CARE PLAN

You’ve made many choices since your pet joined your family. You’ve decided which food is best and that money spent on pet costumes brings you joy. You know your pet’s likes and dislikes and you want your pet’s new family to provide for your pet with the same lifestyle you do.

The Care Plan is the core of your Pet Trust. It’s the instruction manual on how to care for your pet for the rest of its life. It covers a multitude of areas that paint a full picture of your pet’s lifestyle.

The products you use develop over time and you continue to try new things to see what your pet likes or works best. You choose what you feel fills the needs of your pet, sometimes sparing no expense. By providing the new Care Team with a list of these products to use when caring for your pet, you help create a familiar and comforting feeling when you are no longer there. It’s important to spend some time writing down all the products you use, their brand name, and the amount used, so the new Caretakers can continue to use them.

The diet plan your pet follows contributes to its well-being. You don’t want them turning their nose up at a new type of food. It’s important they continue to eat, so including details about your pet’s diet in your Pet Trust guidelines is essential. Make sure you include all the details about the food including the type of food, how you serve it, what you mix into it, and what temperature you make it. There are an endless number of combinations so include as much about your pet’s diet as you can. Keep in mind that as your pet ages, the diet might have to change. The veterinarian may also suggest a prescription diet. It may be a good idea to include the ability of the Caretaker to be flexible under these circumstances.

The services you provide for your pet can be necessary or elective. Some pets see specialist veterinarians for specific problems and these must be continued. Grooming is another necessity. If your pet gets a massage, it’s most likely a perk but you’d want that to continue too. When naming the services you provide for your pets, include the name and contact information of the service providers.

Routines make up each day. You and your pet often engage in the same activities, the same way, at the same time every day or a few times a week. Routines include feeding times, sleep habits, play times, visits to the dog park, etc. Routines keep life steady and familiar for your pets. Just like home. Only now it’s with a new pet parent.

The Medical history of your pet tells a story. Some past conditions may have played a part in your pet’s current health so your Caretakers should be aware of this. Current medical problems and breed-related problems are also crucial to understanding your pet and any diet or medication changes that may be needed. All over-the-counter or prescription medications should also be included with their reason for taking and dosage. The list of medications should always be kept up-to-date so there is no lapse in treatment.

Funding your Pet Trust budget can be done in two parts. A sum of money is needed upfront in case you need to enact your Pet Trust while you are alive. If so, you would need to replenish the money used in case it’s needed again. The bulk of the Trust can be funded at a later time, even after your death. Possibilities for funding include the transfer or sale of your financial investments, real estate, valuable personal property, or by naming the Pet Trust as the beneficiary of your Life Insurance policy. It is best to seek the advice of your financial advisor, accountant, or attorney to decide which way is best for you.

A Budget is also prepared when making a Pet Trust. Everything you’ve described and outlined in your Pet Trust needs to be paid for. A budget helps you determine how much money you will need to leave for the care of your pet. It takes into consideration all the products and services you provide. It should include a “buffer” amount that can be used to cover any possible emergencies or unexpected litigation. Anything is possible and your Pet Trust budget needs to be prepared. Keep in mind that too much money is better than not enough. Any money remaining after your pet(s) die will be awarded to the person or organization you choose as the Residual Beneficiary.

Having the comfort and peace of mind knowing your beloved pet will still have a loving home, if you are no longer around, will take a great weight off your shoulders.

All the elements of the Care Plan work together to provide your pet with the lifestyle it is accustomed to living. We’ve just presented you with a basic summary of each part of a Care Plan. Visit our Library of articles, videos, and blogs to learn more about each topic. Continue clicking the Essential Components buttons too!