet should have, how he likes to be walked, his favorite food and the veterinarian you prefer. You should also list who you would like to take care of the pet. We can recommend animal sanctuaries that will ensure a loving environment in their final days. The great thing about naming a not-for -profit no-kill-shelter in your Pet Trust is that it will act as both attorneys if necessary because they will have standing in the courts and as a shelter if the caregivers are no longer available.
Conclusion
Don’t leave things to chance
A Pet Trust is affordable and simple. The benefits of having a Pet Trust are more than simply the piece of mind of knowing that your pet is going to be cared for and protected. It memorializes your animal’s needs, their doctors, medications and favorite toy: it chooses the caretakers for them. What was once the province of the rich, famous and eccentrics, Doris Dukes, Betty Whites and Donald Trumps is now affordable to everyone.
The Pet Trust may be your animal’s best friend.
Speak to our experts about The Hirschfeld Pet Trust™ with no obligation.
