As a pet owner, have you considered including your furry friend in your estate plan? It may be a good idea, considering that pets are increasingly viewed as family members or even children in modern American society. Numerous surveys and studies indicate that a large majority of pet owners consider their pets to be important members of their family. However, despite this sentiment, most pet owners fail to make plans for their pets in the event of their incapacity or death.

The best way to ensure the future care and protection of your pets is to establish a pet trust in your estate planning. A pet trust is a legal instrument that allows you to make specific provisions for your pet's care, as well as provide for a reliable caretaker and funding arrangement that will be enforceable by the courts. This way, you can ensure that your pets are taken care of even if you are no longer able to do so.

Unfortunately, many pet owners are not aware of the option to establish a pet trust, and even estate planning professionals may not be well-informed on the matter. As a result, most pet owners fail to include their pets in their estate plans, leaving them vulnerable to suffering, neglect, or even euthanasia in the absence of their owners. If you love your pets and want to ensure their well-being, it's important to consider establishing a pet trust as part of your estate planning.