Pet Trusts: How to Protect Your Furry Family Members (and a Funny Story to Prove It)

Jennifer Georgianne
Jul 6
4 min read

For many of us, pets aren’t just animals—they’re beloved family members. Whether it’s your loyal golden retriever, your mysterious cat, or your parrot who knows all the wrong things to say in front of guests, you want to make sure they’re cared for if something happens to you.

At East County Estate Planning, PC, we help pet lovers in Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, Sammamish, and King County, Washington, as well as La Mesa, Santee, El Cajon, and San Diego County, California, create pet trusts that ensure their furry (or feathered) family members are looked after with love and care.

What Is a Pet Trust?

A pet trust is a legally enforceable document that allows you to set aside money and provide detailed instructions for your pet’s care if you become incapacitated or pass away. It names:

A caretaker (who will care for your pet)
A trustee (who will manage the funds)
Specific instructions for care, vet visits, feeding routines, exercise, and more

Unlike just leaving your pet and money to someone in a will, a pet trust ensures accountability—the trustee is legally required to use the funds for the benefit of your pet.

A Funny (and True-ish) Story About a Very Pampered Poodle

Let’s rewind to Beverly Hills.

Meet Bella: a 7-pound white poodle who wore designer collars and had her own Instagram following. Her owner, a retired soap opera star, loved Bella more than most humans. So when she updated her estate plan, she left $1.5 million in a trust for Bella’s lifetime care.

Bella’s trust instructions were… elaborate.

Daily filet mignon
Weekly grooming (with lavender paw balm)
Monthly massages
And, believe it or not, quarterly photo shoots to “keep Bella relevant”

The trustee hired a dog nanny, a personal chef (really), and a photographer. Bella’s caretakers lived rent-free in the guest house and reported expenses to the trustee quarterly. The trust had so many restrictions that the dog could not fly commercial—only private jet.

Now, most of us aren’t leaving behind a poodle empire, but the story illustrates the power—and humor—of a pet trust done right.

Why a Pet Trust Matters

While Bella’s story is entertaining, the truth is many pets end up in shelters after their owners pass away because no one planned ahead. This is especially common for older animals or pets with health conditions or unique needs.

A pet trust ensures:

Your pet doesn’t end up with someone unwilling or unable to care for them
The caregiver has the resources needed for proper food, vet care, and supplies
Your pet lives with someone you’ve chosen and trust
Your instructions (routine, medications, preferences) are followed

You can even include end-of-life wishes for your pet to ensure compassionate care in their final years.

How Much Money Should I Leave in a Pet Trust?

It depends on your pet’s life expectancy, health, and lifestyle. A typical pet trust covers:

Food and treats
Grooming
Routine and emergency vet care
Medications or special treatments
Boarding or pet sitting
Replacement of supplies (beds, toys, collars)
Burial or cremation

Some clients set aside $5,000–$25,000 for one or two pets, while others plan for more, especially if pets are exotic, elderly, or have special needs.

State Laws in Washington and California

Both California and Washington legally recognize pet trusts:

In California, pet trusts are governed by Probate Code §15212 and can continue until the last surviving animal dies.
In Washington, RCW 11.118 allows pet trusts that are legally enforceable and can be monitored by a trustee or court.

At East County Estate Planning, PC, we ensure your trust complies with your state’s laws, and we customize the terms to fit your pet’s unique personality (yes, even your cranky cockatiel).

How to Set Up a Pet Trust

A pet trust can be created:

As part of your revocable living trust
As a standalone trust
Or through your will (though a will-based trust may be subject to probate delays)

We help you:

Choose a primary and backup caregiver
Appoint a trustee to manage funds
Outline detailed care instructions
Determine the appropriate funding amount
Set up oversight if needed (such as a trust protector or enforcer)

Give Your Pet the Lifetime of Love They Deserve

Your pets have given you unconditional love—return the favor by making sure they’re protected if you're no longer there.

At East County Estate Planning, PC, we’re passionate about helping families create estate plans that include every loved one, human or animal.

Serving Pet Lovers In:

Washington: Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, Sammamish, and King County
California: La Mesa, Santee, El Cajon, and San Diego County

📞 Schedule your consultation today and let us help you create a pet trust that guarantees your companion will always be safe, happy, and maybe even just a little spoiled.

Office Locations

📞 Call us today at (619) 566-8084 or visit www.ecestateplanning.com to schedule your free consultation.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this blog or contacting our firm through this website does not create an attorney–client relationship. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any content included in this blog without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice specific to your situation.