Making Arrangements For Your Dog After You're Gone

No one likes to ponder their own demise, but making arrangements for your dog's care if you are no longer present is a point all dog parents should consider.

The Internet is a great source of information regarding providing for your dog and/or forming a pet trust. The ASPCA (http://www.aspca.org/ ) has a thorough and concise section specifically related to the legal aspects of your dog’s care as does the Humane Society of the United States (http://www.hsus.org/). Enter pet trust in the search box to locate the information.

Other sources include consulting with a pet trust attorney regarding a pet trust for your dog or consulting your state or local Bar Association's web site for information regarding your particular state. Some sites also provide sample wills and documents which may be used as templates for your specific needs. Pet trusts are currently permitted under law in 28 states.

When planning, consider the following points:

Who Will Care for Your Pet
Designating Funds for the Care and Feeding of Your Dog
Establish a Pet Trust
Emergency Instructions
Designating Short Term Care For Your Dog if You are Ill
How Unused Trust Monies be Used

By establishing a Pet Trust, you designate someone (both primary and secondary) to care for your dog and note how the finances will be handled to provide for his or her life-long care. Monies can be given in a lump sum, apportioned monthly, annually or left to the discretion of the executor. You will also need to provide funds to administer the trust.

Make certain care instructions are clearly designated and make note of any health issues or special circumstances which should be taken into consideration.

Another site worth consulting is the Doris Day Animal League (http://www.ddal.org/). Their resource page provides a list of additional resources for further information (www.ddal.org/pettrust/resources/).

If you prefer, you may also contact these organizations in writing or by telephone.

Doris Day Animal League or the Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
202.452.1100

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (also the ASPCA contact info.)
424 E. 92nd St
New York, NY 10128-6804
212.876.7700