• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sexton, Bailey Attorneys, PA

SEXTON BAILEY ATTORNEYS, PA an Arkansas Estate Planning & Trust Information Center

Sexton, Bailey Attorneys, PA

Northwest Arkansas Estate Planning Attorneys (479) 443-0062

Click Here to vote for us for the Best of NWA!

Client Vault
  • Home
  • Our Firm
    • Our Firm
    • About the American Academy
    • Advantages of Working With Our Firm
    • Attorney and Staff Profiles
    • News & Events
    • Our Reviews
    • Speaker Connection
  • services
    • Asset Protection & Business Planning
    • Elder Law & Medicaid Services
    • Estate and Gift Tax Figures
    • Estate Planning Services
    • Family-Owned Businesses & Farms
    • Incapacity Planning
    • Legacy Planning
    • Pet Planning
    • Secure Act
    • Special Needs Planning
    • Trust Administration & Probate
  • Webinars
  • Practice Areas
  • Resources
    • DocuBank
    • Elder Law Reports
    • Estate Planning Resources
      • Estate Planning Articles
      • Estate Planning Checkup
      • Estate Planning Definitions
      • Estate Planning Reports
      • Incapacity Planning Definitions
      • Is Your Estate Plan Outdated?
      • Top 10 Estate and Legacy Planning Techniques
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Estate Planning
      • Frequently Asked Questions for Families Without an Estate Plan
      • Legacy Wealth Planning
      • Medicaid Planning
      • Pet Planning
      • Trust Administration & Probate
    • Newsletters
    • Pre Consultation Form
    • Trust Administration & Probate Resources
      • Bereavement Resources
      • How to Know if You Need Extra Help With Your Grieving
      • Loss of a Loved One
      • The Mourner’s Bill of Rights
      • Things You Need To Do When a Loved One Passes Away With a Trust
      • Things You Need To Do When a Loved One Passes Away With a Will
      • Trust Administration & Probate Definitions
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review Us
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
Home / Pet Planning / Creating Pet Protection Agreements

Creating Pet Protection Agreements

March 5, 2015 by Deb Sexton Leave a Comment

 Pet protection agreementsThere are a few different ways to create a pet protection plan.  One reasonably inexpensive method, somewhat less formal than a pet trust, is a pet protection agreement.  Pet protection agreements provide a way for pet owners to determine, ahead of time, who should be their pet’s caregiver, as well as give detailed instructions about the care that is expected.  A great benefit of a pet protection agreement, not available when simply using a will, is the fact that the agreement can be drafted to become effective in the event of your incapacity as well.

Selecting your choice of caregiver

Of course, part of a pet protection agreement is identifying your pet or pets that will need care.  You must also identify the person you want to provide that care.  This is an important choice, because the caregiver you select will serve as your pet’s guardian and be ultimately responsible for your pet’s well-being.

Unlike pet provisions in a will, a pet protection agreement is, in essence, a contract.  The caregiver you choose will be required to sign the agreement, making him or her legally bound by its terms.  While a will only distributes your pet with your other property, a pet protection agreement is a legally enforceable document that creates an obligation to care for your pet.

Also include an alternative caregiver

Unfortunately, despite the best of plans, your caregiver may be unable to care for your pet when the time comes.  Either due to death or the caregiver’s own incapacity, it may be necessary for someone else to step in and provide care for your pet.  It is a good idea to name an alternate or successor caregiver, as well, just to cover your bases.  Otherwise, your pet will likely be turned over to an animal shelter.

Consider naming an organization of last resort

In case neither your caregiver, nor the alternative or successor caregiver, is able to provide care for your pet when the time comes, pet owners still have the opportunity to identify an organization of last resort, in order to avoid the shelter.  There are various organizations, the sole purpose of which is to provide care for pets after their owners have died.  You may also want to consider giving the organization the option of finding a temporary or permanent home for your pet.

Provide sufficient financial support for your pet’s care

While it is optional, establishing a source of financial support is often beneficial to your chosen guardian.  When determining the amount of funds necessary, consider the number of pets you have, their ages and life expectancy and any current health or medication needs.

You may also want to include funds to assist with lifestyle and socialization, daily routines and any special preferences you want to continue being provided. Once you have determined an estimated amount,  your estate planning attorney can assist you in determining the best way to actually provide the funds, whether it be a trust or an investment product of some type.

Provide specific instructions regarding medical and end of life care

Don’t forget to provide information regarding any medical conditions your pet may have, along with any required medication.  Contact information for the animal hospital or veterinarian’s office you routinely use is also a good idea. Your wishes regarding your pet’s end of life care should also be included, including whether you want your pet to be euthanized, according to local laws.

If you have questions regarding pet protection agreements, or any other pet estate planning needs, please contact Sexton, Bailey Attorneys, PA online or by calling us at (479) 443-0062.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Deb Sexton
Latest posts by Deb Sexton (see all)
  • Estate Planning is Essential Whether You Are Married or Not - April 25, 2018
  • Income Tax Basis in Estate Planning – Part 2 - April 23, 2018
  • The Downsizing Generation: How to Handle a Surplus of Stuff When a Loved One Ages - April 18, 2018

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sexton, Bailey Attorneys, PA

Is Your Plan Outdated?

Subscribe to Our Blog

Office Address

Fayetteville
2766 Millenium Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Phone: (479) 443-0062

Office Address

Prairie Grove
1100 Division Street, Suite 4
Prairie Grove, AR 72753
Phone: (479) 846-6026

( By Appointment Only )

Office Hours

Monday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Map

map for office
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

footer-logo

© 2022 American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.