What about the pets?

If you count one or more pets among your family, don’t leave them out when making plans for the disposition of your estate.

You can of course leave a simple letter indicating your wishes, however a letter of instruction may not be enforceable by a court. There are simple steps you can take now to ensure pets are cared for as you wish.

In your will

By including appropriate language in your will, you can

• direct that your pet be given as a gift to a named individual.
• direct that your veterinarian place your pet for adoption.
• direct that your veterinarian euthanize your pet.
• direct that your pet be placed into a pet retirement home run by various animal institutions.
• direct that your pet be delivered to a pet adoption center for placement.

In a trust

You can even dedicate resources to the upkeep of your pet by setting up a simple trust. Trusts provide the security of accountability and court oversight. You can, for example,

• direct that certain funds in a specified amount be used for the care of your pet.
• direct that a designated individual live in your home and care for your pet for the duration of your pet’s life.

Supporting Animal Welfare Organizations

Many people elect to donate a portion of their estate to an organization that works for he benefit of animals. There are many worthy organizations that would be happy to help you and your attorney set up such a gift. Your options include

• providing a bequest to an animal program by will.
• providing a gift by living trust.
• designating a specific animal program as beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
• lifetime planned gifts with income to the donor.

The Law Protects Pets!

Standard of care

Virginia law requires pet owners to provide adequate food, water, clean shelter, exercise, care, treatment, and veterinary care when needed or to prevent suffering or disease transmission. Violation of this law is punishable as a misdemeanor.

Protection when abandoned

The law does not look favorably on people abandoning animals and places an obligation on the owner to find another owner or custodian. In the event the pet is abandoned in any public place, a stiff fine is imposed. When a pet is abandoned by leaving it at the vet or boarding establishment after the owner has been given notice to pick up the animal, a fine is imposed and the pet may be sold, offered for adoption or euthanized.

Protection from abuse

The law prohibits anyone from willfully inflicting inhumane injury or pain to an animal, or depriving any animal food, drink or shelter. Initiating, participating or in any way furthering acts of cruelty or transporting the animal in an unsafe or inhumane manner which tortures or causes unnecessary suffering to the animal is strictly prohibited. Violation of these protections from abuse is punishable for up to twelve months in jail and a $2,500 fine.