Planned Giving & Estate Planning for Your Pet

 

Our pets bring us endless joy, companionship, and unconditional love. As devoted pet parents, we do everything we can to ensure their well-being during our lifetimes. Responsible pet owners know the importance of financial planning that ensures you can afford your pet and provide for their needs — but have you considered what might happen to them if you were no longer there to care for them? Fortunately, with a few proactive legal steps, you can ensure your pets will be in good hands no matter what.

What Is Estate Planning for Pets?

Estate planning for pets is a thoughtful and empowering way to safeguard their future, providing peace of mind for you and continued love and security for them. By making a will and planning for your pets in your will, you can ensure their needs are met and even support vital animal welfare organizations, such as the FACE Foundation, through planned giving programs.

Why Estate Planning for Pets Matters

Estate planning isn’t just about distributing your assets — it’s about ensuring your loved ones, including your pets, are cared for. Pets are considered property under the law, which means that without making provision for pets in a will using specific instructions, you may cause their care to fall to someone who is unprepared or unwilling to take on the responsibility.

Including your pets in your estate plan ensures that:

  • Your pets’ care is legally guaranteed: Naming a caregiver and allocating resources for their care can remove uncertainty about who will take responsibility for your furry family members.
  • Your pets’ quality of life is preserved: Specifying care instructions can ensure your pets continue to receive the level of love, attention, and medical care they’re accustomed to.
  • Your peace of mind is assured: Knowing your pets will be cared for if you’re unable to do so can be incredibly reassuring.
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How to Include Pets in Your Will

Incorporating your pets into your will is a straightforward and compassionate step. Here are some key considerations.

1. Name a Caregiver

Select a trusted individual who is willing and able to care for your pets. Speak with this person beforehand to ensure they’re prepared to take on the responsibility. You can also name an alternate caregiver in case your first choice is unable to fulfill the role.

2. Allocate Funds for Care

While you cannot leave money directly to your pets, you can set aside funds for their care in your will. Consider expenses such as food, grooming, supplies, veterinary visits, and any special needs your pets may have.

3. Provide Detailed Care Instructions

Include a letter of instruction outlining your pets’ routines, dietary preferences, medical histories, and personality traits. This ensures their new caregiver can provide continuity of care.

4. Explore a Pet Trust

For added security, you may want to establish a pet trust. This legal arrangement designates funds specifically for your pets’ care and appoints a trustee to manage those funds. Pet trusts can offer more flexibility and oversight than a will alone.

The Role of Planned Giving in Supporting Animal Welfare

In addition to providing for your own pets, estate planning offers a unique opportunity to help save other pets and give them long, happy lives. By participating in planned giving programs, you can help ensure that nonprofit animal welfare organizations, such as FACE, can continue their mission to save and improve pets’ lives.

What Is Planned Giving?

Planned giving involves designating a portion of your estate to a nonprofit organization. Choosing to make provisions for nonprofit planned giving allows you to:

  • Leave a legacy of compassion and advocacy for animals.
  • Contribute to lifesaving programs and services, such as FACE’s financial assistance for emergency veterinary care.
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Ways to Include FACE in Your Estate Plan

  • Bequests: Name FACE as a beneficiary in your will or trust. You can specify a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset.
  • Life insurance or retirement plans: Designate FACE as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy or retirement account.
  • Charitable trusts: Establish a charitable trust that benefits FACE and provides financial security for your loved ones.

Planned giving is a meaningful way to honor your bond with your pets while making a broader impact on animal welfare in your community.

Tips for a Smooth Estate Planning Process

  • Consult an attorney: Work with an estate planning attorney familiar with pet trusts and planned giving to ensure your wishes are legally binding.
  • Review your plan regularly: Update your estate plan as your circumstances change, such as when you adopt new pets or if your chosen caregiver becomes unavailable.
  • Communicate your wishes: Make your intentions clear to your family, friends, and chosen caregiver to avoid misunderstandings.
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Empowering Your Legacy of Love

Estate planning for pets is a heartfelt act of responsibility and love. By taking the steps outlined above, you’re not only protecting your pets’ future but also creating a legacy of compassion. Including the FACE Foundation in your estate plan allows you to extend that legacy even further, ensuring that more pets in need receive the help they deserve.

Provide For Pets in Your Will With FACE 

Established in 2006 by a group of veterinarians and concerned community members, FACE is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial grants for animal owners who are unable to afford the cost of their pet’s emergency or critical care. We also provide resources for pet owners that help ensure your pets’ well-being for their entire lives.

FACE’s Community Outreach Program focuses on connecting underserved pet owners with resources to veterinary care and pet supply resources. Since 2016, FACE has partnered with 14 different organizations to serve over 13,500 pet owners in San Diego County, many of whom are experiencing homelessness.

In addition to providing for your own pet in your estate planning, you can save the lives of other pets by joining FACE Foundation’s Legacy Society. We are a group of deeply committed friends and supporters who sustain our lifesaving programs by leaving a bequest in their will. 

Writing a will is the only way you can be certain that your assets will be distributed as you wish, benefiting causes dearest to you. By considering FACE for your legacy, you will make a real and lasting difference in the lives of families with critically ill or injured pets in our community. Get started here today!