If There’s a Will There’s a Way: Providing For Your Cat in Your Will
No one who loves their cat wants to think about them or us dying. We live for today, assuming we will outlive our cat but some cat guardians are thinking ahead, making provisions in their will for their beloved cat in case they die before them. Many cats currently in shelters are there because their owner died without making provisions. Our vet, Dr. Rich Goldstein of mobilevetsquad has these words of wisdom.
No one likes to contemplate getting their final affairs in order. But when pets are involved, it’s our responsibility to them to make sure they are taken care of after we’re gone. In recent years, many stories have appeared in the press about celebrities leaving large portions of their estates to their cherished pets. (Remember when Leona Helmsley reportedly left $12 million to her Maltese, “Trouble”? Or, how about Tommaso that Italian kitty who inherited 10 million Euros. For those of us with smaller fortunes, we can still make sure our critters live comfortable lives in our absence.
In the past, owners who attempted to leave money to their pets were met with frustration and lots of rolling eyes. Trusts were often invalidated because pets were viewed as “personal property” and therefore not “entitled” to the money. Sometimes, trust money was used for “other” (unscrupulous) purposes by the people put in charge because there were no rules governing enforcement of the trust document.
But, according to the website animallaw.info, things began to change in the 1990’s with the creation of “Pet Trust Laws” in 39 states. A pet trust can now be established to set aside a sum of money for the care of your pets in the event of your death. In addition, the trust enables you to establish specific instructions for your pet’s care for the rest of his life. A trustee can be named to oversee the disbursement of funds, and a caretaker can be named to carry out your instructions. In the event that there is no specific person you can name as caretaker, bequeathing the trust to an animal sanctuary that would be entrusted with your pet’s care, can also help care for other orphaned pets at the same time.
Dr. Jim Humphries, of Veterinary News Network added two other guidelines for pet owners to consider when establishing last wishes for your pet. First, he suggests carrying an “Animal Card” so that if you are injured or die unexpectedly, emergency personnel will know where your pet is and who will be in charge of her care (also make sure to include your vet’s name and number on the card). He also suggests naming a human beneficiary in your will who would receive funds to be your pet’s caretaker and cover your pet’s expenses.
As with all final arrangements, it’s important to consult an attorney in your state to make sure you understand all of your options, and that all of the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed. In addition, make sure that the people you appoint to administer your affairs are trusted fellow pet-lovers who fully understand your wishes and instructions. Thinking and planning ahead can help to avoid an uncomfortable family situation like the one you describe. No one wants to have to worry that their loving pet will receive anything less than the most loving care they deserve when you can’t be there.
Editor’s Note: Regarding the animal card mentioned by Dr. G., I would first enlist a friend or relative who lives nearby to act as temporary caregivers in case of your sudden death. Give them a copy of your house keys, security code (if any) feeding and care instructions, your vet’s and attorney’s names and contact info. Inform your vet of your action so they can update your file and know you have authorized the temporary guardians to provide vet care if needed.
To make an Animal Card: take a blank business card and include:
In the case of an emergency, I_____ have the following pets: at home who need help (list their names ages, breeds). Please contact: List your temporary guardians contact info and your vets info. Carry the card with you at all times. Update yearly with any changes. If you work with an animal communicator or behaviorist, ask if they would like to be added them to the list for added support.
Have you made provisions for your cat in your will? If you have any additional suggestions, please leave a comment or email Layla Morgan Wilde info@catwisdom101
21 Comments
ellen
I have done this…. our cats or dog or any animal we have if anything happens is to be provided for by the Safety Net program at Rustic Hollow.
This IS open to anyone, there arent many places who do this.
http://www.rustichollowshelter.org/safety-net-program.html
Also thanks to a firefighter friend who was a previous EMT we carry a card that says we have animals and to please have someone check on them in case we are in an accident . There is also a sign in our front window saying we have animals,
I think we are going to change or card to read more like the one you mentioned. I dont think we have the vets name on it.
Layla Morgan Wilde
I need to update my card. Thanks!
