Pet planning is something that not everyone thinks about, but that every pet owner should do. When you have an animal who depends upon you for a home and for safety and security, you do not want to let that animal down. Your pets are a part of your family and you need to make provisions to ensure they are provided for and kept safe if something happens that makes it impossible for you to care for your animal. 
Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates provides comprehensive assistance with pet planning to people in Fairfield County, CT and surrounding areas. We know how much you care about your animal companions and we assist you in making sure you’ve taken the right steps to protect them.
Too many people make pet planning mistakes that leave their beloved animal family members uncared for and unprotected. We want to help make certain that does not happen to you. Give us a call to find out more.
Top Pet Planning Mistakes
Pet owners make a number of different mistakes in planning ahead to care for their pets. Some of the common mistakes include:
- Waiting too long to make a pet plan. The ASPCA indicates that approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter shelters throughout the United States and only around 2.7 million animals are adopted from shelters. If you do not make plans for your animal and your pet is left homeless, there is a substantial risk your animal could end up living in a shelter or being euthanized. The future is always uncertain, even if you are young, and you never know when something could happen to you. Don’t leave your pet vulnerable.
- Failing to name a backup guardian. Your pet plan should name someone to serve as your animal’s guardian. Unfortunately, something unexpected could happen and the person you have selected could end up being unable to care for your animal. You should have a backup so you can make absolutely sure your animal will not be left alone without a caretaker.
- Failing to discuss your plans for your pet with your family and your chosen guardian. Asking someone to assume responsibility for a pet can be a big deal. You need to talk to the people who you are choosing to care for your pets and make sure that they are prepared to take responsibility.
- Not providing money to care for your pet. Pet care can be expensive, and you don’t want your pet to do without. You need to think about setting aside some money if you want to take extra steps to ensure your animal is provided for.
- Not using the right approach to ensuring the money you leave is used for your animal. If you just leave money in a will, there’s no guarantee it will be used the way you want. You can make a trust as part of your pet plan to ensure assets are used to provide for your animal.
No pet owner wants to put his or her beloved animal in jeopardy just because of mistakes in planning ahead to ensure the animal is kept safe. A Fairfield County pet planning lawyer can provide you with the help you need to ensure you have made provisions for the care of your animal.
Making an Effective Pet Plan
An effective pet plan should be made as soon as you bring a pet into your home. You should choose a guardian and a backup guardian for your pet, and talk to the people who you have chosen to make sure they are able and willing to provide a level of pet care that you determine is acceptable.
To make sure that caring for your pet does not become a financial burden and to ensure that there is money to provide your animal with the necessary vet care, treats, and food, consider the creation of a trust. The person who you name as trustee will have a fiduciary duty to follow your instructions and ensure that the money is used for the care of your animal.
Getting Help from a Pet Planning Lawyer
Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates can help you to understand your options for providing for your pets and can help you to decide what type of plans make sense in your situation. Any pet owner should take the time to provide a plan for their animal’s care in case of incapacity or death, as you never know when something could happen to you. We help pet owners of all ages with their plans.
To find out more about the pet planning process and to make sure you avoid mistakes that could leave your animal in jeopardy, give us a call at 860-548-1000 or contact us online to speak with a member of our legal team.
Mr. Horowitz was awarded his Juris Doctor degree with honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law. While attending law school, Mr. Horowitz received the American Jurisprudence Award in Legal Ethics and the Nathan Burkan Award.
After graduation from law school, Mr. Horowitz continued his legal education at New York University School of Law where he received a Post Doctorate Law Degree in Taxation. He has also recently received a national achievement award.
Mr. Horowitz is admitted to practice before all the state courts in the State of Connecticut and the United States District Court.
Mr. Horowitz was selected for Super Lawyers in 2021.
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