Planned Giving

Create a "Pet Trust" in Your Will

Washington State law recognizes certain trusts established for the benefit of animals, so-called “pet trusts.” Pet trusts are typically created by the terms of a will and include specific provisions for the future care of your pets. They are the most protective way to ensure that your animal will be properly taken care of upon your death. By including a pet trust in your will, you can name a trustee who will care for your pet, a distribution amount for the care of your pet after you are deceased, and also establish how the money should be spent for your pet’s care. While there are many benefits of a pet trust, a pet trust can add additional complexity and cost. Please contact your legal advisor for specific information about creating a pet trust in your will. For general questions about estate planning, contact Scott Fraser, scott@seattlehumane.org or 425-649-7559.

The information in this Web site is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income tax include federal taxes only. Individual state taxes and/or state law may impact your results.