Pet Trust Lawyer & Attorney : Dan Meek Law Firm : Estate Planning, Pet Guardians, Will Provisions

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I had the pleasure this past week of meeting with Mr. Andy Reed, the Director of Development for The Humane Society of Naples.

Over a cup of coffee, we discussed the challenges of his organization and others like his, in a similar position, during these times of uncertainty and the apparently declining economic climate.

Andy pointed out that the vast majority of funds that come into the shelter are from private individuals and animal lovers in general.

“We are very pleased that The Humane Society of Naples is Collier County’s only physical no-kill animal shelter,” said Reed. “We do our best to work with owners and prospective adoptees to place the animals that we receive in a good and safe environment.”

Reed said that they have established a “Remaining Best Friends” Program at The Naples Humane Society. 

Andy and this staff will work with families, their financial advisers and their estate planning attorneys to help guide and shape the future of their pets.

Reed suggest to all animal owners, that they follow at least three simple steps for their pet's future; 

       Set up a plan for an emergency caregiver for pets using the appropriate legal documentation and instructions for necessary care.

       Use a will to properly provide for the long term care of pets after the owners are no longer around to do so.

       Set up a Pet Trust that can be used for the pet if the owner becomes incapacitated or ill during their lifetime.

Northern Trust recently published a survey of wealthy families. In Wealth in America 2008, Findings from a Survey of Millionaire Households, they reported that charitable giving among families with $10,000,000.00 to invest decreased dramatically from 2005 to 2006. 

Many individuals (42%), not surprisingly, reported in the survey that they supported causes in which they personally believed.

The survey also reported that 60% of those families would eventually give 10% or less of their estate assets to charities. One-half of that same group plans on no charitable bequests at all, from their estate assets.

Reed told me that approximately 30 to 40 % of the private support for his shelter comes as gifts from estates.

Your monetary support is invaluable to animal shelters.

Your monetary support is absolutely necessary to maintain animal shelters.

We often outline the vital components of estate planning for your pets, here and here. 

You will need to choose a beneficiary who will receive any remaining funds that are not used by the Pet Trust.

If you designate an animal shelter as that alternate beneficiary, you can be sure that you provide the necessary care and protection for the well being of your pet and, just maybe, leave a legacy as well.