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Lakeport Today
By the People, for the People
Estate Planning Considerations for Pets and Animals
Ensuring the care and placement of pets and other animals after an owner's disability or death
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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Pets and other animals are important to many people, and can even feel like family. However, they require ongoing care and expenses that need to be accounted for in an owner's estate planning. This article discusses the various options and considerations for providing for the care and placement of pets and animals in one's estate plan, including powers of attorney, pet care trusts, and bequeathing funds to family members or animal shelters.
Why it matters
Proper estate planning for pets and animals can provide peace of mind for owners and ensure their beloved companions are cared for even after the owner is gone. It also helps avoid potential issues like animals being abandoned or ending up in shelters if the owner becomes incapacitated or passes away.
The details
The article outlines several key considerations for estate planning related to pets and animals, including evaluating the animal's life expectancy, current and future care needs, associated expenses, and options for humane placement or adoption. It discusses how a power of attorney can authorize an agent to use the owner's assets to care for the animals, as well as the use of pet care trusts to provide ongoing funding. The article also notes that more commonly, owners will simply make arrangements to have their pets placed with family members or adopted through animal shelters, providing a specific monetary bequest to facilitate this.
- The article was published on February 7, 2026.
The players
Dennis A. Fordham
An attorney who is a State Bar-Certified Specialist in estate planning, probate and trust law, with an office in Lakeport, California.
What they’re saying
“My Agent shall make necessary payments to support my pets in the same manner and in accordance with the same standard as I may have provided in the past (adjusted if necessary by circumstances).”
— Dennis A. Fordham, Attorney (record-bee.com)
“In the event that my pets cannot feasibly be cared for at my home, then my Agent is authorized to arrange for their temporary or permanent placement, at my Agent's discretion, and to pay all associated expenses from my estate.”
— Dennis A. Fordham, Attorney (record-bee.com)
What’s next
Anyone confronting these issues should seek the assistance of an attorney for specific guidance.
The takeaway
Proper estate planning for pets and other animals can provide peace of mind for owners and ensure their beloved companions are cared for even after the owner is gone, avoiding potential issues like animals being abandoned or ending up in shelters.
