For Skeptics

Why are countless numbers of pets left homeless upon the death or disability of their owner?  Why are countless other pets left neglected and abused under similar circumstances?

We would venture to guess that the problem begins with attitudes reflected in the following email recently submitted by a user named "Larry":

"Estate planning for mere beasts?? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I read your 'For Skeptics' stuff and rolled my eyes.  Pets are property. They are bought, sold, neutered, leashed, caged, and killed against their 'will' (they have no will, but you get my drift).  Estate planning for pets is elevating animals to the levels of children and other family members. Back in my day, the pet of a deceased person was given to another family member or to a neighbor ,or an ad was put in the paper, 'free to good home'.. No lawyers involved. No "estate planning" for the animal. none of that nonsense."

Why is estate planning for pets necessary?  Year after year, countless pets are left to a fate that their deceased or incapacitated owners would have never imagined, much less desired.  And if you are an estate planning professional who does not take this issue seriously, consider that your client may take the care of their pet much more seriously than you would.  If you are a skeptic who finds the whole topic to be frivolous and unworthy of consideration, we suggest you read the following articles: