Pet Directives: The Ultimate Love Letter To Your Pet
If you're among the many households with a beloved pet, you likely want to ensure their happiness and well-being, even in times when you can't be there for them. 66% of U.S. households own a pet, that’s 86.9 million homes, and nearly all U.S pet owners (97%), consider their furry and scaly friends like part of the family. Caring for your family is one of the main goals of estate planning. Including your pet in your estate plan is easier than ever, at GoodTrust, we’re the only estate planning platform that offers a complete Pet Directive.
It’s unfortunate to think about, but many pets who are not accounted for in their owner’s estate plan end up in shelters or abandoned. The right way to ensure your pet is properly taken care of, should anything happen to you, is to tailor your estate plan to them. Let's dive in!
Pets and Estate Planning Overview
Within your will and trust, you may legally assign guardianship for your pets and allocate funds for their care. However, the only way to ensure all your pet’s needs are accounted for is by creating a Pet Directive.
The Comprehensive Pet Directive
A Pet Directive is an estate planning document dedicated to providing all the necessary information regarding your pet and how to care for them should anything happen to you. In this directive, you can include details about your pet’s preferences, behaviors, health history, and more. You can also outline your wishes for their daily routines and end-of-life care.
The Emotional Aspect
Creating a Pet Directive provides emotional peace of mind. Knowing that your pet will continue to receive love and care according to your wishes can be incredibly comforting.
Choosing the Right Guardian
Selecting a guardian for your pet is a crucial decision. Consider the potential guardian's lifestyle, relationship with your pet, and willingness to take on this responsibility. It’s important to discuss your plans with the chosen guardian to ensure they are prepared and willing to care for your pet as you intend.
Regular Updates
Life changes, and so do the needs of your pet. Regularly updating your Pet Directive and pet trust ensures that your pet’s evolving needs are met, and any changes in your chosen guardian’s situation are reflected.
End-of-Life Care
In the sensitive matter of your pet's end-of-life care, a Pet Directive allows you to provide specific instructions. This ensures your pet’s comfort and dignity during their final days, in line with your values and wishes.
Learn more about what goes into your Pet Directive, here.
At GoodTrust, we’re dedicated to bringing you peace of mind through estate planning. Leave nothing up to chance and tailor your estate plan to your per’s needs today. Get started here!