1. Create a GoodTrust account
It takes less than 5 minutes. All you need is an email and password to get started.PET DIRECTIVE BY GOODTRUST
Protect Your Faithful Friend With A Pet Directive.
Create one place for all vet documents and share with Pet Guardian
Determine the fate of your pets in the event you are incapacitated
No notary or attorney required to finalize your Pet Directive
Complete your Pet Directive as part of your overall estate plan
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Take these steps to take care of their future.
2. Answer a few simple questions
We'll guide you through the pet directive, where you'll provide your choices for pet guardian, veterinary care, living situation, end-of-life care, and more.
3. Sign, print, & secure
Print out a copy of your completed pet directive for yourself and your pet guardian. For additional security, upload the final document to your GoodTrust Digital Vault so it never gets lost.
Pete the Pug asks: what is a Pet Directive anyway?
GoodTrust's pet directive includes information about your pet and your preferences for their care in the event you pass away. It is meant to help loved ones make decisions about your pet. Unlike most advance directives, pet directives are not legally binding documents. However, they can help pet owners like you leave specific and detailed instructions for how you'd like your pet to be cared for.
Some specifics you can include are:
- Preferred pet guardian(s)
- Health history
- Medical conditions/treatments
- Food and treat preferences
- Exercise routine
- Preferred sitter and groomer
- Temperament
Ensure they receive proper veterinary care - always.
If your pet has a medical issue, you want to ensure they get the specialized care they need. Pet directives inform your chosen pet guardian of any known medical issues, current treatment plans, health history, and which veterinarian they see. Keep your pet happy and healthy, even from the afterlife.
Don't leave your pets waiting by the door.
Our pets have a part of our hearts and we have a part of theirs. They tell us they love us every time we open the door to a wagging tail or a purr. If you pass away unexpectedly, they may never see another smiling human walk in a door to greet them unless you have a plan in place to ensure they're cared for. From choosing a pet guardian to specifying their favorite treat, a pet directive ensures your pet will receive the love and care they deserve.
Do I need a Pet Directive?
If you're one of the 85% of people who consider their pets family, then you need to create a pet directive.
Many people assume their pets will be taken in by someone they love, even if they aren't specifically asked to do so. However, only about 25% of pets are taken in by relatives and far fewer are taken in by friends or strangers when their owners die—the rest end up in shelters or abandoned.
Of all dogs that enter shelters, 20% are euthanized; for cats, that number is 27%. Not all the rest are adopted, either. Many spend the remainder of their lives in shelters or foster care, particularly if they're older, have health issues, or are otherwise "undesirable."
Tips to choose a Pet Guardian.
Choosing a pet guardian is not something to be taken lightly. You want to find someone who will love and care for your animal(s) as much as you do. So, when picking your pet guardian, you should ask yourself:
- Have they met your pet?
- Would your pet thrive in their home environment?
- Would your pet be friendly to all human and animal residents in their home?
- Do they have the means to care for a pet (regardless if you provide money for care)?
- Do you trust they'll fulfill all expectations and instructions you provide?
Frequently Asked Questions About A Pet Directive.
More questions? Visit our Help CenterSECURITY AT GOODTRUST
Your information is safe.
Our multi-layer security protects your privacy and keeps your personal information and assets safe.
A multi-factor authenticationWe confirm it’s really you.
Bank-level encryptionGoodTrust is protected by 256-bit encryption—equivalent to the encryption used by banks and most financial institutions.
Digital Vault cloud storageSafely store your Estate Plan and other important documents and information in your Digital Vault.