Have you made a will? Have you included your pets in your will?
I've never understood why some people find the subjects of life insurance, survivor benefits, wills, death, etc., something to be avoided. Surely we all know we all will die some day -- why not take steps to care for those we love when we're gone? Specifically -- have you made provisions to take care of your pet or pets when you're gone.
It's my understanding that most states have little or no law relating to pets and pets who survive their owners, except that the pets PROBABLY are considered property, not "survivors" in the sense that people are survivors. But I'm pretty sure most states allow you to include specific instructions in a will regarding your pets.
Have you made a will, and if so, does it include some instructions or provisions for your pets? My wife and I made wills many years ago when our kids were minor children, because we were concerned about providing for their guardianship if we both were to die. We didn't. They're adults now, so it's no longer an issue.
But very honestly, we have not revised our wills and they make no mention at all of who would take care of our old cat if we both were to die. So this is an area where we've not done anything.
In our case, we assume our daughter or our son would care for the cat, Tigra, if we both died suddenly or were incapacitated. And, since she's a reasonably healthy, likable little cat who gets along with both our son and our daughter, there's not likely to be a problem. If she required special, even expensive, care, it would be a different matter, perhaps.
Leave a comment, please. Tell us what you've done or not done regarding your pets if you were to die or be incapacitated.
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