{"id":287080,"date":"2017-07-31T17:31:42","date_gmt":"2017-07-31T22:31:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/estate\/trusts\/pet-trust.html"},"modified":"2025-07-25T12:39:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T17:39:00","slug":"pet-trust","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/pet-trust.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Pet Trust?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is a Pet Trust?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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A pet trust is a legal construct that provides support and care of a pet if the owner dies or can no longer care for it.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Animal companions occupy a special place in the lives of many pet owners. Pet parents consider their pets as loved ones and family members. Thus, the legal status of pets as mere property can prove unsettling. That’s where a pet trust can help.<\/p>\n

A pet trust is a legally enforceable arrangement providing for the care and maintenance of your companion animal. The law views pets as personal property \u2014 just like a piece of jewelry or your car. That said, fear not, animal lovers. Particular legal documents can provide specific instructions for the care of beloved pets following an owner’s death<\/p>\n

A pet trust may be the best solution to provide for the care of a pet after the owner’s death. This article provides helpful information when deciding whether the pet trust should be a part of your estate plan.<\/p>\n

Benefits of Pet Trusts<\/h2>\n

The law sees pets as personal property. Therefore, a\u00a0last will and testament<\/a>\u00a0is not the best way to provide for the care of a pet once you die. Just as you cannot use a will to leave your jewelry to your car, you cannot leave other personal property (e.g., money) behind for your pet. The probate process does not recognize such transfers.<\/p>\n

You can leave your pet to another person in your will, but that person is not obligated to be the pet’s caretaker or to ensure that the pet’s care continues. Once the administrator of your estate distributes your property according to your will, there’s generally no ongoing supervision.<\/p>\n

Thus, pet owners should consider specific estate planning for pets. Unlike a will, a pet trust solves these problems by creating a legal duty to carry out specific instructions you leave behind for the care of your pet. You can use the terms of the trust to ensure your pet continues to receive care similar to what you provided. The many benefits of a pet trust include the following:<\/p>\n