| Have you stopped to think what would happen if | | | | alternative caregivers in case the first ones |
| your pet outlives you? This is one of the many | | | | become unable or unwilling. Keep in mind that the |
| questions we are probably not ready to answer. | | | | new owner will have full discretion over your pet's |
| We hope we can inspire you to think and take | | | | care, so make sure you are selecting a person |
| action. | | | | that is really fit take on this responsibility. |
| When thinking about your pet's future in case of | | | | Now that you have your caregivers selected, you |
| a tragedy, you can have verbal agreements with | | | | need to put a price for the caring of your best |
| friends and family, however, as we know, verbal | | | | friend. The best way to do this is by granting |
| agreements are not the ones that always get | | | | broad discretion to your executor in making |
| fulfilled. If you really want to make sure your | | | | decisions about the pet and in spending estate |
| wishes will be followed, you need to treat this as | | | | funds on the pet's behalf. By doing it this way, |
| a serious legal matter. There are many ways how | | | | you know that the executor will use the money |
| you can set this up: You can create a will, a trust | | | | the best way possible so your pet is comfortable. |
| or any other estate planning document. The main | | | | If you don't have anybody who you can trust |
| difference between the will and the trust is that | | | | your pet with, there are some organizations that |
| the trust will be effective immediately and can be | | | | specialize in long term care of pets when the |
| used not only if you die but also if you become | | | | owners die. These organizations will try to find a |
| disabled or incapacitated. A will will, on the other | | | | new home for your pet or take care of him/her |
| hand, will only take place only upon your death. | | | | until he/she dies. This last option, however, should |
| Regardless of what you choose, the first thing | | | | be the last alternative you should consider. |
| you need to do is select that special caregiver or | | | | We know nobody will love our pets as we do, so |
| caregivers who you can trust and know will love | | | | make sure you do something before it is too late. |
| your pet as you love him or her. When choosing | | | | If you don't do anything, your pet will be taken to |
| the caregiver(s) make sure these are people who | | | | the dog shelter and from there the future is |
| are familiar and understand the responsibility of | | | | extremely uncertain. Do not procrastinate, take |
| taking care of a pet. Preferably think of people | | | | action. When setting up your financial goals, |
| who are pet owners themselves. As a rule of | | | | retirement dreams, etc; don't forget to set aside |
| thumb and as a cautious move, you should have | | | | some money for that ultimate best friend. |