What Will Happen to a Pet When Its’ Owner Dies?

Grand Rapids, Mich. — When preparing an estate plan, pet owners often fail to include provisions that provide for their pet's care upon the owner's death. As a result, annually, about 1.3 million pets enter animal shelters due to the death of their owners. This is tragic for the pets and can be avoided by the pet owner preparing a pet trust.  

Under Michigan law, it is possible to create a trust that outlines how a pet is to be cared for in the event its owner passes away. Naming a caregiver of choice, providing a monetary sum for a pet's care and providing explicit care instructions for the caregiver are examples of what can be included in a pet trust. With a little planning and foresight, a pet owner ensures that their pet will be properly and lovingly cared for after the owner passes away.

Pet owners interested in establishing a trust that secures the protection and care of their pet should contact an experienced estate planning attorney such as Foster Swift attorney Jonathan J. David. David has a wealth of experience in estate planning and is a published author on estate planning issues, regularly contributing to publications nationally and regionally on the topic.

You can read his free e-book on estate planning which includes a section on Pet Trusts on page 37 at: https://www.fosterswift.com/assets/htmldocuments/Jay%20David%20Book%20Final%20with%20Cover-Updated%202021%20Runner%201.pdf

For more information, visit https://www.fosterswift.com/f-pet-trusts-estate-planning.html or contact attorney Jonathan J. David at jdavid@fosterswift.com or (616) 726-2243.