When Ian Burke, a mail carrier in Denton, Texas, heard that Floyd – the 70-pound dog he’d befriended on his route – was taken to a shelter after his owner died, he didn’t hesitate. Ian rushed to the shelter, arrived before it opened, and adopted Floyd on the spot.
It’s a beautiful act of love. But for every Floyd, there are countless pets who aren’t so lucky.
According to the ASPCA, nearly 6 million cats and dogs entered U.S. shelters last year – many because their owners died or became incapacitated with no plan in place. As heartwarming as Floyd’s story is, it’s also a wake-up call.
Your pet is family. They rely on you for everything – from their favorite treat to a warm place to sleep. But what happens if something happens to you?
Let’s talk about how to make sure your pet is protected, no matter what.
Most Pet Owners Never Think This Will Happen
Floyd’s owner was a Vietnam veteran who deeply loved his dog – but still, Floyd ended up alone in a shelter. Why?
Because love alone isn’t enough. And verbal promises – “Don’t worry, my sister will take Fluffy” – often fall apart when grief, distance, or financial strain get in the way.
Families may not be able (or willing) to take in a pet. Some live in pet-restricted housing. Others have allergies. And even those who want to help might feel overwhelmed by the logistics during a time of loss.
Meanwhile, pets like Floyd grieve too. They feel the absence of their person. They don’t understand why everything has changed. Without a clear plan in place, they suffer – sometimes for days, weeks, or even forever.
What Real Pet Planning Looks Like
You wouldn’t leave your kids without a guardian or a will. Your pets deserve the same thoughtful planning.
As part of my Life & Legacy Planning process, I help you:
🐾 Name and Prepare Trusted Caregivers
We’ll identify the right people to care for your pet and make sure they understand what’s expected – financially, emotionally, and practically. We’ll also name backups in case your first choice can’t step in.
🐾 Provide Detailed Care Instructions
Your plan should include everything your pet needs to feel safe and loved – from their feeding routine to their favorite toys, medications, quirks, and comfort items. These little details make a big difference in easing the transition.
🐾 Cover Emergency Situations
What if you’re injured or hospitalized? Who will step in right away to feed and walk your pet? Your plan should include “first responders” who can access your home and act immediately.
🐾 Make a Financial Plan for Your Pet’s Care
Caring for a pet can cost $30,000 or more over their lifetime. If you want your chosen caregiver to say “yes,” financial support matters. Together, we can create a pet trust or set aside funds so money never becomes a reason your pet ends up in a shelter.
🐾 Consider End-of-Life Wishes
It’s hard to think about, but your plan can also outline your wishes for your pet’s final days – so the person who loves and cares for them doesn’t have to make heartbreaking decisions alone.
Why Traditional Estate Planning Isn’t Enough
Most estate plans don’t account for pets – or they do it in a way that fails when it matters most.
Traditional planning often means a dusty set of documents on a shelf, created years ago and never updated. There’s no relationship, no follow-up, and no personal support for your loved ones after you’re gone.
That’s why I do things differently.
Through my Life & Legacy Planning process, I become your family’s lawyer for life. I’ll not only help you create a customized, legally sound plan for your pet – I’ll also stay in touch to ensure that plan stays current as your life (and your pet’s life) changes. If I’m not here when your loved ones need support, my firm has built-in systems to make sure they’re not left on their own.
Don’t Leave It to Chance
Ian Burke gave Floyd a second chance. But we can’t rely on chance for our own pets.
The truth is, the best way to love your pet is to plan for their future with as much intention as you give to your own. That’s what a Life & Legacy Plan is all about.
At Cheever Law, we don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love, starting with a valuable and educational Life & Legacy Planning Session. This will allow you to get more financially organized and make the best choices for the people you love. If you have already completed your estate plan, we will review that plan at your Life & Legacy Planning Session to ensure that it will work the way you intend and address any holes or gaps that may be present if circumstances have changed since you executed your plan.
To learn more about our one-of-a-kind systems and services, contact us or schedule a no-obligation 15-minute introductory phone call today.