Who Will Care for Your Pet? Estate Planning for Evanston Pet Owners

A Story About a Friend’s Dog

A close friend of mine once adopted a sweet, scruffy terrier mix. The dog followed her everywhere—from walks along Evanston’s lakefront to lazy afternoons curled up on the couch. My friend and her dog adored each other.

But during a conversation one evening, she admitted a worry that had been weighing on her. “What will happen to my dog if something happens to me?”

I often hear versions of this question in my work as an estate planning attorney. Pets are family, too, yet many people overlook them in their planning.

Why Pets Are Often Left Out of Estate Plans

When people create wills or trusts, they tend to focus on children, spouses, homes, or savings. That is normal. But pets are often left out of otherwise thoughtful estate plans.

My friend realized that while she had thought about her house and her finances, she hadn’t formally planned for her dog. She assumed a relative would “just take her.” Unfortunately, I’ve seen how these assumptions can create problems:

• Family members may disagree about who should care for the pet.
• The person you hoped would step in may not actually be able to, or cannot afford to.
• Without instructions, pets can sometimes end up in shelters.

That’s why estate planning for pets matters.

How You Can Plan for Your Pet

It doesn’t have to be complicated.  There are several ways to ensure your pet is cared for if something happens to you:

1. A provision in your will or trust.
   A will or trust can name who should care for your pet after your death. But a will does not itself solve every immediate-care issue, and depending on the estate, probate or estate administration may still take time. In the meantime, your pet may need immediate care.  Also, you should consider a bequest of money to go along with your pet, to help your chosen person take care of your pet.
2. A trust for your pet.
   A pet trust is another option. It allows you to name a caregiver and set aside funds for your pet’s expenses, while another person can oversee how those funds are used. You can even give instructions for expenses such as food, veterinary care, grooming, and other needs.
3. Funding the trust.
   A trust only works if you actually transfer assets into it. Funding your trust is important. Otherwise, the person caring for your pet may have the responsibility, but not the resources to do it well.

Lessons from My Friend

In the end, my friend decided to update her plan. She named a trusted family member to care for her terrier and allocated a fund of money to help cover food, vet bills, and other needs.

She told me that once those changes were in place, she felt a huge sense of relief. She could relax and enjoy her time with her dog without worrying about “what if.”

Her story is a good reminder: pets rely on us completely, and thoughtful estate planning can help make sure their care continues if we are no longer able to provide it ourselves.

Why This Matters

It’s easy to think, “I’ll be around for my pet’s whole life.” But life is unpredictable. Planning now ensures your pet isn’t left vulnerable.  Sometimes pets are passed around between relatives, and sometimes no one steps forward at all.

The reality is that without a plan, your wishes may not be honored. Estate planning is about more than just passing on assets—it’s about making sure your loved ones, including your pets, are cared for the way you want.

Taking the Next Step

If you have a pet, ask yourself:

• Who would care for them if something happened to me?
• Would that person have the resources to do so?
• Have I written down my wishes in a will or trust?

If you’re uncertain, now is the time to plan.  And remember: estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for people who care about their loved ones. A simple will or trust provision can make all the difference for your pet’s future.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.