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Pet Trust

Trust Terms

A trust created to provide care and funding for a pet after the owner's death or incapacity, enforceable under Arizona law.

A pet trust is a legally enforceable arrangement that sets aside money and instructions for the care of a pet. Without a pet trust, a pet is treated as personal property and an outright gift cannot be enforced.

Arizona Pet Trust Law

Under A.R.S. 14-2907, Arizona recognizes pet trusts that last for the lifetime of the animal. The trust must name a trustee to manage the funds and a caregiver to look after the pet day to day. They can be the same person or, often safer, two different people who check each other.

What to Include

Good pet trusts spell out feeding routines, vet preferences, exercise needs, end-of-life decisions, and what happens if the named caregiver cannot serve. Funding should be reasonable for the pet's expected lifespan; courts can reduce excessive amounts.

What Happens to Leftover Funds

Designate a remainder beneficiary, such as a charity or family member, who receives whatever is left after the pet dies. Without a named remainder taker, leftover funds typically pass back to the residue of the estate or trust.

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