Can I use a will to plan for a pet?

A pet cannot usually own property directly. A plan may name a caregiver and provide funds through a person or a pet trust where state law permits.

General information

• The caregiver and money manager can be different people.
• Backup caregivers are important.
• Practical, current care instructions can help the caregiver.

Service steps to consider

1. Asking the caregiver before naming them.
2. Writing feeding, medical, and contact details separately.
3. A licensed attorney can provide advice about a large fund or detailed pet trust.

Quick check

• Are all names spelled the right way?
• Did I name backups?
• Do my account forms match my will?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills' will-based questionnaire can record the names, beneficiaries, executor choices, guardian nominations, and other instructions used to prepare the included documents. The customer remains responsible for reviewing the result and completing the applicable state signing requirements. Support can explain fields but cannot tell the customer whom to choose or how to divide property. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• A will does not control every asset. Title, contract terms, trust ownership, and beneficiary forms may control instead.
• Spousal rights, omitted-family rules, disinheritance, and will-signing rules vary by state and may require an attorney. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.