Who Will Take Care of Your Pet?

For many people, a pet is one of the most important members of the household. They're part of the daily rhythm of life, and the thought of something happening to them because of an unexpected gap in care is genuinely distressing.

Yet this is one of the most commonly overlooked pieces of estate planning. People spend time deciding who gets the house, who manages the finances, who raises the children. But who takes care of the dog? Who brings home the cat?

It's a practical question, and it has a practical answer.

What Is a Pet Caretaker?

A pet caretaker is the person you name to take over the care of your pet if you pass away or become unable to care for them yourself.

You can name a pet caretaker informally by having a conversation with someone you trust. But including it in your will or estate plan makes your wishes legally clear and gives that person a documented role to step into.

In your will, you can name your pet caretaker and leave them funds specifically intended to cover the costs of caring for your pet. You can also set out general guidance about your pet's routine, preferences, and needs.

Why It Matters

Pets are legally considered property in most states. That means without any instructions, your pet becomes part of your estate and is distributed like any other asset. The person who inherits them may not be the person best suited to care for them, and they may have no idea what your pet needs.

Naming a caretaker changes that. It gives your pet a designated person who has agreed to take on the responsibility, and it gives that person the resources and information to do it well.

How to Choose the Right Person

This is a personal decision, and there's no single right answer. The best pet caretaker is someone who genuinely wants the role, not just someone willing to accept it out of obligation.

A few things worth thinking through:

• Do they have a connection with your pet? Someone your pet already knows and is comfortable around is usually the best choice.
• Is their lifestyle a good fit? Consider their living situation, activity level, work schedule, and whether they already have pets of their own.
• Are they willing and prepared? Always ask before you name someone. The role is a real commitment, and it helps to know they're ready for it.
• Is there a backup? Naming an alternate caretaker is a simple way to make sure your pet is covered if your first choice is unable to take them.

Leaving Resources for Your Pet's Care

Caring for a pet costs money. Food, veterinary care, grooming, medications, boarding. You can provide for those costs directly in your estate plan.

The most common ways to do this:

Leaving a cash gift to the caretaker. You can leave a specific sum of money to the person you name as caretaker, with the understanding that it will be used for your pet's care. This is simple and flexible, though it relies on the caretaker using the funds as intended.

Setting up a pet trust. A pet trust is a legal arrangement that holds funds specifically for your pet's benefit. The caretaker receives distributions from the trust to cover care costs, and a trustee oversees how the money is used. Pet trusts are now recognized in all 50 states and offer more structure and accountability than a simple cash gift.

For most people with one or two pets, a cash gift to a trusted caretaker is straightforward and practical. A pet trust may be worth considering if you have multiple pets, an animal with significant ongoing medical needs, or if you want more formal oversight of how the funds are used.

What to Share With Your Caretaker

Naming someone is just the first step. The more information you leave behind, the easier the transition will be for your pet and for the person taking over their care.

Consider writing down:

• Your pet's name, breed, age, and any identifying information
• Their daily routine, feeding schedule, and dietary needs
• Their veterinarian's contact information and any ongoing medications
• Behavioral notes, likes, dislikes, and anything that helps them feel settled
• Any specific wishes you have about their care

This doesn't need to be a formal document. A simple written note kept with your estate planning documents is enough to give your caretaker a meaningful head start.

A Small Detail That Makes a Real Difference

Your pet depends on you completely. Naming a caretaker and providing for their care is one of the most considerate things you can do as part of your plan. It closes a gap that's easy to overlook, and it means the people and animals you love are all accounted for.

Ready to Put Your Plan in Writing?

Naming a pet caretaker is one of the thoughtful details you can include when creating your will with HeirLight. HeirLight helps you work through all of it: your will, healthcare directive, and power of attorney, in one guided experience built for people who want clarity without the overwhelm.

The questions are in plain English. The pace is yours. And you can start for $0.

Once you're done, you'll print and sign your documents according to your state's rules, and the people you care about will have something clear to follow.

If this has been sitting on your to-do list for a while, this is a simple way to finally move it forward.

Important: HeirLight is not a law firm and does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Our tools are educational and self-help in nature. For complex situations or legal advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a licensed attorney.

Sources

The information in this article is based on general estate planning principles and publicly available legal resources. For guidance specific to your state or situation, we recommend speaking with a licensed estate planning attorney.

• Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute - Pet Trust - law.cornell.edu/wex/pet_trust
• American Bar Association - Planning for Your Pet - americanbar.org
• AARP - How to Protect Your Pet After You're Gone - aarp.org