What Happens to Your Pet When You Can’t Be There? Why Pet Planning Belongs in Your Estate Plan
When Ian Burke, a mail carrier from Destin, Texas, learned that Floyd—a big, lovable dog on his delivery route—had been sent to a shelter after his owner's death, he didn’t hesitate. He showed up at the shelter before it opened to adopt Floyd and give him a second chance.
Floyd’s story has a happy ending, but it also highlights a painful truth: millions of pets aren’t so lucky.
According to the ASPCA, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered animal shelters in 2024—many because their owners died or became incapacitated without a plan in place.
At Starsia Law, we believe that estate planning isn’t complete unless it includes your whole family—and that means planning for your pets, too.
The Risk Too Many Pet Owners Overlook
Floyd’s owner was a Vietnam veteran who clearly adored his dog. But like so many pet parents, he likely assumed a friend or relative would step in.
The reality? Many families can’t—or won’t—take on the responsibility. Some face restrictions in their housing or simply don’t have the time or finances to care for a pet. When grief, stress, and confusion set in, even the best intentions can unravel.
And animals grieve too. A sudden change in their environment, routines, or caregivers can cause distress, fear, or even illness.
Without a plan, your pet’s future is uncertain.
Why Verbal Promises Aren’t Enough
Saying, “Take care of Bella if something happens to me,” may feel reassuring—but informal arrangements often fall apart under pressure.
When you work with us to create a Life & Legacy Plan®, we go far beyond vague promises. We help you:
Name primary and backup caregivers
Provide access to veterinary records, routines, and preferences
Make financial arrangements for your pet’s care
Include your pet in your legal documents and trust plans
The Personal and Practical Pet Plan Your Family Needs
We’ll help you think through every detail your future caregiver will need—because we know firsthand how disorienting it can be to take on a pet suddenly.
Here’s what we include in your plan:
Emergency caregiver contacts (who can access your home if you’re hospitalized)
Feeding, walking, medication, and behavioral info
Favorite toys and comfort routines
Pet insurance, microchip records, and vaccination history
End-of-life preferences for your pet, so your values guide those decisions
We also help you plan for temporary care if you’re ever incapacitated—not just for end-of-life scenarios.
Planning for the Cost of Care
Caring for a pet isn’t free. According to Rover.com, the lifetime cost of pet ownership ranges from $32,000 to $35,000. Without financial support, a well-intentioned caregiver may have to say no.
We’ll help you explore your options, including:
Pet trusts that legally fund your pet’s care
Setting aside money within your estate plan
Stipends and instructions for designated caregivers
We’ll guide you to choose what makes sense for your life and your pet—and we’ll make sure it’s built to last.
Why Life & Legacy Planning Works (When Traditional Plans Fail)
Most estate plans are focused on documents. But documents don’t care for pets—people do.
That’s why we approach your estate plan as a relationship, not a transaction. Here’s what sets our process apart:
Ongoing plan reviews as your life—and your pet’s needs—change
A trusted relationship with your lawyer (and a succession plan if we’re no longer here)
Built-in support for your family after you’re gone
Clarity and peace of mind for everyone involved
While traditional “documents-only” estate plans may sit on a shelf and become outdated, your Life & Legacy Plan® evolves with you—so your pet never ends up forgotten or at risk.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Pet
Floyd was lucky. He had a mailman with a big heart. But your pet's future shouldn’t rely on luck or last-minute rescues.
At Starsia Law, we help you create a plan that ensures your pets are cared for with the same love and attention you give them every day.
Let’s protect your entire family—furry members included.
Click the button below to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation and start your Life & Legacy Plan today.
This article is a service of Starsia Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session™, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love.
The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.