Are You Concerned About What Will Happen to Your Beloved Pets After You Pass Away? An Introduction to Pet Trusts.

Are you worried about who would take care of your pet if you passed away?  Or are you more worried about your chosen caretaker having sufficient funds to provide for your pet's care throughout your pet's life?  If your answer is "yes," then there is a tool available to you-- a Pet Trust.

Washington State allows Pet Trusts.  Like testamentary trusts for your minor children or other (possibly irresponsible) beneficiaries, you can set up a testamentary trust for the benefit of your pet.  You can name primary and contingent caregivers for your pet and set aside funds specifically for the care and well-being of your pet.  The only requirement that Washington has is that your pet must be an animal with a vertebrae.  If you have a dog, a cat, a bird, a cow, a horse, or a reptile, you can set up a trust for its benefit.  But if you have a pet tarantula or hermit crab, you and they are out of luck.

How Does a Pet Trust Work?

In Washington State, a pet trust is a legally recognized tool that allows an owner to set aside funds and instructions for their animal’s care. In this arrangement, the owner (the grantor) chooses:

• A trustee, who manages the money dedicated to the pet

• A caregiver, who provides day‑to‑day care

When the trust becomes active, typically after the owner’s death or incapacity, the trustee distributes funds to the caregiver for necessities like food, medical care, and housing. The grantor may also outline specific expectations for how those funds should be used, creating a structured plan that protects the animal’s well‑being.

Are There Different Kinds of Pet Trusts?

Washington officially recognized pet trusts in 2001, allowing owners to create legally enforceable plans for their animals’ long‑term care. Under state law, pet trusts generally fall into two main categories:

• Revocable Pet Trusts

These can be set up to take effect immediately or upon the owner’s incapacity. They allow the owner to appoint a caregiver and spell out detailed care instructions during their lifetime.

• Testamentary Pet Trusts

These are created within a Living Trust or a Will and only begin after the owner’s death, funded by the assets of the estate.

Both options provide a structured and legally recognized path to safeguard an animal’s future.

How Much Money Should Be Set Aside?

After establishing the structure of the trust and naming a caregiver, the next step is determining an appropriate funding amount. Owners should review their past spending on their pet, including food, veterinary visits, grooming, and other recurring costs, to estimate an annual budget. This amount can then be incorporated into the trust to ensure the caregiver has the resources necessary for ongoing care during your pets' life. Additionally, owners can include instructions regarding the pet’s remains, such as burial or cremation preferences.

The trust will outline how these funds must be used and specify who will receive any remaining money after the pet’s death.