Estate Planning for Pet Owners: Ensuring Lifelong Care for Your Furry Family
Whether you’re a dog or a cat person, our pets are more than just pets. They are a part of our family.
You know who you are… Do you let your dog sleep in your bed and give you slobbery kisses? Do you dress them up for Halloween and give them holiday presents and treats? And for you cat people out there…do you let them cuddle up right by your face at night? Do you hold the most uncomfortable position for as long as possible just to avoid disturbing a purring cat on your lap?
Even when your dog gets into the trash or your cat purposely knocks a full glass of water off the nightstand in the middle of the night just to wake you up… we still love them. And they love us…unconditionally. Like I said, they’re a part of the family. They comfort us and entertain us, but sometimes we forget about them when planning for the future.
Our family dog, Crew, hitting the trails with us in Maine.
My family dog, Crew, is amazing. He is the 6th member of my family, and we are his pack. I like to think that I’m the alpha in Crew’s pack, but my husband is definitely the apple of Crew’s eye. Crew always wants to be with us, and if we are gone~even if it’s for just a few minutes~he is so excited when we return. He wags his tail with so much energy and happiness that his whole body shakes. Dogs have a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world, don’t they? We take Crew with us wherever we can - car rides (to get a pup cup), soccer games, dog-friendly restaurants…he’s even accompanied us on multiple vacations. He’s visited National Parks, hiked to mountain summits with us, enjoyed boat rides, and even traveled internationally. We love Crew and want to ensure he’ll be taken care of when we’re not able to.
If you have a special furry family member, don’t forget about them when estate planning. Pet directives can appoint a trusted caretaker, provide funds for their care, and outline care instructions. Don’t leave their future to chance if you can no longer care for them.
Contact Ballinger Legal today to discuss your estate planning needs.
