Many Florida residents view their pets as family. However, they may not have included their pets in a will. It is a good idea for people to include their pets in their estate plans so they are truly prepared for any situation that may arise.
You may already know who you would like to take care of your pet after you die. PetFinder.com says you should speak to this person so he or she knows your wishes. When you speak with your ideal caregiver, you should typically tell this person about the kind of care you want your pet to receive so he or she fully understands the commitment. Sometimes people may not feel they are capable of caring for your pet, so it is a good idea to have a few people in mind. Having a back-up is also a good idea in the event that someone agrees to be your pet’s caregiver and then experiences a change in circumstances that will prevent him or her from caring for your pet.
Many people know that caring for a pet can be expensive. According to Time Magazine, it is a good idea to set money aside for pet care. Some people may find the expenses of pet care daunting and may be more likely to agree to care for your pet if they know you have already thought about the kind of care your pet might need. It is a good idea to consider how many more years your pet might live, as well as the annual cost of visits to the vet and the groomer. Your pet may also need more care as he or she ages, so it is a good idea to calculate the costs of additional medical treatment. Once you know how much money you can set aside for your pet’s care, you can have an honest conversation with the people who might take care of your pet.
Most of the time, you can include instructions about your pet’s care in your will. You would typically include a section that states who will take your pet and whether you are leaving them any money. If you leave money to your pet’s caregiver, this person usually only receives this money once he or she takes your pet home.
