Pet Trust Agreement Template

This Pet Trust Agreement is made on [Date] by [Grantor Name] ("Grantor") and [Trustee Name] ("Trustee") for the benefit of the Grantor’s companion animal(s).

Article I – Identification of Animals

• Covered pets: [Names, species, breeds, microchip numbers].
• Successor animals born or adopted after execution (if desired).

Article II – Funding

• Grantor transfers property described in Schedule A to Trustee to provide for care of pets during their lifetimes.

Article III – Caregiver

• Designate primary caregiver [Name, contact information].
• Successor caregiver(s) in event of refusal or inability of primary caregiver.
• Trustee to coordinate with caregiver; caregiver to provide routine and emergency care per instructions.

Article IV – Standards of Care

• Detailed instructions for housing, diet, grooming, exercise, veterinary care.
• Authorize Trustee to expend funds for insurance, boarding, training.

Article V – Trustee Duties and Powers

• Manage trust assets, pay expenses, maintain records.
• Inspect caregiver’s home periodically to ensure pet well-being.
• Replace caregiver if care standards not met.
• Maintain emergency fund for veterinary emergencies.

Article VI – Compensation and Reimbursement

• Compensation for caregiver (monthly stipend) and Trustee fees.
• Reimbursement for reasonable expenses with documentation.

Article VII – Termination and Remainder Beneficiaries

• Trust terminates upon death of last surviving pet.
• Directions for final disposition of pets (e.g., specific sanctuary, cremation instructions).
• Remaining trust property distributed to [Remainder Beneficiaries/Charity].

Article VIII – Disability or Death of Grantor

• Trustee authorized to take possession of pets immediately and deliver to caregiver.
• Emergency instructions appended as Exhibit A.

Article IX – Trustee Succession and Trust Protector

• Successor trustee(s) named; trust protector to resolve disputes or modify administrative provisions.

Article X – Governing Law and Enforcement

• Trust governed by [State] law recognizing pet trusts under [statutory citation].
• Any interested person may enforce trust (Trust protector, remainder beneficiary, animal welfare organization).

Article XI – Miscellaneous

• Spendthrift protection, accounting requirements, amendment procedures.

Signatures

Grantor: ____ Date: __

Trustee: ____ Date: __

Caregiver (acknowledging responsibilities): ____ Date: __

Trust Protector (if any): ____ Date: __

Schedules/Exhibits

• Schedule A: Funding assets.
• Exhibit A: Emergency instructions and veterinary contacts.
• Exhibit B: Care routine checklist.

Review state pet trust statutes to ensure compliance with duration limits and enforcement provisions.