Pet Trust Program

Do you have a pet or pets who will need care after your passing? Arizona allows for a trust to be created for the care of an animal or animals alive during the settlor’s lifetime. The trust terminates upon the death of the animal or the last surviving animal covered by the trust.

If you wish for United Animal Friends to care for your domesticated cat(s) and/or dog(s) upon your incapacity or death, we will need a pet provision in a trust or a separate pet trust. Wills are not acceptable for transferring pets because wills go through probate and can be contested. During that time, the animal’s care can be compromised. The trust document must include:

  • A statement granting United Animal Friends permission to take possession of your pet(s) in the event of your incapacity or death.
  • A statement that United Animal Friends may place your pet(s) in boarding if a suitable foster home is not available.
  • A statement that United Animal Friends may adopt your pet into a new forever home. Note that UAF cannot guarantee that multiple pets will be boarded, fostered or adopted together; however, all efforts will be made to keep them together if you specify that this is your wish.
  • A donation of at least $5,000 per pet to be paid to United Animal Friends upon transfer of the pet(s). United Animal Friends will use these funds to provide shelter, food and medical care for the pet(s) until adoption. The legal document must state that any remaining funds belong to United Animal Friends to use as it sees fit.
Young Golden Retriever Puppy Posing for Photo

You must provide United Animal Friends with a copy of the first page and the relevant pet provision of a trust or the entire separate pet trust, along with the following information:

  • The name and contact information for your trustee
  • The name of the pet’s veterinarian and location of the pet’s medical records
Tabby Mix Cat Posing for Photo

PET TRUST INFORMATION

A pet trust can give you peace of mind that your pets will be taken care of according to your wishes in the event that you are no longer able to care for them. Please consult with your legal advisor.

  • Pet Trust Enrollment
View Pet Trust Enrollment Form

Helps us understand your pet's needs in the event that we become their guardian.

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