Creating a Legacy of Love: Planning for Your Pet's Future

Have you ever wondered what would happen to your beloved companion animal if something happened to you? It’s a question many of us would rather avoid, but one we can’t afford to ignore. In today’s episode, we explore this often-overlooked topic with Professor Ashley R. Dobbs from the University of Richmond School of Law.Under American law, pets are treated as property, much like a chair or a laptop. This reality means that simply naming a friend or family member to take care of an animal companion in a will won’t be enough to ensure the pet’s well-being. What if that person’s circumstances change? What if they’re unable or suddenly unwilling to fulfill the promise when the time comes? Without the right legal structures in place, your beloved pet’s future could be left to chance.Ashley explains why setting up an animal trust is the most secure way to provide for your companion after you’re gone. Unlike a mention in a will, an animal trust can legally enforce your wishes and provide funds directly for your pet’s care, without the delays of probate court.She describes the basics of how to set up an animal trust, from choosing the right caretaker to determining the financial support needed. Her practical advice helps people plan ahead, protect their pets, and avoid the heartbreak of seeing a beloved companion end up in a shelter or on the street simply because no one was prepared.Ashley understands the importance of protecting your companion animal and having peace of mind. She is an expert on animal-related matters whose past work includes drafting proposed federal legislation related to tax incentives and pet trusts; providing legal counsel to organizations such as the Jane Goodall Institute, the Humane Society of the United States, and other local and national animal welfare organizations; serving as curriculum advisor to the American Prosecutors Association’s animal cruelty prosecution program; and chairing the educational subcommittee for the American Bar Association’s Animal Law Committee.