Estate planning allows you to determine who receives your assets when you pass. Most people designate a spouse or child as their beneficiary. If you don’t have a family but own a beloved pet, you may be wondering if you can leave your estate to an animal. While you can’t leave a dog or cat property directly, you can set up a pet trust. Here’s more information about this unique option.

Why You Should Set Up a Pet Trust

A pet trust determines how your four-legged companion should be physically and financially cared for. The document will let you dictate all aspects of their life, including how frequently they go to the groomers, which foods they eat, and how many new toys they’ll get. Although you’ll be gone, your pet will be cared for the way you want them to.

How to Establish a Trust for Your Pet

Fund the trust with cash and other assets of monetary value, then name a trustee to oversee the trust and ensure the resources are used to care for your pet according to your wishes. After you appoint a trustee, name a caregiver that’s able and willing to fulfill these duties.

It’s best to have a separate person fulfill each role to create a system of checks and balances. The trustee ensures the caregiver is using the funds as directed, and the caregiver makes sure the trustee is distributing the resources appropriately. Name successors for each role in case they can’t perform their duties.

Work with an estate planning attorney to designate what happens to the remainder of the trust assets after your pet passes. For example, you can donate the funds to an animal charity. This ensures you have full control over your estate at every step.

If you’re getting your affairs in order, turn to the team at Hawaii Convey in Honolulu. This boutique law firm has been in business for over 33 years, providing personalized solutions to each client. Their estate planning attorneys will create detailed documents to ensure your final wishes are followed. Visit the website to get more information about their services, or call (808) 792-8777 to schedule a consultation.