What is an NB Pet Trust?

An NB Pet Trust is a legally sanctioned arrangement providing for the care and maintenance of your animal companions in the event of your death or disability.

Can’t I just provide for my pets in my will?

You can, however a will can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to execute. An NB Pet Trust will be activated immediately, ensuring that your pets receive continuous care. In addition, a will does not cover your pets if you become disabled.

How will I know how much money to set aside for my pets?

It’s a good idea to do a cost analysis to determine how much you spend each month on food, medicine, veterinary care, etc. This information, along with knowledge of your pets’ approximate life spans, can help you project how much you will need to set aside. NB Pet Trusts can put you in touch with a financial advisor who can assist you with this process.

I can’t afford to set aside any money now. Can I still arrange for an NB Pet Trust?

Yes. You can finance the trust out of your estate, in which case you would have to make an interim provision until the estate funding became available. This can be as simple as designating the sale of a portion of your personal property before your will is probated. You can also pre-arrange for a sale of this type in the event you become disabled.

How do I choose a caregiver?

The most important decision you will make when drafting your NB Pet Trust is choosing the person who will care for your pets on a daily basis. He or she should be someone you trust, preferably an animal lover, who respects your wishes and is committed to carrying them out. The NB Pet Trusts packet will provide additional guidelines, but here are some of the most important things to consider when selecting a caregiver:

• Lifestyle/living arrangements. You’ll want to make sure that your caregiver has sufficient room in his or her home as well as adequate time to provide the level of care you desire.
• Compatible views. Your caregiver should share your views on training, discipline and pet care in general. If your dog is used to snuggling on the couch and your caregiver believes that animals don’t belong on the furniture, you may want to consider a more suitable arrangement.
• Other pets. If your pet prefers not to be with other animals, it’s best to choose a caregiver who has no pets.

How do I select a trustee?

The second most important decision you will make when drafting your NB Pet Trust is choosing the trustee. This individual will oversee the caregiver, manage the finances of the trust and make sure its terms are scrupulously followed. Unlike the caregiver, the trustee need not be an animal lover, nor even get along with your animals. But he or she must be someone you trust to ensure that your animals will be treated well and the trust funds used judiciously. The NB Pet Trusts packet will provide additional guidelines, but here are some of the most important things to consider when selecting a trustee:

• Integrity. Your trustee should be someone who respects your wishes and is committed to carrying them out.
• Financial responsibility. Your trustee will be managing the trust funds, so he or she should have some basic financial knowledge.
• Commitment. The trustee must understand that his or her responsibilities will last for as long as the trust is in effect, including making periodic visits to the caregiver’s home. If your pets are young when the caregiver takes them in, this could be a decade or more

I don’t know anyone who would be willing or able to take my pets after I’m gone. What should I do?

If there is no one you would trust or who will agree to act as caregiver, then consider naming a sanctuary, perpetual care organization or trustworthy rescue group who, for a donation or fee, will assume the responsibility of finding your pet a loving, permanent home. For a partial list of sanctuaries nationwide, please click here.

How will I know that my pets will be cared for according to my wishes?

You will have the opportunity to fill out a form, explaining in full detail your pet’s daily routine, food preferences, exercise regimen, fears, etc. Your trustee will then make periodic visits to the caregiver’s home to ensure that your wishes are being carried out and that your pets are well cared for and content.

What if I live in a state that does not recognize pet trusts?

More and more states are passing laws that allow for the establishment of pet trusts. If yours has not, NB Pet Trusts can help you create an alternative trust or other legally enforceable document that provides for your pet in the same way a pet trust does, even if you choose our do-it-yourself Silver Trust.