Pet Trusts

Our Atlanta estate planning attorneys help Georgia pet owners ensure their pets always have care, stability, and financial support.

For most of us, pets are family. They’re part of our homes, our routines, and our happiest moments. But few people stop to think about what would happen to their pets if they weren’t around to care for them. Who would take them in? Who would pay for their food, vet visits, or grooming? These aren’t just emotional questions, but they are also legal and financial ones that every Georgia pet owner should consider.

A Georgia Pet Trust ensures your pet always has a caretaker and the financial support they need. It’s one of the kindest and most practical ways to protect your pet if something unexpected happens.

Why Georgia Pet Owners Create Pet Trusts

Many pet owners assume that leaving instructions in a Will is enough. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always work out the way people expect. In Georgia, pets are legally considered property, and a Last Will and Testament must go through the probate process. The probate process can be time-consuming, and in the meantime, your pet may be left without clear direction or access to funds for care.

A Pet Trust solves this problem. It goes into effect immediately after you pass away, which means your pet’s caretaker can step in right away, with access to funds for food, veterinary care, and everything else your pet needs. Unlike a Will, which can take several months or years to process, a Pet Trust ensures your pet’s care begins right away.

How Georgia Pet Trusts Work

A Georgia Pet Trust is a legally binding plan that outlines exactly how your pet should be cared for and is responsible for doing so. It’s part of your estate plan, but it focuses specifically on your pet’s well-being.

A Georgia Pet Trust can stand on its own or be included as part of your larger estate plan. Many Georgia families include it in their Revocable Living Trust.

You would name:

• A Trustee to handle the funds you set aside for your pet’s care.

• A Caretaker to take physical custody of your pet and love them as you would.

• Alternates in case your first choices can’t serve when the time comes.

You can fund the Trust during your lifetime or after your passing. Many Atlanta pet owners choose to fund it after they pass away through life insurance, a savings account, or their Revocable Living Trust. The Trustee uses that money to pay for your pet’s food, medical care, and other expenses.

When your pet passes away, any remaining funds in the Trust can be allocated to a person or organization you designate, such as a family member, a friend, or a local animal charity.

What to Consider in Creating a Georgia Pet Trust

Here are some of the different components of a Georgia Pet Trust and some of the decisions you should consider in creating one:

A Trustee

This person or institution manages the funds you set aside to cover your pet’s expenses, including veterinary care, food, and grooming.

A Caretaker

This is the person who will actually care for your pet. They’ll provide love, attention, and a safe home while following your instructions regarding routines and healthcare.

Resources

You do not need to contribute money to the Trust during your lifetime. It can be funded when you pass away, for example, by life insurance proceeds, bank account funds, or assets in a Revocable Living Trust. You will want to set aside enough money in the Trust to care for your pet for the rest of its life.

Care Instructions

Your Pet Trust can include instructions to care for your pet, for example:

• Feeding instructions: How often and how much should they be fed? What kind of food do they eat?
• Dietary preferences: What brand and type of food do they eat? Do they have allergies or dietary restrictions?
• Medical care: Are there specific health concerns? Which veterinarian do you see? Do you have pet insurance? Do they take any medications? Do they have any allergies?