What is a Pet Trust in Arizona?
In Arizona it is lawful to create a trust specifically for the care of a domestic animal or pet after one’s death. Pet trusts have been created for the continued care of dogs, cats, horses, birds and other animals. While a person is still alive he or she can establish a trust and provide for care instructions. The trust can be funded before or at the pet owner’s death. Although not required, it is advisable to nominate the care giver in the trust document. It is also advisable to obtain the consent of the person nominated as the care giver. The amount of money to fund the trust should be calculated by the current care costs of the animal and multiplied by the expected life of the designated animal(s). It is always better to err on the high side when estimating care costs and life expectancy. Any money in the trust at the time of the last animal’s death is returned to the heirs or beneficiaries of the original animal owner, unless otherwise designated by the pet owner. Leary & Wence, PC
