Leave it to your pets

IF you're like many pet owners, you want the best for your dog or cat. You give it premium food, good veterinary care and bring it with you on vacation.

But what happens to your pet if you die or become incapacitated?

Unless specific provisions have been made, your pet could wind up in a shelter and be put to death. If you plan ahead, though, your pet can be well cared for. In addition to arrangements with friends and family, there is, increasingly, a formal option.

Laws in 27 states - including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, New Jersey and New York - now allow owners to establish trusts for pets. These arrangements set aside money for the care of one or more animals in the event of an owner's disability or death.

Leaving money to a pet became legally possible in 1990, when a section validating trusts for domestic animals was added to the Uniform Probate Code. ... more