YOUR PET

You love your dogs and cats as people love their children. You want them to be protected even when you’re not able to protect them yourself. Preparing a Pet Trust will help ensure that happens. A Pet Trust will keep your pets safe from a shelter and euthanization. It will contain guidelines for the care you want to be provided to your fur babies in your absence. The first step, however, is to be certain you clearly identify each pet you want to be protected by this Pet Trust.

The beginning of your Pet Trust should include a description of your pet. By doing so, you eliminate the possibility of fraud. No other animal can be substituted for your pet. To avoid fraud and clearly identify each pet, start with the basics: name, breed, sex, and birthdate. Include whether your pet has been neutered or spayed.

If your pet is microchipped, include the chip # and the contact information associated with the chip. Make sure the chip is updated. It is also important to include in your Pet Trust the need for future Caretakers to update their contact information. If your pet gets lost, this is the best way to help ensure its safe return home.

An important part of the identification process is the physical description. Include your pet’s color and any markings. To help identify your pet, clearly show what makes your pet look different than others of the same breed. The more detailed your description, the harder it will be for someone to try to substitute another animal for your pet.

Edwin D Marks Animal Foundation offers resources to educate people about Pet Trusts. We show pet lovers how to develop the essential components of a well-designed Pet Trust that prevents their pet from being placed in a shelter and euthanized.