Many pet owners consider their four-legged friends as part of the family. And just like with any other family member, most clients also want to ensure that their pets are taken care of after they die. Perhaps the best way to ensure this is by creating a pet trust.

A pet trust is similar to any other trust, and includes terms that provide for administration of the trust, distributions, care and custody of the pet (including medical care, grooming requirements, etc.), and may even include end of life instructions for the pet.

This webinar will discuss the benefits of creating a pet trust, rather than relying on family members or friends to care for your pet after death. It will also discuss the various provisions that should be included in the trust agreement, and what requirements certain states have for a pet trust to be valid.

Practitioners will learn about:
• When to suggest to a client the option of creating a pet trust, as clients may know that this is a possibility
• What provisions should be considered and included in a pet trust
• The distinction between the trustee of the trust and the caregiver of the pet
• Options for remainder/contingent beneficiaries
• How certain states' statutes differ regarding requirements for a pet trust to be valid (e.g., maximum trust term)