Before A Pet Owner Passes Away
As humans, we often anticipate that our lifespans will exceed those of our furry friends. While this is scientifically plausible, in Maryland, pets are considered personal property, and if anything happens to pet owners, it may take a significant amount of time to get the pets appropriate and timely care. To prevent this hassle, Laurel Cats recommends taking the following preemptive steps so your furry friends are always in the right hands.
Pet Trusts
Help Ensure Your Cat’s Future with a Maryland Pet Trust
As a devoted cat owner, you want to ensure that your pet is cared for, even if
something unexpected happens to you. A Maryland Pet Trust is a legal tool that
allows you to set aside funds and instructions for your cat’s care, providing peace
of mind that their well-being is secured.
Why Choose a Maryland Pet Trust?
- Guaranteed Care – Unlike informal agreements, a pet trust is legally binding, ensuring that your cat is properly cared for according to your wishes.
- Financial Security – You can designate funds specifically for your cat’s needs, covering food, veterinary care, grooming, and other essential expenses.
- Trustee Oversight – A designated trustee manages the funds and ensures they are used for your cat’s benefit, preventing misuse or neglect.
- Customized Instructions – Outline specific details such as diet, medical treatments, daily routines, and even preferred caretakers.
- Protects Against Uncertainty – Without a pet trust, your cat’s future may be left to chance, potentially ending up in a shelter or under unsuitable care.
How to Set Up a Pet Trust
Setting up a Maryland Pet Trust is simple. Work with an estate planning attorney
to create a trust document that outlines your cat’s care plan, appoints a trusted
caregiver, and designates funds for their ongoing needs. By planning ahead, you
ensure your beloved companion will be safe and happy, no matter what the future
holds.
Take the next step in responsible pet ownership—consider establishing a
Maryland Pet Trust as part of your estate plan.
Including Your Cat(s) In Your Will
Leave Your Cat Cared for with a Will
A will is a written legal document that can ensure your wishes for your cat and your
possessions are followed in the event you pass away. With a will, you can:
- Identify who will become your cat’s guardian
- Make charitable bequests from your estate, including to Laurel Cats
- Identify who will receive your possessions, including your home and funds
- Identify a trusted person execute your estate and make sure your wishes are carried out.
Why Draft a Will?
A will is legally binding. It provides directions to your executor about who will care for
your cat and how your possessions with be distributed. In a will, you can direct who will
become your cat’s guardian and how much money the guardian will receive from your
estate to care for your cat, if any. A will also ensures that your possessions are distributed
according to your wishes and helps your beneficiaries to avoid lengthy and complex legal
processes.
How to Write a Will
In Maryland, your legally binding will must meet three requirements: (1) be in writing
(either typed or handwritten); (2) be signed by you; and (3) be attested to and signed by
two witnesses above the age of 18.
Many resources are available to help you draft your will, including using a template from
a free website such as https://www.freewill.com/ and reviewing the FAQs on the People’s
Law Library of Maryland website at https://www.peoples-law.org/frequently-asked-
questions-about-wills.
Meeting with an attorney can help ensure your will meets legal requirements and
accomplishes your wishes for your cat and your estate. Your county bar association can
help you locate an attorney, or, if you are eligible, you can contact an organization such
as the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service for pro bono assistance.
Where to Keep Your Will
You can keep your will in a safe, safe deposit box, with your attorney, or in another place
in your home. You can also file your will with the Maryland Register of Wills for a $5.00
fee. You may consider telling your guardian or another trusted individual the location of
your will or provide them with a copy, to ensure your will is easy to find and your cat can
receive immediate care.
Other Considerations
The guardian you appoint for your cat should be a trusted individual. Consider choosing
an individual who lives nearby and can arrive at your home in a reasonable time to take
care of your cat. We recommend making sure the guardian:
- Agrees to care for your cat in the event you pass away;
- Knows basic facts about your cat, including the number of cats in your home and description of each cat;
- Is aware of each cat’s diet and medications;
- Has access to pet medical records, knows where to find them in your home, or knows how to contact your veterinarian; and
- If trusted, has a way to gain immediate access to your home to quickly care for your pet.
Taking the time to draft a will that includes pet care is an important step in making sure
your cat continues to have a full and healthy life.