The Florida 2002 Legislature saw fit to allow pet owners to open “pet trusts” to take care of the pets’ needs if the owner dies. The trust is to provide care and maintenance of the animal(s). Sect. 737.116 Florida Statutes specifies this, and it only applies to trusts established after January 1, 2003. If more than 1 animal is being cared for out of the trust, the trust does not cease to exist until the last animal becomes deceased. The trust can be handled by the person appointed in the trust, or, by a person appointed by the court. The trust must be funded - meaning, assets must be placed into the trust showing that the trust owns the assets. Other states having “pet trusts” are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Michigan, Missiouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina and Utah.

Pet Information as per Ray Parri & White, Attorney’s at Law - Spring 2003 issue BLS Bugle

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