Money Report

Four-legged heirs

Wednesday, 28 July 2010 08:29 By Steven Weber

Estate planning for the pets we love

We love our pets, and we aren’t afraid to lavish money and care on them. According to the American Pet Product Association, Americans are projected to spend an estimated $45.4 billion in 2009-2010 on their pets, up from $34.4 billion dollars in 2004. The trouble is, our pets sometimes outlive us.

Publicity surrounds the embattled estates and the unusually large trusts created for the furry companions of Leona Helmsley and Miami heiress Gail Posner. For some, it is difficult to imagine and somewhat frivolous to leave a $12 million trust for a dog named Trouble or even a $3 million trust and an $8.3 million mansion for Conchita the Chihuahua. That said, many faithful companions, often elderly animals difficult to adopt, end up being taken to the pound or abandoned by heirs. It is possible and important to make arrangements for care of your pet should something happen to you.

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