Celebrate National Dog Month with Pet Planning in Your Estate Plan

For many of us, dogs are not just pets but are beloved members of the family. They offer companionship, protection, loyalty, and unconditional love. August, recognized as National Dog Month, offers the ideal opportunity to celebrate your furry friend and ensure that he or she is protected if you become incapacitated as well as long after you are gone. One way to do that is by incorporating pet planning into your estate plan. While you might assume that family or friends will naturally step in to care for your dog if something happens to you, the reality is often less certain. Without clear legal instructions, your pet could end up without a home or worse, placed in a shelter. The attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC encourage you to celebrate National Dog Month by ensuring that pet planning is part of your comprehensive estate plan.

National Dog Month

Celebrated each August, National Dog Month serves as a reminder of the joy our dogs bring to our lives. It also offers a timely opportunity to think about their future. Whether you already have an estate plan or have yet to create one, now is a perfect time to include or update pet planning provisions. Just as you would make plans for your children or dependents, your dog deserves that same level of thoughtful consideration. Many people put off estate planning because it feels overwhelming or they believe it is only necessary later in life. Planning for your pet, however, is something that can (and should) be done the moment your pet becomes part of your life. Illness, injury, or unexpected death can happen at any time, and having a plan in place ensures your dog is never left unprotected.

What Is Pet Planning?

Pet planning is the process of legally documenting your wishes for the care and financial support of your pet if you become incapacitated or pass away. This can be accomplished through your Last Will and Testament, a pet trust, or other estate planning documents. The goal is to provide clear guidance for who will take over your pet’s care and how that care will be funded. When you create a comprehensive estate plan that includes provisions for your dog, you are giving yourself peace of mind and showing your commitment to their wellbeing—no matter what the future holds.

How to Include Your Dog in Your Estate Plan

There are several ways to ensure your dog is protected in the event of your incapacity or death. One common option is to name a caregiver in your Will. However, it is important to understand that this alone may not be sufficient. A Will goes into effect only after death and must go through probate, which can delay the transition of care. In the meantime, your dog could be left in limbo.

To address this issue, many people choose to establish a pet trust. A pet trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to set aside funds specifically for your pet’s care. You can name a Trustee to manage those funds and a designated caregiver to physically care for your dog. The trust can include detailed instructions about your dog’s routine, diet, medical needs, and any other preferences you want the caregiver to follow. You can also include pet provisions in a broader revocable living trust, which can be helpful if you want to avoid probate entirely and ensure a seamless transition of care. When setting up a pet trust, consider including the following:

• The name of your dog and a description to identify him clearly.
• The person or organization you want to serve as caregiver.
• A successor caregiver in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve.
• A Trustee to manage any funds you allocate for your dog’s care.
• Instructions for how the money should be used, for example, on food, vet visits, grooming, or boarding.
• Your preferences for how your dog should live, including daily routines, favorite treats, sleeping arrangements, and more.
• Instructions for what should happen when your dog passes away, including burial or cremation preferences.

Your dog depends on you for everything, including love, care, and security. During National Dog Month, show your love by taking steps to protect your four-legged friend for years to come. An experienced estate planning attorney can help you explore your options, draft the necessary documents, and make sure your wishes are clearly defined and legally enforceable.

Can We Help You with Pet Planning during National Dog Month?

For more information, please attend one of our upcoming FREE seminars. If you are ready to incorporate pet planning into your estate plan for National Dog Month, contact an experienced Essex Junction estate planning attorney at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC by calling 802-879-7133 to schedule your appointment today.