What Happens When a Pet Outlives Its Owner?

While leaving millions to a pet is a little extreme, regular people who love their dogs, cats, parrots and other companion animals are wise to make plans to protect their pets in case they become incapacitated or die before their pets. A recent article from MSN, “Things That Happen When a Pet Outlives Its Owner,” looks at what can happen to pets after their owners die.

If plans for the pet, including funding for care, aren’t made, there’s no way to be sure the pet will avoid the fate of many senior animals: an animal shelter. Making matters worse, senior dogs have a lower adoption rate, putting them at risk of remaining at the shelter for the rest of their lives or being euthanized.

If your family loves animals, or you have close friends who are animal people, your pet might get lucky and be adopted by a family member or friend. However, this doesn’t always work out. Even well-meaning friends may have allergies or a lifestyle that conflicts with having a pet. There may also be behavior problems because the pet is grieving the loss of their owner in a new environment, and it may become difficult for the friend or family member to take care of.

Clear instructions about the care of your pet and money to provide for their food, veterinary bills and other costs need to be set down in a legally enforceable document if your pet is to avoid being passed like a hot potato from person to person or to end up in a cage in a shelter.

Pets are considered property, so you can’t leave money directly to them. You could name a caretaker in your will and leave them a certain amount of money to care for the pet. However, the will may not be enforceable. They may use the money for other things while your dog is neglected.

If you don’t name a caretaker, the court may decide where your pet will end up. This can delay the pet’s being placed into a home environment while decisions are being made. Even short shelter stays can be traumatic for animals that are used to living with people.

Exotic pets pose a different set of problems. A large bird with a 50-year lifespan needing a special diet and habitat will not be easy to rehome. A large tortoise with a 100-plus-year lifespan will probably end up living in an animal sanctuary if one can be found and if the sanctuary can afford to take on the cost and responsibility.

An estate planning attorney can create a pet trust in most states for several purposes. The pet trust should be funded with money for the pet's care. A trustee oversees the money, while a caretaker is named in the trust to have physical custody of the pet.

Some shelters, especially no-kill shelters, have arrangements where a donation is required to ensure lifetime care in a suitable environment. The donations often incorporate a Charitable Lead or Charitable Remainder Trust.

Planning for your pet’s future will provide peace of mind, knowing your beloved companion will have a happy life even when you aren’t there.

Planning for your pet’s future ensures that your beloved companion is cared for even after you’re gone. At The Werner Law Firm, we can help you establish a pet trust, name a trusted caretaker, and allocate funds to cover your pet’s food, veterinary care, and other expenses. Our knowledgeable estate planning attorneys will work with you to create a plan that guarantees your pet’s well-being and provides you with peace of mind.

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Reference: MSN (Jan. 30, 2025) “Things That Happen When a Pet Outlives Its Owner”