Because they are family too
Pet Planning
Your pets cannot speak for themselves. A pet trust ensures they are cared for by someone you choose, with funds set aside for their needs.
Pet trust in Arizona: the short answer
- What it is
- A pet trust names a caretaker for your animal, sets aside money for food, veterinary care and boarding, and says how the money may be spent. Arizona law (A.R.S. 14-2907) makes it enforceable for the life of the animal.
- Who it is for in Arizona
- Anyone whose pet would have nowhere certain to go. Single owners, older owners, people with horses or long-lived birds, and families who want the care funded rather than left to goodwill.
- What RJP does
- We help you choose a caretaker and a backup, estimate the lifetime cost of care, decide what happens to any money left over and coordinate the pet provisions with your living trust or will.
- What the attorney does
- The independent Arizona attorneys we work with advise you on how to structure the trust, prepare it as a standalone document or as part of your living trust, and supervise signing.
Because They Depend on You for Everything
If something happened to you tomorrow, what would happen to your dog, your cat, your horse? Most people assume a family member would step in. But without a legal plan, there is no guarantee, and no obligation. A verbal agreement with a friend or family member is not enforceable. The person you asked might change their mind, move away, or simply forget. Worse, if you become incapacitated, no one has the legal authority to access your funds for your pet's care.
Arizona Revised Statute §14-2907 specifically authorizes pet trusts. The trust stays in effect for the life of your animal and can cover any companion pet, from dogs and cats to horses, birds, and reptiles.
What a Pet Trust Solves
A pet trust is a legally enforceable document under Arizona law. It names a caretaker, sets aside funds for your animal's care, and documents exactly how you want them looked after. Veterinarian, medication schedule, dietary needs, exercise routine, and a backup caretaker if the first is no longer able to serve. For millions of pet owners, their animals are family. A pet trust is the only way to make sure they are treated like family after you are gone.
For millions of pet owners, their animals are family. A pet trust is the only way to make sure they are treated like family after you are gone.
If Your Pet Depends on You
Without a plan, there is no guarantee they will be cared for.
- Single Pet Owners. If you live alone with your pet, there is no automatic caretaker if something happens to you.
- Owners of Multiple Pets. Multiple animals require more detailed planning for care, housing, and expenses.
- Owners of Exotic or Special-Needs Pets. Horses, reptiles, and animals with medical conditions need specialized care instructions.
- Seniors with Companion Animals. As you age, having a plan for your pet becomes increasingly important.
| Option | Enforceable pet trust | Gift of the pet and cash in a will | Informal promise from family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caretaker legally bound | Yes, and a trustee or enforcer can hold them to it | No; the cash is theirs to keep | No |
| Works if you become incapacitated | Yes, if written into a living trust | No; a will only works at death | Only if someone volunteers |
| Money protected for the animal | Yes, spent as the trust directs | No | No |
| Backup caretaker | Named in the trust | Only if the will says so | None |
| Leftover funds | Go where you direct | Already gone to the person | Not applicable |
Your Next Step
Two ways to start. Attend a free in-person seminar in Phoenix or Tucson to hear the whole picture first, or book a one-on-one consultation if you already know what you need. Either way, the first conversation is free and there is no obligation.
Who You Will Work With
RJP planners meet with you, explain the options and coordinate the nonlegal steps. The independent attorneys we work with advise you and prepare your documents.
Senior Planning Consultant | CLDP | Licensed Insurance Agent
RJP Estate Planning · Certified Legal Document Preparer (CLDP) · Licensed Insurance Agent
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