It was recently announced that the late Ms. Leona Helmsley left millions of dollars to ensure that her canine companion could continue to enjoy a life of luxury. Ms. Helmsley's story raises awareness of the very important issue of planning ahead for a pet’s care in the event of an owner’s death. We like to think that a family member will step in and adopt our pets if we're no longer around, but that's not always the case. Every year, thousands of pets find themselves in animal shelters because their owners died without making arrangements for their care. Planning options include legal trusts and bequests in wills. Speaking with an estate-planning attorney is a good way to determine the best approach for your financial situation. Just a little planning now could make all the difference in the world to your pet if something were to happen…and it certainly provides you with peace of mind, knowing that your cherished companion will continue to be cared for in your absence.
Dr. Amy Fischer is a Teaching Associate in the Companion Animal Biology and Humane Education program, Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, pets.ansci.uiuc.edu/outreach. Lyrics of Wild Kitty (podtrailer) and Cat’s Chasing Butterflies (podintro) by Marc Gunn, www.catdrinkingsongs.com; All music is traditional.
