Insight

Protect Your Pets: Westchester Elder Law Attorney Anthony Enea Explains How to Provide for Pets in an Estate Plan

Along with pet ownership comes the responsibility of ensuring your companion animal's care and well-being - even if that extends beyond your lifetime.

Elder Law - Pets Estate Plan
Anthony J. Enea

Anthony J. Enea

November 22, 2016 12:00 AM

According to the 2015-16 APPA National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association, approximately 65% of all households in the United States have a pet. Along with pet ownership comes the responsibility of ensuring your companion animal's care and well-being - even if that extends beyond your lifetime. Westchester elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP in White Plains and Somers, N.Y. recently addressed the importance of protecting your pet's future and urges pet owners to consider including companions animals in their estate plan.

"One only needs to observe life's daily interactions to conclude that pets have become an integral part of the lives of many," said Anthony Enea. "The question most pet owners face is what steps they can undertake to ensure that their pet or other domestic animal is properly provided for in the event of their demise."

Historically, pets were most commonly provided for in the owner's Last Will and Testament. Pets could be left as a bequest to another with the hope that the animal(s) would be properly cared for. The Last Will could also specifically allocate a portion of the owner's estate for the care and maintenance of the pet(s).

"The problem with providing for pets in a Last Will is that the document can be contested for a reason unrelated to the pet," explained Enea. "There can also be a significant lapse of time between one's death and the appointment of the executor of said Last Will. These roadblocks can essentially leave the pet in a state of limbo. Because of these impediments, the wishes of pet owners have, in many instances, been thwarted by the use of a Last Will to provide for their pets."

In 1996, New York became one of the first states to enact a Pet Trust Statute permitting the creation of a trust for the care and maintenance of pets. The pet trust can be created and funded during the life of the creator as an "inter vivos trust" or it can be a testamentary trust, created in one's Last Will. At the end of the life of the pet or animal, the trust will terminate and the balance of the income and principal of the trust will be distributed per the wishes of the trust's creator.

Perhaps the most well-known pet trust was created by Leona Helmsley for her beloved white Maltese, Trouble. Although Trouble's trust was originally funded with twelve million dollars, the Manhattan Surrogate's Court ultimately reduced the size of the trust to two million dollars after determining it was significantly overfunded. Most pet trusts, however, are not so extravagant.

"Pet trusts are not solely for the wealthy and are not overly complex," said Enea. "While a pet trust can still be contested (especially if it is overfunded), it is often the best and most viable option of ensuring that your wishes are implemented."

For more information, follow the source link below.

Related Articles

Ellen G. Makofsky, 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" for Elder Law


by Nicole Ortiz

Ellen G. Makofsky of Makofsky and Associates was named 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" in Long Island for Elder Law.

Ellen G. Makofsky LOTY

Is a Trust for my Pet a Viable Option?


by Anthony J. Enea

The question most pet owners’ face is what steps they can undertake to ensure that their pet or other domestic animal is properly provided for in the event of their demise.

Trust for Pets

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

IN PARTNERSHIP

Making an Impact


by John Fields

Morelli Law Firm has changed countless lives through its transformative results.

Three men in suits against New York skyline

IN PARTNERSHIP

A Street Fight in the Bronx


by Adam Leitman Bailey

Adam Leitman Bailey’s firm helped settle a Bronx brawl over land between two parties and brought victory against a long-standing powerful family in New York.

Warehouse in New York at night

The Tragic Limitations of New York’s Outdated Wrongful Death Law


by David Scher

New York might be a progressive state in many respects, but its wrongful death law is itself a regressive tragedy—essentially the same statute first passed in the mid-1800s—that prolongs and deepens grieving families’ suffering. This must change.

Grieving person sitting on park bench in front of ocean and storm

IN PARTNERSHIP

Heroes Among Men: How Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. Saved Lives of the Lifesaving


by Rebecca Blackwell

When a 911 Center in New York City was put in danger, Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. went to work against the unlawful and hazardous actions of a developer whose construction threatened the peace and safety of all who worked for the Fortune 500 company.

Danger construction site no trespassing sign on fence

IN PARTNERSHIP

Adam Leitman Bailey Saves Upper East Cooperative From Forced NYU Combination With Neighboring University Building


by Rebecca Blackwell

When a New York resident of an iconic building was faced with a potentially devastating renovation to his beloved home, powerhouse real estate lawyer Adam Leitman Bailey tightened the knot on the loophole others said didn’t exist.

Large brownstone building with blue sky above in New York City

IN PARTNERSHIP

How To Run a Board Meeting


by Adam Leitman Bailey

Adam Leitman Bailey explains how using Robert's Rules of Order can assist with effective and productive board meetings in real estate matters.

Several people sitting in chairs around boardroom table

IN PARTNERSHIP

The Wolf Near Wall Street


by Rebecca Blackwell

When tensions among shared real estate owners reached their tipping point, Adam Leitman Bailey P.C. stepped in and solved a modern issue with an ancient remedy.

Mortgage documents on desk

IN PARTNERSHIP

What is The Grieving Families Act (2022)?


by Michael L. Taub

Best Lawyers honoree Michael Taub explains The Grieving Families Act and what it means for wrongful death and malpractice cases in New York.

Image of grieving person on blue background

IN PARTNERSHIP

Results That Make a Difference


by John Fields

Thomas Moore and Judith Livingston continue to secure some of the largest verdicts in New York state for their injured clients.

Male and female lawyer in blue suits

East Side Story


by Adam Leitman Bailey

The made-for-Hollywood tale of a 16-year legal tussle to help a dedicated band of Manhattan “homesteaders” take ownership of the buildings they had moved into and begun to rehab.

Rosario Dawson's Family Fight for NY Building

Results That Make a Difference


by John Fields

Thomas Moore and Judith Livingston continue to secure some of the largest verdicts in New York state for their injured clients.

Largest Injury Verdicts in New York State

Patrick A. Mullin, Esq. - Annual Report


by Patrick A. Mullin, Esq.

Veteran federal criminal defense attorney Patrick A. Mullin, Esq. provides an annual report of his victories in high-stakes criminal and tax matters.

Patrick A. Mullen Annual Report of Defense

A Reputation for Success


by Justin Smulison

Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” David Perecman on his 40-plus years representing injury victims.

A 40 Year Career in Personal Injury

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Is Premises Liability the Same as Negligence?


by Jeremy Wilson and Taylor Rodney Marks

In today's age, we are always on the move, often inhabiting spaces we don't own. But what happens when someone else's property injures you or someone you know?

A pair of silhouetted legs falling down a hole with yellow background

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background