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ESTATE PLANNING FOR YOUR OTHER CHILDREN – YOUR PETS

Reblogger Jim Frimmer

Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Realty West CalBRE #01458572

September 28, 2009 09:28 AM

If you have a pet but have not made plans for that pet should something extraordinarly bad happen, now's the time to do it. They deserve to be in our wills just like our property since they are much more than just property.

I have been thinking about this for awhile but with the passing of 2 kitties - one this week and the other last Christmas, I am not ready to implement a plan for I am surviving my pets. So, what will happen when your pet survives you?   Do you have a plan? Do not assume you're good friend or relative will step up to the plate. This is an unwise assumption. This is the checklist I have come up with and maybe, you can add a few other pointers.

•1.       Designate someone to assume ownership

•2.       Keep in touch with this person to see if they are still willing

•3.       Authorize payments for food, veterinary care, grooming, etc.

•4.       Ask an attorney how to include language that will protect our pets in estate planning

•5.       Name a Trust Protector to oversee a pet's new owner and any funds set aside for the pets care

•6.       Carry a pet alert wallet card

The best news the SPCA Tampbay offers "The Pet Owner's Guide to Estate Planning for Pets" a pet alert wallet card and pet profile forms. To request any of the FREE materials call 727-581-3249 or visit www.spcatampabay.org

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Sharon Richards

Kirsten Realty Tampa Florida - Tampa, FL

Jim - Thank you so much for spreading the word. My Kitties are family to me and I am sure alot of other people feel the same way. I never thought about this till I lost two of my precious kitties.

Oct 23, 2009 02:03 PM

Susan Neal

RE/MAX Gold, Fair Oaks - Fair Oaks, CA

Fair Oaks CA & Sacramento Area Real Estate Broker

Hi Jim - I also have a decal on the front window of my home that says: In case of fire, please rescue cats inside. Our cats are indoor and outdoor, so I would hope that in a fire they would run outside, but what they usually do when frightened is to hide in the furthest corner in the back bedroom, under the bed. I'd just like to let emergency workers that we do have cats.

Oct 23, 2009 02:53 PM

Bryan Austin

Marketing - San Diego, CA

I inherited a cat from my uncle when he died. I had no idea that he thought enough about me to leave me his cat.

Oct 23, 2009 03:20 PM

Suzanne McLaughlin

Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN

Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Interesting post...we took in my mother-in-law's dog the night she passed away while I was with her at lunch. It was a somewhat traumatic event for all concerned. I couldn't believe she died in front of me so it was comforting to have her dog with me. And, unbeknownst to all of us, she HAD, in her will, specified that her beloved Jerry was to be taken care of until he died with food, vet bills, and anything else...the remainder to be dispersed after he passed on. Not all of it, of course, but several thousand set aside for him. We were judicious, and submitted bills, but he really never lacked...no limo rides or anything!!!LOL. He died a happy dog, I think. Better than what happens to most older pets of older people. I love to adopt the older pets, because they thrive on the love of the lost.

Oct 23, 2009 03:24 PM

Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

It is important to plan for our pets.... too often they become homeless! I am glad you reblogged this post.

Oct 23, 2009 04:07 PM

Janna Scharf

Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene - Coeur d'Alene, ID

Coeur d'Alene Idaho Real Estate Expert

I'm not a pet owner, so had never considered this before. I would like to think that pet owners in general, because of their love and devotion to their four legged family members, would have thought out a plan to implement if their pets survive them.

Oct 23, 2009 04:18 PM

Matt Listro

National Credit Fixers - Matt Listro - Vernon, CT

Your Credit Repair Expert

Hi Jim: This is fabulous advice! Thanks for re-blogging it!

Oct 24, 2009 04:44 AM

Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula

Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA

Realty Works Temecula

Great idea...I need to make time to do this, my boys are animal lovers like me but they do need instructions and the details.

Oct 24, 2009 10:28 PM

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