Pets are part of the family, and many Wisconsin pet owners want to make sure their animals will continue to receive proper care if something happens to them.
Pet planning allows you to identify who should care for your pet, provide instructions about your pet’s needs, and make financial arrangements for future care. These pet planning FAQs explain common questions Wisconsin pet owners may want to consider as part of an estate plan.
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What Is Pet Planning?
Pet planning involves making legal and practical arrangements for the care of your pet if you die or become unable to care for the animal yourself.
A pet plan may identify a permanent caregiver, name a temporary caregiver for emergencies, provide money for expenses, and document important information about your pet’s daily routine and medical needs.
Why it matters: Without a plan, family members or friends may have to decide who will take responsibility for your pet during an already difficult time. Clear instructions can help reduce uncertainty and give the people you trust guidance about how you want your pet cared for.
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Can I Name Someone to Care for My Pet?
Yes. You can identify a person you would like to care for your pet if you die or become unable to provide care.
Before naming someone, talk with that person about the responsibility. Consider whether the proposed caregiver has the time, space, financial ability, and willingness to care for your animal. You may also want to name a backup caregiver in case your first choice cannot serve.
Why it matters: A friend or relative who loves your pet may not automatically know that you expect them to become the caregiver. Discussing your wishes in advance and documenting your choice can make the transition clearer.
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Can I Leave Money Directly to My Pet?
A pet cannot own or manage property in the same way a person can. Instead, your estate plan can provide financial support for your pet through a caregiver or a trust created for the animal’s care.
The amount you provide may depend on your pet’s age, expected lifespan, medical condition, diet, grooming needs, boarding expenses, and other anticipated costs.
Why it matters: Naming a caregiver addresses who will provide day-to-day care, but it does not necessarily address how that care will be paid for. Planning for expenses can reduce the financial burden placed on the person who agrees to care for your pet.
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What is a Pet Trust?
Pet planning involves making arrangements for the care of your animals if you become unable to care for them or after your death.
A pet plan may include naming a caregiver, documenting your pet’s needs, and making financial arrangements for care. Wisconsin law also allows an animal trust to be created for the care of an animal, and an animal protector may be appointed to help enforce the trust.
Why it matters: Without a plan, family members may have to make decisions about your pet’s care without knowing your wishes. Pet planning can help provide clear instructions for the people responsible for your animal.
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Who Manages the Money in a Pet Trust?
The person responsible for managing trust property is generally called the trustee. The trustee follows the terms of the trust and uses or distributes trust funds according to those instructions.
The trustee does not necessarily have to be the same person who provides daily care for the pet. Some pet owners choose one person as caregiver and another person to manage the trust funds.
Wisconsin law also provides for an animal protector who may enforce an animal trust.
Why it matters: Separating the financial role from the caregiving role may provide additional oversight. The arrangement that makes sense will depend on the people involved, the amount of property being set aside, and the level of detail included in the plan.
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What Instructions Should I Leave for My Pet’s Care?
A pet plan can include information about your animal’s everyday needs and preferences.
Helpful information may include:
- Veterinarian contact information
- Feeding schedule and preferred food
- Medications and health conditions
- Allergies
- Exercise routine
- Grooming needs
- Behavioral concerns
- Microchip information
- Pet insurance information
- Boarding preferences
- People and animals your pet is familiar with
Why it matters: A caregiver may know and love your pet but still be unfamiliar with important details about the animal’s routine. Written instructions can make it easier for the caregiver to maintain consistent care.
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What Happens to My Pet If I Become Incapacitated?
Pet planning can address temporary or long-term incapacity as well as death.
For example, an illness, injury, hospitalization, or move to a long-term care facility could leave you temporarily unable to feed, exercise, transport, or provide veterinary care for your pet. Your plan can identify someone who can step in during that period.
You can also keep emergency instructions in an accessible location so relatives, neighbors, or other trusted people know whom to contact.
Why it matters: A Will generally operates after death. If your only pet-care instructions are contained in a Will, they may not address what happens if you are alive but unable to care for your animal. Incapacity planning can help fill that gap.
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Can I Make a Plan for More Than One Pet?
Yes. Your pet plan can address multiple animals.
You may want to state whether you prefer your pets to remain together or whether different caregivers should take responsibility for different animals. Each pet may also require separate instructions based on age, health, temperament, diet, or other needs.
Wisconsin law permits an animal trust to cover more than one animal alive during the person creating the trust’s lifetime.
Why it matters: A household with several pets may require more planning than a household with one animal. Identifying caregivers and resources for each pet can make your wishes easier to carry out.
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How Much Money Should I Set Aside for My Pet?
There is no standard amount that applies to every pet.
Consider your pet’s current yearly expenses, age, health, and expected future needs. Expenses may include veterinary care, food, medications, grooming, boarding, pet insurance, training, and emergency treatment.
Your plan should also address what happens to any remaining trust property after the pet dies.
Why it matters: Setting aside too little may leave the caregiver responsible for significant expenses. At the same time, Wisconsin law limits animal trust property to its intended use and addresses how property that is not required for that purpose is distributed.
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Should I Update My Pet Plan?
Yes. A pet plan should be reviewed as circumstances change.
You may need to update your plan if you adopt another pet, a pet dies, your chosen caregiver becomes unavailable, you move, or your pet develops new medical needs. Changes in your finances or broader estate plan may also affect your arrangements.
Why it matters: A plan created years ago may no longer reflect your household, your pet’s needs, or the availability of the people you originally selected. Periodic reviews can help keep your instructions current.
Why Pet Planning Matters
Pet owners often assume that a family member or friend will automatically step in if something happens to them. In practice, questions about who should take the animal, who will pay for care, and what the owner wants can arise at a difficult time.
Pet planning FAQs can help Wisconsin pet owners identify the decisions that should be addressed before an emergency occurs. A written plan can identify caregivers, provide financial support, document care instructions, and address both incapacity and death.
Krueger, Hernandez & Thompson, S.C. works with individuals and families in Middleton and surrounding Wisconsin communities on estate planning, including planning for pets. Contact the firm at (608) 824-9540 or online to discuss whether pet planning may fit into your estate plan.
