The role of animals within American households has changed significantly. Today, many people recognize the physical and emotional benefits which pets can provide. Pets can help you to stay more physically fit; can help to stave off loneliness; and can even add years to your life. With all that your companion animals do for you, you may feel a responsibility to provide for and protect them in the way they would for you if they could.
Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law can help. Our legal team is experienced in the pet planning process and we provide assistance to clients in Sacramento, Roseville, Davis, and surrounding locations in making sure they have created a comprehensive care plan for their animals. If you want to be certain your pets will be provided for in case of your incapacity or death, give us a call today at 916-437-3500 to create a personalized plan. We can also provide some of the answers to questions you may have including:
- Is pet planning really necessary?
- What can I include in my pet plan?
- How can a Northern California pet planning lawyer help me?
Is Pet Planning Necessary?
Pets can sometimes outlive their owners, and pet planning is necessary in case this occurs. Pet planning is not just something that elderly people can be concerned with. Anyone could experience an untimely death due to an unexpected illness or an unexpected injury. If something happens to you, you do not want your pet to be forced to go to a shelter, to end up homeless, or to go uncared for because no advance plans have been made.
Pet planning is not only important in case you die while your pet is still alive, but is also essential if you become incapacitated. If you become seriously ill or injured and can no longer manage your affairs or communicate your desires, you may not be able to care for yourself much less for your animal companion. In this situation, your animal is just as vulnerable to ending up homeless or without the proper care – especially as your loved ones may be focused on providing for your medical needs and might overlook your pet.
When you take on the responsibility of having an animal in your life, you usually want to make sure your commitment lasts until the end of your animal’s life, since your pet is dependent upon you for survival. Having a pet plan gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you have cared for the animal who has become a member of your family.
What Can Be Included in Pet Planning?
Your pet plan can be as simple as you like, or you can take advanced steps to make sure your pet is cared for exactly the way you want. At its most basic, a pet plan includes making provisions for who should care for the pet in case you become ill, are injured, or pass away. You should discuss with the person who you plan to name as your pet’s new guardian whether he or she will be able to fulfill that role. You may also wish to consider naming a backup person to care for your pet in case something unexpected happens and the initial person you chose becomes unable to take care of the animal.
If you want to create a more advanced pet plan, you can create a trust and leave money for your animal’s care. Since veterinary bills are expensive, doing this can ensure your pet is never deprived because you happened to pass away before you could personally provide care. You can also leave specific instructions for what the money in the trust is to be used for so you can ensure that your pet is provided with the treats and the experiences that you would have offered if you were able.
How can a Northern California Pet Planning Lawyer Help?
If you are a caring, responsible, and loving pet owner, we are here to provide you with the legal tools you need to make sure your companion animal is always provided for and always has a safe and secure home.
To learn more about the assistance we offer to clients in Sacramento, Roseville, Davis and surrounding areas, contact Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law. You can give us a call today at 916-437-3500 or contact us online at any time to speak with a Northern California pet planning lawyer who cares about you and your pets.
