Clearwater Estate Planning To Help Ensure Pets Are Provided For

Pets are considered beloved family members and friends, a source of comfort, guidance, and protection. Your compassion for furry creatures may extend beyond your pet, leading you to volunteer or otherwise support local animal protection groups.

As you get older, you are likely to worry about their wellbeing in the event something happens to you. Our Clearwater estate planning attorney explains the steps you can take to protect your pets and the types of documents to put in place.

Providing For Pets In Clearwater Estate Planning Documents

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 50 of Americans own a dog and close to 30 percent own cats, birds, or other domesticated creatures. Owning a pet provides many benefits, but it is not all a walk in the park.

As any pet owner will tell you, pets are a major responsibility, costing both time and money. If you are an older adult living in Clearwater, you may worry about your pet’s future. The impacts of aging, combined with chronic conditions or major illnesses, can leave them vulnerable and potentially untended for.

Estate planning helps in this situation. Documents to put in place include:

• A will, which details property and assets and determines distributions among beneficiaries. You can use a will to convey your final wishes regarding your pets or to leave money to your favorite shelter or rescue group.
• A trust, which is more detailed than a will. It allows you to specify who should have responsibility for your pet and provide them with the money for food, medical care, and other costs. A trust can also dictate how money given to rescue groups is spent.
• A power of attorney, which designates someone you trust to manage your affairs in the event you are unable to. You can include care instructions and other specific provisions for pets in this document.

Additional Steps To Protect Pets As Part Of Estate Planning In Clearwater 

In addition to putting the appropriate documents in place and designating how pets are to be provided for, there are other steps you can take to protect your pets as part of estate planning in Clearwater. These include:

• Prepare for weather emergencies: Pinellas County advises pet owners to make preparations to provide for pets during major storms. This includes having food, water, and medications, as well as vaccination records.
• Consider an alternate caregiver: Carefully consider who would take care of your pet in the event you were unable to and get their consent.
• Plan for medical care: Veterinary bills can be expensive. To ensure your pet gets the quality care they need, pet insurance may be an option.

Contact Our Office And Schedule A Consultation With Our Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney

Pets are cherished family members, and as such, you want to ensure they are provided for. William Raumbaum has extensive experience in estate planning and is also a Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, something only a handful of attorneys in Florida can claim. He can help you in providing for pets and other estate planning needs. To discuss your options, call or contact our office today.

Sources:

avma.org/resources-tools/reports-statistics/us-pet-ownership-statistics

pinellas.gov/preparing-pets-for-emergencies/