When Ian Burke, a mail carrier from Denton, Texas, heard that Floyd—a 70-pound dog he’d befriended on his delivery route—had ended up in a shelter after his owner’s death, he didn’t hesitate. Burke arrived at the City of Denton Animal Shelter before it opened to be first in line to adopt Floyd and give him a new home.
It’s a heartwarming story with a happy ending, but it also highlights a sobering reality: Floyd was lucky. Thousands of pets aren’t so fortunate when their owners pass away without making arrangements for their care. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters in 2024. Many of them ended up there simply because their owners died or became incapacitated without a plan in place.
As touching as Burke’s story is, Floyd’s situation could have ended very differently. What if no one had stepped forward? What if Burke hadn’t heard about Floyd? This story serves as a powerful reminder that our beloved pets depend entirely on us—not just for their daily care, but for their future security. Including your pets in your estate plan isn’t just thoughtful—it’s essential.
The Reality Most Pet Owners Don’t Consider
According to Burke, Floyd’s owner was a Vietnam veteran who clearly loved and cherished his dog. Yet despite that strong bond, Floyd still ended up in a shelter.
This scenario is not uncommon. Many well-meaning pet owners assume a family member will automatically step in to care for their animals, but this isn’t always realistic. Family members may live far away, have allergies, rent homes that prohibit pets, or simply can’t manage the financial responsibility. Add grief and legal complications to the mix, and it’s easy to see how beloved pets can be forgotten in the shuffle.
Even pets grieve and struggle with sudden changes in routine. While Floyd was lucky, many pets spend weeks or months in limbo—or worse, never find a new home.
Verbal Promises Are Not Enough
Saying, “Take care of Fluffy if something happens to me,” isn’t a plan. During moments of crisis, verbal promises are often forgotten or overwhelmed by other concerns. Without a formal estate plan, pets are at risk.
A knowledgeable estate planning attorney can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that includes clear instructions for pet care. This includes legally naming a caregiver and outlining expectations and financial support. A proper plan should also address emergencies, like who can step in immediately if you’re hospitalized or incapacitated.
Make a Financial Plan for Your Pet’s Care
According to Rover.com, the lifetime cost of owning a dog or cat is between $32,000 and $35,000. If that financial responsibility isn’t planned for, even the most willing caregiver may not be able to step in.
We help you understand your options, including how to set up a trust fund specifically for pet care. A pet trust can specify:
- Routine and emergency medical care expenses
- End-of-life decisions
- Daily living costs and special items your pet may need
This type of planning removes the financial burden from the caregiver and ensures your pet is cared for as you wish.
What Is a Family Trust and Is It Right for Pet Planning?
A family trust can be an effective vehicle to protect both your human and non-human loved ones. If you’re wondering, “What is a family trust?” or “Who owns the assets in a family trust?”, the short answer is: the trust owns the assets for the benefit of named beneficiaries. That can include a designated caretaker for your pet, along with resources allocated specifically for their use.
Why a Comprehensive Estate Plan Works Better Than Traditional Wills
Traditional wills may not be enough. Many people ask, “Who needs a trust instead of a will?” The answer: anyone who wants more control, flexibility, and privacy—especially when pets are involved.
A will must go through probate, which can delay access to resources your pet needs. A trust can be activated immediately and avoids court delays. A comprehensive estate plan goes beyond the basics of how a will works when someone dies and ensures everything from your pet to your property is handled according to your wishes.
Why Estate Planning Is Important for Every Pet Owner
Your estate plan should reflect your full life—not just your assets. Many people wonder:
- “What is the purpose of making an estate plan?”
- “Do I need a trust?”
- “Is life insurance part of an estate?”
- “How much does a will cost?”
- “What happens when life insurance goes to the estate?”
These are all questions that become relevant when planning not only for your loved ones but also for the pets who rely on you.
Estate planning for unmarried couples, financial planning for new parents, and inheritance planning for blended families are all important pieces of the puzzle. And yes, pets are part of that equation.
The Benefits of Estate Planning with Modern Legacy
At Modern Legacy, we build lasting relationships with our clients. Unlike traditional document-focused attorneys, we provide a holistic estate planning process that adapts to your life as it evolves. Our plans include:
- Regular reviews and updates
- Detailed planning beyond just legal documents
- Access to trusted professionals for your family
We address everything from how life insurance is paid out to beneficiaries, to estate planning after divorce, to how much estate planning costs, to the best way to leave inheritance without tax complications.
Take the Next Step to Protect Your Pets
Floyd’s story had a happy ending, but that was luck. Your pet’s future should not depend on luck—it should be backed by a comprehensive estate plan built with care and foresight.
Schedule a complimentary Legacy Planning Session with Modern Legacy to learn more about how to protect everyone you love, including the furry ones. Your pet’s future deserves more than a verbal promise—it deserves a plan.
This article is a service of Modern Legacy Law Group, PLLC, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Legacy Planning Session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Legacy Planning Session.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.