Protecting Your Furry Family Members: The Importance of Pet Trusts 

By Patrick M. Prue, Esq.

Are you concerned about what will happen to your beloved pets if you’re no longer able to care for them? At The Prue Law Group, we understand that pets are family, and planning for their future care is an essential part of comprehensive estate planning. Here’s what to know as you create a plan to ensure your furry family member is always taken care of.

What is a Pet Trust?

A pet trust is a legal arrangement that ensures your pets receive proper care if you become incapacitated or pass away. Unlike a simple provision in your will, a pet trust creates an enforceable obligation to care for your animal companions according to your specific instructions. 

Why Connecticut Pet Owners Need Pet Trusts

Connecticut law specifically recognizes pet trusts under Connecticut General Statutes § 45a-489a. This important legal protection allows you to: 

• Designate a trusted protector for your pets 

• Allocate funds specifically for your pets’ ongoing care 

• Establish detailed guidelines for your pets’ daily routines, diet, and veterinary care 

• Create legally enforceable arrangements that courts will uphold 

Without a proper pet trust, your beloved companions may face uncertain futures despite your best intentions.  

Planning for Multiple Pets and Special Needs

Many Connecticut families have multiple pets or animals with special medical needs. Our attorneys have experience creating comprehensive pet trusts that accommodate: 

• Multiple animals with different needs 
• Pets with chronic health conditions requiring ongoing treatment 
• Exotic pets with specialized care requirements 
• Horses and larger animals requiring significant resources 

Beyond Basic Care: Creating a Legacy

A well-crafted pet trust can do more than just provide for basic needs. We can help you establish provisions that preserve the quality of life your pet enjoys today, including: 

• Continuation of training or exercise programs 
• Maintaining relationships with favorite caregivers 
• Honoring the human-animal bond by keeping bonded pets together 

How The Prue Law Group Can Help

Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help you create a customized pet trust that addresses your specific concerns: 

1. Selecting the right trustee and caretaker

We’ll help you identify the best person to manage the trust funds and the ideal person to provide daily care for your pets (which may or may not be the same individual). 

2. Determine how much money to put into your pet trust

Our attorneys will help you calculate reasonable funding amounts based on your pets’ life expectancies, healthcare needs, and lifestyle requirements. 

3. Creating detailed care instructions for your pet within the trust

We’ll document your pets’ needs, preferences, and routines to ensure continuity of care. 

4. Establishing contingency plans for your pet within the trust

We’ll help designate alternate caregivers and include provisions for unexpected circumstances. 

With offices in Willimantic, Brooklyn, and Coventry, The Prue Law Group has been providing estate planning services including pet trusts to eastern Connecticut residents since 1980. Our team approach ensures you’ll receive compassionate, comprehensive guidance through every step of creating protection for your entire family—including those with four legs. 

Schedule a consultation now to learn how we can help you create peace of mind for you and your beloved pets.