You’ve probably heard the story. A woman leaves her fortune—millions of dollars—not to her children, but to her dog. The tabloids run with it. The internet laughs. And somewhere, a family lawyer quietly nods and says, “She wasn’t wrong.”

Because here’s the truth: yes, you can leave money to care for your pets. And in some cases? You absolutely should, because without a proper plan, the furry family members we love most can end up with no one looking out for them.

Let me show you how to make sure that never happens.

The “What Happens If I Go First?” Question No One Asks

Pets are companions, comforters, alarm clocks, protectors, and family. But under the law, they’re still considered property. So when something happens to you, and there’s no plan in place? Your pets don’t automatically go to someone who loves them. They don’t inherit money to cover food, vet care, or boarding. They don’t have legal standing or advocacy.

In fact, we’ve seen cases where pets:

  • End up in a shelter because no one in the family can take them
  • Get passed around like luggage because there’s no designated caregiver
  • Are separated from littermates or longtime owners because of legal confusion

That’s not because people are cruel. It’s because there was no plan. And the only way to make sure your pets are protected is to write that plan down—in a way the law recognizes.

What a Pet Trust Actually Does

At Bascom Law, we help clients include pets in their Estate Plan all the time. No, it doesn’t mean you’re “spoiling” them. It means you’re being responsible—and kind.

A Pet Trust allows you to:

  • Name a caregiver you trust to provide love and stability
  • Allocate funds for veterinary care, food, medications, grooming, or training
  • Appoint someone to monitor that caregiver (a trustee) to ensure funds are used appropriately
  • Include detailed instructions about how you want your pet cared for—right down to the brand of food or favorite sleeping spot

In short, it turns “I hope someone takes care of my dog” into “Here’s exactly what will happen when I’m not here.”

“But What If My Family Will Just Take Care of Them?”

That may be true. But we’ve also seen:

  • Family members argue over who “should” take the pet
  • Disputes about costs of care
  • Well-meaning relatives say yes, then later surrender the animal when it becomes inconvenient

The only way to make sure your wishes are carried out the way you want them to be?
Is to make those wishes legal. And that’s what we do.

We don’t just draft Wills and Trusts—we create outcomes. We make sure your intentions are clear, your loved ones are protected, and even the four-legged family members are covered.

Want to Make Sure Your Pets Are Safe—No Matter What?

If your dog is your shadow… if your cat sleeps on your chest… if your bird greets you when you come home… you already know this: They depend on you. And one day, they may need you to protect them—even when you’re not around.

Call Bascom Law today. We’ll help you create an Estate Plan that covers everyone you love, not just the humans. No judgment. Just a compassionate plan that ensures your pets are safe, loved, and cared for.

Because if they’ve given you a lifetime of loyalty, they deserve a future of security.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike

Mike Bascom
Bascom Law, PC
770-285-5493