Kendall and Bexar County Estate Planning
Texas Estate Planning Blog
Shawn McCammon is the founder and managing shareholder of McCammon Law. Shawn has been practicing for over 20 years, starting off in litigation before working in-house as a corporate attorney, and finally opening his own firm in 2009.
For many of us in San Antonio, our pets are part of the family. They give us unconditional love, companionship, and joy. But have you ever stopped to think about what would happen to your pets if something unexpected happened to you? Without a plan, your pets could face an uncertain future. That’s why more pet owners are working with an estate lawyer in San Antonio to set up legal protections—like a pet trust—to ensure their pets are cared for, no matter what.
A pet trust is a legally binding arrangement that allows you to set aside money and instructions for the care of your pets if you pass away or become unable to care for them. Unlike informal promises to family or friends, a pet trust is enforceable by law. This means the person you name to care for your pet is required to follow your wishes, and the funds you leave behind must be used for your pet’s benefit.
You don’t need to be wealthy to want the best for your pets. But even high-profile individuals like Oprah Winfrey have taken steps to protect their animal companions. Reports suggest Oprah has set up a trust that will leave $30 million for the care of her dogs. While this amount is extraordinary, it highlights an important point: anyone can create a pet trust, no matter their financial situation, to ensure their pets are safe and cared for if they’re no longer able to provide that care themselves.
An estate lawyer in San Antonio can help you create a plan tailored to your pet’s needs and your budget. Whether you have one dog or several pets of different types, a pet trust can provide peace of mind.
To learn more about estate plans, read our blog, What Elements are Overlooked in Estate Plans?
When you set up a pet trust, several key decisions must be made:
You’ll want to select someone you trust to take care of your pets. This could be a friend, relative, or even a neighbor who knows and loves your pets. It’s also wise to name a backup caregiver in case your first choice is unable to help.
The trustee will manage the funds in your pet trust. This person ensures the money is used for your pet’s care according to your instructions. Many people prefer to name someone different from the caregiver as trustee to avoid any conflicts of interest and provide an extra layer of accountability.
How much should you set aside? That depends on your pet’s age, health, expected life span, and standard of care. Consider costs like food, grooming, veterinary bills, medications, and boarding if needed. Your estate lawyer in San Antonio can help estimate these costs.
Your pet trust should clearly outline how you want your pet cared for. This can include everything from preferred food brands to daily routines, exercise needs, medical treatments, and end-of-life wishes.
Once your pet has passed away, any funds left in the trust can be distributed to beneficiaries you name, such as a family member or a local animal shelter.
Life can change unexpectedly. That’s why your pet trust should include alternate caregivers. If neither your primary nor backup caregiver can take on the responsibility, the trustee can help find a suitable home. You might also consider reaching out to local no-kill shelters in San Antonio, as some offer lifetime care arrangements in exchange for a donation.
Yes! A pet trust can cover all your pets, including bonded animals that need to stay together. Your instructions can specify care for each animal or group, depending on their needs.
While it’s possible to write down your wishes informally, only a legally valid pet trust ensures your plans will be carried out. An estate lawyer in San Antonio will help you:
If your pets mean the world to you, don’t leave their future to chance. Request a consultation with the team at McCammon Law, P.C. to create a plan that protects both your loved ones and your beloved pets.
References: Pets Radar (April 4, 2025) Oprah’s dogs will inherit a $30 million fortune—here’s why and Best Friends Animal Society (2024) Estate Planning for Pets: Preparing a Will or Trust
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