Making Your Wishes Known

An NB Pet Trust enables you to document your wishes regarding the proper care of your animals, including:

Your animal’s standard of living and care, e.g. food preferences, ongoing medical conditions, daily routines, sleeping arrangements, etc.

  • How you will fund the trust, e.g., cash, sale of property, etc., keeping in mind that it should not exceed what may be reasonably necessary to maintain the standard of care you have outlined.
  • How the funds will be distributed to the caregiver, i.e., monthly payment, in response to a written request for funds, etc.
  • Detailed descriptions of your animals in order to prevent any fraud, such as a “revolving door” of black cats.
  • How and how often the trustee should inspect the care being provided by your designated caregiver.
  • How to take care of your pet’s remains.
Remember – be thorough! The more detailed your instructions are, the more likely your pets will receive optimal care.

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. It enables you to specify the quality of care you want your pets to receive, and if you desire, to set aside funds to ensure your chosen caregiver will be able to carry out your wishes. Unlike a will, which can take weeks to execute, an NB Pet Trust takes effect immediately, ensuring your pets’ uninterrupted care and comfort. It can also be implemented if you are temporarily disabled due to injury or illness. As the “grantor” of the trust, you will need to identify:

  • A trustee, who will hold property and/or funds “in trust” for your animals’ benefit.
  • A caregiver, who will receive regular payments from the trust, and care for your pets according to your detailed instructions, or a sanctuary, perpetual care or rescue group, who, for a donation or fee, will care for your pets for the rest of their lives or find them a safe and loving home. See our partial listing of animal sanctuaries.
  • A beneficiary, who would receive the funds remaining in the trust (if any) after all of the animals have died.

Pet trusts are legally enforceable, therefore strict compliance is essential.

An NB Pet Trust is one of the most important ways that you can preserve your pets’ well being, and your own peace of mind.