PLANNING FOR YOUR PET TRUST PROVISIONS IN YOUR WILL OR TRUST

CHECKLIST

  1. The type of animal-Breed, size, current age

  2. The animal’s life expectancy (especially important in case of long-lived animals)

  3. The standard of living you wish to provide for the animal (including food and grooming)

  4. The need for potentially expensive medical treatment as the animal ages

  5. Emergency care funds and instructions for extent of care-limitations

  6. Payment for the caregiver

  7. Whether the trustee is to be paid for his or her services, and

  8. Adequate funds should also be included to provide the animal with proper care, be it an animal-sitter or a professional boarding business, when the caregiver is on vacation, out-of-town on business, receiving care in a hospital, or is otherwise temporarily unable personally to provide for the animal.

  9. If funds remain at the end of the animal(s) life, where shall the remainder go?

You can view, print and download a pdf of the New Mexico "Trusts for Pets" information here.