Every month seems to have a theme these days. Some are inspiring, and some are just… bizarre.
This month alone? It’s National Sandwich Month, National Brownies at Brunch Month, and National Goat Cheese Month. (Which could, theoretically, all come together in a truly questionable brunch menu.)
But in my world, August brings two “holidays” that actually overlap in a meaningful way: National Make a Will Month and National Dog Month.
Which begs the question: what do estate planning and dogs have in common?
The answer is more than you’d think.
Fewer and fewer Americans have a will these days. According to Caring.com, only 32% of Americans have one. This reflects a 6% drop from 2023, and the first decline in estate planning rates since 2020.
So what happens if you die without a will? Basically, the state writes one for you. The court decides who gets what.
And that includes everything you own — the house, the heirlooms, the money, and yes… the dog.
Your beloved pup (or your cat, parrot, gecko, or turtle) is considered legal property. Without a plan, they are passed along according to state law, which means your pet could end up with the least-interested, least-qualified family member. The one who still thinks Goldendoodles are a salad topping.
And considering how over-the-top people are about pets these days (I just read an article about Bark Air, an airline for dogs and their humans, offering first-class flights to Paris, Lisbon, and San Francisco), it’s clear: our pets are family.
→ Yes, that’s a real thing.
So it makes sense that your estate plan should include them too.
Here’s how to plan for your pets like you mean it:
- 🐾 Name a “pet custodian” in your Financial Power of Attorney so someone can step in if you’re incapacitated
- 🐾 Include rehoming instructions in your Will so there’s no guesswork
- 🐾 Leave a Letter of Instruction with vet info, medical history, care routine, favorite treats, and sleeping arrangements
- 🐾 Consider a Pet Trust (they’re legal in states including Georgia and Florida) to set aside money for their care
- 🐾 Tell your people because no plan works if no one knows it exists. And no, the family group text doesn’t count.
- 🐾 Talk to an experienced trust and estate attorney to ensure your wishes are legally sound and enforceable
Because here’s the truth: pets are just the gateway conversation.
If you’re not deciding who gets the dog, chances are you’re also not deciding who gets the dining table, the digital accounts, the wedding ring, or the hard-earned money in your bank account.
And that’s when family feuds happen. Not because people are greedy, but because grief, assumptions, and a lack of clarity do not mix well.
So if you’ve been putting off your planning, consider this your nudge. And if you’ve already handled yours, send this to a friend who hasn’t.
We all know someone who could use a little planning pep talk (or a Bark Air boarding pass).
With care (and a leash by the front door)…
