In Jupiter, you can spot them everywhere — pampered pups riding shotgun in Teslas, poodles in strollers rolling through Harbourside, and parrots perched poolside. For many Floridians, pets aren’t “just animals.” They’re family.  Here’s the thing: family members need protection, and your furry (or feathered) kids are no different. Pet ownership in the U.S. hit an all-time high in 2025, with spending exceeding $152 billion — and the year isn’t even over. Yet most pet parents haven’t taken the one step that guarantees lifelong care for their companions: creating a Florida Pet Trust.

A recent article from Investment News — aptly titled “Pet Trusts and Why Wealth Managers Better Not Forget About Sparky or Tabby!” — makes it clear: these trusts aren’t a gimmick for the wealthy. They’re a smart, legally enforceable way to make sure your pet’s future doesn’t depend on luck, guilt, or your neighbor’s goodwill.

What Exactly Is a Pet Trust?

Under Florida Statute §736.0408, you can establish a trust for the care of one or more animals alive during your lifetime. The trust ends when the last surviving pet passes away. This isn’t just a “note in your will.” It’s a binding legal arrangement that gives your trustee the power — and duty — to use designated funds solely for your pet’s benefit.

Your pet trust spells out:

• Who will care for your pet (and who steps in if that person can’t).

• How the trust’s funds will be used — food, grooming, vet bills, toys, and even end-of-life care.

• How your pet’s daily routine, favorite snacks, or special medical needs should be handled.

You can make the trust as detailed as you like. Some pet parents even include playlists, walking routes, and bedtime rituals — because love lives in the details.

Choosing the Right People: Caregiver and Trustee

In many cases, one person serves as both caregiver and trustee. But if you want accountability, separate the roles. The trustee manages the money; the caregiver manages the pet.

For example:

• Your sister loves your golden retriever but can’t balance a checkbook.

• Your financial advisor doesn’t do early morning dog walks.

No problem. Your Jupiter estate planning attorney can structure your pet trust to give both roles clearly defined powers and checks.

And just like a human guardian, always name a backup for each role. Life happens — moves, illness, divorce — and you don’t want your pet’s future left hanging.

Funding the Trust (Because Love Isn’t Free)

A beautifully drafted pet trust without funding is like a yacht without fuel. It looks good — but it’s not going anywhere.

Your attorney will help you determine how much is appropriate based on your pet’s lifespan, health, and standard of care. A Great Dane and a macaw have very different budgets. You can fund the trust with:

• Cash or investment accounts

• Life insurance proceeds

• A designated share of your estate

And if you have pet insurance, review whether coverage continues if you become incapacitated or die. Many policies quietly terminate — leaving your trustee to foot the bill.

Review It Like You Would Any Other Estate Plan

Your pet trust isn’t “set it and forget it.” Update it regularly:

• If your caregiver moves or declines the role

• If your pet’s needs change (hello, hip surgery)

• If you add another furry family member

An outdated trust can create chaos — or worse, uncertainty that lands your pet in a shelter.

The Price of Love: Real-World Examples

You may recall the infamous case of hotel heiress Leona Helmsley, who left a jaw-dropping $12 million to her Maltese, Trouble. A judge eventually reduced the amount to $2 million — still enough for kibble and custom cashmere sweaters — but the message was clear: courts take pet trusts seriously.

Other celebrity pets, from Karl Lagerfeld’s cat Choupette to Oprah Winfrey’s beloved dogs, are beneficiaries of their owners’ carefully crafted estate plans. These aren’t publicity stunts — they’re examples of foresight.

And it’s not just billionaires. Many Floridians have created pet trusts through Welch Law, PLLC to ensure their Labradoodles, rescue cats, or African Greys are cared for exactly as intended.

Why a Will Alone Isn’t Enough

A will can mention your pet, but animals are treated as property under Florida law. That means they can’t directly inherit assets. Without a pet trust, you’re relying on someone’s promise — not a legal obligation — to follow your wishes.

A Florida Pet Trust ensures:

• Funds are legally earmarked for your pet.

• The caregiver can’t divert the money for personal use.

• The court can enforce your instructions if there’s any dispute.

It’s peace of mind wrapped in statute and sealed with love.

The Bottom Line

If your family includes paws, wings, or whiskers, planning for their future isn’t optional — it’s responsible. A pet trust ensures they’ll be loved, protected, and financially secure no matter what happens to you.

At Welch Law, PLLC, we help Jupiter and Palm Beach County families design estate plans that reflect their deepest values — including unconditional love for their pets.

By:  Edward J. Welch, Esq. ||| Estate Planning | Wills | Trusts | Asset Protection | Welch Crypto Trust™

If you would like to discuss your legacy options with an estate planning attorney in Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, schedule a complimentary call with Edward J. Welch at Welch Law, PLLC.  At Welch Law, WE WANT TO DRAFT YOUR LEGACY!

Reference: Investment News (Sep. 16, 2025) “’Pet Trusts’ and why wealth managers better not forget about Sparky or Tabby!”