Four-Legged Family Members
Pets, whether canine, feline, avian, or an exotic, are often treated as members of the family. Some pet owners have gone so far as to create honorary trusts so that their pets would continue to be cared for in the event of the owner’s death or incapacity. However, because such a trust was not for the benefit of a charity or person with legal rights to enforce it, the trust created no enforceable duties.
Fortunately, for die hard pet lovers, the 79th Texas Legislature created a new provision under the Texas Probate Code to specifically allow for pet trusts. This provision became effective on January 1, 2006. If you care to read up on pet trusts, the statute (“Trust for Care of Animal”) can be found at Section 112.037 of the Texas Probate Code.
To find out more about planning for your pet’s future, you can contact the Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org/petsinwills.
