THE INCREASE IN INTEREST AND DEMAND FOR PET TRUSTS
Those of us with furry friends know how much we can love them and consider them part of our family. Many pet owners assume that family members or friends will automatically step in to care for their animals, but this isn’t always the case. Without a clear plan, pets often end up neglected, rehomed, or placed in shelters.
In the past, there have been stories that have gained national attention relating to wealthy individuals leaving large sums of money to their pets on their death. As a probate attorney, I have noticed this trend is no longer exclusive to the uber rich. Everyone is thinking about planning for their beloved pets.
Now (obviously) a pet can’t legally inherit funds. Any financial provisions for their care must be structured through a Pet Trust. A legally recognized arrangement that sets aside funds to ensure your pet’s ongoing care, appoints a designated caregiver, and establishes guidelines for their well-being. Thanks to the Uniform Trust Code, all 50 states recognize some sort of Pet Trust.
Photo by Anoir Chafik on Unsplash
Celebrities with Pet Trusts
Pets are becoming more of a focal point for families, and their owners are growing more aware and concerned about the desired pet care once they die. I have numerous clients I’m working with currently to structure their Pet Trust to their concerns and needs. Below are some fun examples of celebrities who have thought about their pets in this capacity:
Leona Helmsley
Controversial NYC Real Estate Mogul and “Queen of Mean” left a $12m Trust for the care of her aptly named dog, Trouble. This was eventually knocked down to $2m by a judge, with the remainder distributed to the grandsons Leona previously disinherited. Trouble would go on to live for 4 more years in Sarasota Florida at one of Helmsley's properties, and initially needed security due to the kidnapping and death threats it received.
Joan Rivers
Comedian Joan Rivers made sure her four beloved dogs were provided for in her estate, establishing dedicated trust provisions for their care. She deeply cherished her rescue dogs, who lived with her in her Manhattan apartment, and also arranged for the continued care of two more dogs at her California home. According to her goddaughter, Rivers adored her pets, treating them like family and ensuring they received the same love and attention she always gave them.
Alexander McQueen
The renowned British designer Alexander McQueen ensured his beloved pets were cared for by naming them as beneficiaries in his estate. He had three dogs—Minter, Juice, and Callum—and left them €50,000 (approximately $82,000) to secure their well-being after his passing.
In addition to providing for his pets, McQueen’s compassion for animals extended to charitable giving. He bequeathed nearly $328,000 to two animal rights and welfare organizations. His estate, valued at approximately $26 million, reflected both his legacy in fashion and his commitment to the causes he cared about.
Gail Posner
Miami Socialite and Heiress Gail Posner gifted her entire estate to her housekeepers and pets. Now, this came under harsh scrutiny as family members believe Gail did not have capacity when she changed her Estate Plan, and the result was thus settled out of court. However, she had originally left $3m dollars and her $8.3 million mansion to a trust fund in order to care for her chihuahua, Conchita, and her two other dogs.
Photo by Humberto Arellano on Unsplash
When setting up a Pet Trust, we help address key considerations, such as:
- Appointing a Caregiver: Who will take over the day-to-day care of your pet? This person should be not only willing but also capable of providing a loving home.
- Trustee Responsibilities: Who will manage the trust funds to ensure they are used appropriately for your pet’s needs? The Trustee and the Caregiver can be the same person or different individuals.
- Funding the Trust: How much should be set aside to cover food, veterinary care, grooming, and other expenses for your pet’s expected lifespan?
- Compensation for the Caregiver and Trustee: Should the individuals responsible for managing your pet’s care receive compensation for their efforts? If so, how much?
- End-of-Life and Contingency Plans: What should happen if the designated caregiver can no longer care for your pet? What arrangements should be made for your pet’s passing?
Conclusion
At Durfee Law Group, we are well equipped with the experience and knowledge to appropriately incorporate a Pet Trust into your estate plan. We can implement provisions relating to who the future caretaker will be, how much of the Trust funds should be allocated to the Pet Trust, how much should the Trustee of the Pet Trust be compensated for their work, and so on and so forth.
Planning for your pet’s future is an act of love and responsibility. If you’d like to learn more about how to incorporate a Pet Trust into your estate plan, contact us today to start the conversation.
Pet Trusts © 2025 by Toby Tigges is licensed under CC BY 4.0 
Pet Trusts