Pet Trusts in Husky Country

Our pup, Daphne, is a fixture in Freed Marcroft’s office and has so many opinions of her own that she is even on Twitter at @thatlawyerdog.

As a dog lover myself, I understand why one of our trust and estate clients’ common concerns is what will happen if they predecease their pets.

Happily, in 2009, Connecticut enacted its “pet trust” law.  It is entitled “Trust to provide for care of animal,” and is located at  Connecticut General Statutes Section 45A-489a.

Under the law, a testamentary or inter vivos trust may be created to provide for the care of an animal or animals alive during the settlor’s or testator’s lifetime.  The trust terminates when the last surviving animal named in the trust dies.  The trust must designate a “trust protector” who acts on behalf of the animals named in the trust.

Planning your estate can give you confidence and comfort not only that your material possessions will be distributed according to your wishes, but can help ensure that your furry best friends will be well-loved and cared for even after your passing.

Maybe we should reach out to Jonathan XIV, the UConn husky (Siberian Husky to be more specific), and make sure his owners have properly provided for his future.