A well-drafted Massachusetts Pet Trust should include a Life Care Plan for the pet.  The Life Care Plan would explain the expected standard of living to be provided to the pet, including food, medication and grooming.  The Life Care Plan should also go into whether it is intended to provide for expensive medical treatment.  Doing so can minimize the chances of disputes among the Caretaker, Monitor and Trustee.

A well thought-out Life Care Plan should also consider that the Caretaker may at some point be temporarily unavailable to care for the pet, such as when on vacation, hospitalized, or away on business.   The Life Care Plan should explain whether the use of a pet sitter or professional boarding business would be acceptable during such temporary events.

Once a Life Care Plan has been established, it will be easier for your Veterinarian to help determine how much funding may be necessary for the Pet Trust.

Posted by: Brian E. Barreira, Esq. / 18 Samoset Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 / 508-747-8282