Most pet owners view their dogs as part of their family. They care for them and love them just as if they were their children. However, too often our beloved canine companions are forgotten when it comes to one of the most important documents we can create: our will. Understanding the importance of including your dog in your will, as well as some other information to include, will help you ensure that your pet is cared for even if something happens to you.

Why the Will is Necessary

Thinking about our own mortality isn’t fun for anyone, but even if you are healthy now you simply never know when an accident or natural disaster could leave your dog alone. And he would be alone.

 

In the eyes of the law, your dog is just another piece of property so he has the same rights as your living room furniture. If you don’t have a will that explains exactly how you want your dog to be cared for after your death, then you have no way of knowing what his future may hold.

 

Pet owners sometimes make the mistake of assuming that a casual agreement between them and a friend or family member has no legal binding. They may agree to care for your pet at the time but without an enforceable legal contract they are free to change their mind when the time comes. The best thing you can do for your dog is put the plan in writing, have it signed and witnessed, and consider getting the assistance of a lawyer who specializes in estate planning.

 

Considerations

When you begin thinking about planning your will, there are a few things you need to include in the document. First, realize that you can’t leave your pet money in most cases. Not only will family members be likely to contest the will successfully but it may not be legally enforceable in the first place because your dog is still property.

 

Instead, you need to set up a trust for the care of your dog. You’ll set aside a portion of your estate that will be used to cover dog food, vet care, toys, grooming, and dog-related expenses. You will also need to decide on someone who will provide the care for your dog.

 

You need to make the choice of caregiver carefully. If you have a best friend who loves your dog but lives in a tiny apartment where pets aren’t allowed, then choosing that friend as the caregiver would be a mistake. Likewise, you might have a pair of friends with a huge fenced in yard but if one of them is allergic to dogs then asking them to take on the responsibility would be an equally bad idea.

 

To choose a caregiver, start by making a list of all the people who you would consider for the role. Once you have the list start thinking about factors that would make each person a good or bad choice. Home environment would be an obvious factor. You also need to consider the person’s lifestyle. If they travel a lot or work long hours, they may not be able to give your dog the attention he needs. Financial situation and family stability are other important factors. Of course, you also need to think about who loves dogs and who doesn’t.

 

Narrow down your possibilities. Then talk to the potential caregivers. Some may prefer not to be given the responsibility, and you should respect those wishes. Hopefully, you’ll end up with at least one or two eligible individuals for the role of caregiver.

 

Once you’ve made those choices you’ll want to have another discussion about what would be the appropriate and fair amount of money set aside to care for the dog. During this discussion, you should make a list of all the items that make up the care your dog will need for the rest of his life. Consider compensating the caregiver as long as they follow your wishes in caring for the dog. This extra motivation can provide you with additional peace of mind.

 

Clearly spell out all of the details in writing. Don’t just say that the trust will cover veterinarian visits. You should specify how often the dog should see the vet, and which vet you prefer they see. You should also spell out the type of dog food to feed your pet, how often to exercise them, and any other details you feel are important.

 

If you have the budget, consider consulting an attorney to make sure all of your bases are covered. At the very list, you’ll need to have everything in writing with your signature and the caregiver’s signature.

 

Other Issues

Make sure you don’t just write the will and set it aside. You need to revisit it periodically to make sure your wishes haven’t changed. For example, you might need to choose a different caregiver if the person moves away, starts a family, or becomes incapacitated.

 

Also, don’t forget to talk to your loved ones about your plan. They may find the information easier to accept if you can sit down and explain your reasons behind setting aside the money and/or choosing a particular person to be the caregiver.

 

If you’re not sure when to start writing out your will, the honest answer is now. Even if you are young and healthy, accidents do happen. Being prepared for the future is good for your dog and for the rest of your family, too.

 

Finally, if you’re worried about funding this trust for your dog’s future then consider getting life insurance.  Having a policy is another way to give yourself and your family peace of mind. Plus, investing in a policy at an early age is the best way to save money down the road.

 

Now that you know more about including your dog in your will there’s no better time than now to start making those plans and preparations.