Protecting the Pets Who Depend on You
For many people, pets are not “just animals.” They are family.
They are part of your daily routine, your home, your comfort, and your life. But one question many pet owners never fully answer is:
What happens to my pet if something happens to me?
In Florida, you can legally create a trust for the care of an animal that is alive during your lifetime. This type of planning is commonly called a pet trust. Florida law specifically recognizes trusts created for the care of animals, and the trust generally continues until the death of the animal, or if more than one animal is covered, until the death of the last surviving animal.
At the Law Offices of Denise L. Adkins, P.A., we help Florida pet owners include their animals in a thoughtful estate plan so their pets are not left to chance, confusion, or family disagreement. You might think of us as your local Pet Trust Attorneys.
Why a Pet Trust May Be Important
Most people assume a friend or family member will “just take the pet.”
Sometimes that works.
Sometimes it does not.
Life changes. People move. Allergies develop. Financial stress happens. Family members may disagree. A well-meaning person may accept responsibility but later realize they cannot provide the level of care your pet needs.
A pet trust allows you to plan in advance for:
Your pet’s future caregiver
Veterinary care
Food, grooming, medications, and supplies
Boarding or pet sitting if needed
End-of-life care instructions
What happens to remaining funds after your pet passes
Oversight to make sure funds are used properly
A pet trust is not just about money. It is about creating a clear legal plan for the animal who depends on you.
What Is a Florida Pet Trust?
A Florida pet trust is a trust created to provide for the care of one or more animals alive during your lifetime.
Under Florida law, a trust may be created for the care of an animal, and the trust may be enforced by a person appointed in the trust terms or, if no person is appointed, by someone appointed by the court. A person with an interest in the welfare of the animal may also ask the court to appoint or remove the person enforcing the trust.
In plain English, that means your pet trust can name people to carry out your wishes and help make sure the money is used for your pet’s care.
A properly drafted pet trust may identify:
The pet or pets covered by the trust
The person who will physically care for the pet
The trustee who will manage the funds
The person who can enforce the trust
Instructions for food, medical care, grooming, exercise, and living arrangements
How much money should be set aside
What happens to unused funds when the trust ends
Pet Trusts and Your Larger Estate Plan
A pet trust should not be treated as a random add-on. It should be coordinated with the rest of your estate plan.
Depending on your circumstances, your pet planning may be included in or coordinated with:
A revocable living trust
A last will and testament
A durable power of attorney
Emergency instructions
A written pet care letter
Beneficiary planning
Asset and property planning
This matters because your pet may need care immediately if you become incapacitated or pass away. Estate plans should consider not only what happens after death, but also what happens if you are alive but unable to care for your pet.
A Pet Trust Is More Than a Loving Promise
Leaving money to a person and asking them to care for your pet is not the same as creating a pet trust.
A pet trust is designed to connect the funds to the purpose: your pet’s care.
For pet owners who want a deeper explanation of how pet trusts work in Florida, including caregiver selection, trustee responsibilities, funding, and why a will may not be enough, we created a full guide with a video and podcast:
Read our full guide: What Happens to Your Pet If Something Happens to You? A Practical Guide to Pet Trusts in Florida
Florida Pet Trusts Are About Peace of Mind
A pet trust gives you the ability to answer important questions before a crisis occurs.
Who will care for my pet?
Where will my pet live?
How will expenses be paid?
Who will make sure my wishes are followed?
What happens if my first choice cannot serve?
What happens to the remaining money after my pet passes?
Those answers can spare your loved ones confusion and help protect your pet from uncertainty.
Plan for the Pets Who Depend on You
Your pet cannot hire a lawyer, explain what they need, or tell your family what you wanted.
That is why planning ahead matters.
At the Law Offices of Denise L. Adkins, P.A., we help Florida residents create estate plans that reflect their families, their property, their wishes, and the animals they love.
Whether you are creating a new estate plan or updating an existing one, we can help you decide whether a pet trust belongs in your plan.
Click here to request a consultation or call/text (407) 337-3377.
Serving clients throughout Florida, with offices located in Winter Springs, Seminole County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Trusts in Florida
Are pet trusts legal in Florida?
Yes. Florida law recognizes trusts created for the care of animals alive during the settlor’s lifetime under Florida Statute section 736.0408.
How long does a Florida pet trust last?
A Florida pet trust generally terminates when the animal dies. If the trust covers more than one animal alive during the settlor’s lifetime, it generally terminates when the last surviving animal dies.
Can I create a pet trust for more than one pet?
Yes. A pet trust may be created for more than one animal, as long as the animals are alive during your lifetime. See Florida Statue
Who manages the money in a pet trust?
The person or institution managing the money is typically called the trustee. The trustee is responsible for using the trust funds according to the terms of the trust.
Who actually takes care of the pet?
The caregiver is the person who physically cares for the pet. The caregiver and trustee can be the same person, but they do not have to be. In many cases, separating those roles can create better accountability.
Can someone make sure the pet trust is followed?
Yes. Florida law allows the trust to be enforced by a person appointed in the trust terms, or if no person is appointed, by someone appointed by the court. A person interested in the welfare of the animal may also request court involvement.
What happens to money left over after my pet dies?
That should be addressed in the trust. You can generally decide who receives the remaining funds after the trust ends, such as a person, charity, animal rescue, or other beneficiary.
Do I need a full estate plan to create a pet trust?
A pet trust can be created as part of a broader estate plan. For many clients, the best approach is to coordinate the pet trust with a revocable living trust, will, powers of attorney, and other planning documents.