Amy
This is valuable information. I never ever would have thought of putting an Animal Card in my wallet but I’ll do it today! What a fantastic idea. And I was unaware that you could do a pet trust too. Thank you!
Layla Morgan Wilde (Cat Wisdom 101)
We love the valuable comments from our readers.
Brian
Yes indeed, important stuff for everyone to read and some interesting things in the comments too.
Skeeter and Izzy
Oh this is such wonderful information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We must get this addressed ASAP!!! I have 9 plus a Cockatiel that might need care. I think that my family members would take care of them but I most definitely need to get a card to carry with me with the suggested info on it. My kids must be provided for!
Thank you Layla for another wonderful post!
P.S. the Feral Gang did so good staying indoors during the extreme cold…..my ultimate goal is to make them indoor/outdoor cats at the very least. I’m so proud of my kids!!!
Luvs Skeeter and Izzy and the Feral Gamg + Peanut and Twig and Romeo >^..^<
Angel Abby
This is so very important and it’s always difficult to do but very necessary.
mariodacat
You have provided some very helpful information and items I hadn’t heard of doing yet. Thank you so very much. I thought we had all the plans in place, but I see now we can go a little farther in preparing.
Maxwell, Faraday & Allie
We agree – VERY important information to have. And to *act* upon.
Connie Marie
Very good idea. I need to get it done!
Caren Gittleman
this is an important post and thank you for sharing. It’s so sad when people don’t make provisions for their pets (I need to for sure). There is a cat blogger who passed unexpectedly and her 3 cats are all in a rescue. So sad.
Cathy Keisha
This is a very important subject and one I’ve been thinking about a lot since Jane’s death. She was a Twitter friend and you can read about her on my blog all last week or my FB page. After much detective work, her cat Jessie is safe with a relative.
Years ago, TW agreed to take one of her BFF’s cats and her BFF agreesd to take Nicky if either of them passed. TW has to check with her to see if she wants me cos I think she’s a little freaked out by my feralness.
Layla Morgan Wilde (Cat Wisdom 101)
I’ll check it out. Glad to hear someone is caring for your friend’s cat.
Random Felines
We reminded again that mom needs to do this when our friend Miss Kelly asked to see mom’s boss about a will….seriously, the mom works for lawyers and hasn’t done this yet!! a great reminder and we love the idea about the card. That being said – mom has informed her family that if something happens to her that we better be taken care of properly or she will come back and haunt them. MOL
Viki Worden
I am an animal advocate and share a lot of posts on facebook of kitties in shelters needing rescue before they are euthanized. I have noticed that quite a few are a result of the pet parent passing away and the other family members don’t want them. I talked to both my children and told them they were taking my kitties if anything happens to me. I have 4 kitties and my son said he would take my aggressive one and possibly one other. My daughter has 4 kitties of her own and is a vet tech so she will take the rest before putting them in a shelter. I am blessed to have children that will do that for me. I honestly don’t know what is wrong with family members who won’t take in the pets of their parents or whom ever has passed. They know that their family member loved their pets so you would think they would want them taken care of for their family. I would take any family’s pet before I would see it go to a shelter. Families could at least try to find a nice home for the pet so the pet would not be killed.
da tabbies o trout towne
all oh uz…. N all trouterz in de few chure… will bee will bee cared for by another familee memburr…tho thatz a grate eye dea bout setting aside $$$$…thanx for de post guys !
Fur Everywhere
I really want to save up for the lifetime care program at Cat Care for my babies. For $2500 per pet, they will take care of your kitty in the case of your death until your kitty is either adopted or passes away him/herself. It’s a wonderful program, and I’m glad it exists.
Layla Morgan Wilde (Cat Wisdom 101)
Thanks for sharing this resource.
The Island Cats
This really is important information. The mom and dad guy talk about this, but haven’t done anything. They really need to get on this.
Sometimes, Cats Herd You
Such important advice. The head peep has been lax about this, but we saw last year what happens when you don’t do adequate estate planning with our grandpeep, and we know she should be acting now rather than later!
Sparkle
This is really important to do! Not that MY human has done that – I’ve been telling her for years to get with the program.