You’ve Heard of Trust Fund Babies… But Have You Heard of Trust Fund Pets?
You’ve Heard of Trust Fund Babies… But Have You Heard of Trust Fund Pets?
When most people hear the word trust, they picture heirs, inheritances, and maybe a well-dressed “trust fund baby.” But trusts aren’t just for people, and they definitely aren’t one-size-fits-all.
In fact, some of the most thoughtful (and fun) trusts we create are designed for the unexpected. Yes, including beloved pets 🐾.
Trusts Can Be as Unique as You Are
A trust is essentially a set of instructions: This is how I want my assets handled, and this is who I want protected. The beauty of a trust is that it can be customized to reflect your life, your values, and your priorities, no templates required.
That’s why we love saying: if it matters to you, it can be built into your trust.
Trust Fund Pets Are a Real Thing (and a Smart One)
You adore your dog. Your cat runs the household. Your parrot has more personality than most people you know. So what happens to them if something happens to you?
Pet provisions allow you to:
Set aside money specifically for your pet’s care
Name a trusted caregiver
Provide instructions for food, medical care, grooming, and even lifestyle (yes, really)
Ensure your pet maintains the quality of life they’re used to
So yes - trust fund pets are absolutely a thing, and they’re one of the best examples of how trusts can be tailored beyond the basics.
Other Creative (and Powerful) Trust Provisions
Pet trusts are just the beginning. Depending on your goals, a trust can include provisions for things like:
Staggered distributions instead of lump sums
Incentives for education or entrepreneurship
Charitable giving instructions
Asset protection for beneficiaries
Special needs planning
Family business succession
The common thread? Intentional design.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Online forms and boilerplate documents can’t account for:
Complex family dynamics
Unique assets
Personal values
Long-term planning goals
That’s where custom trust planning makes the difference. We don’t believe in forcing your life into a generic structure. We build the structure around your life.
Your Trust Should Tell Your Story
Whether you’re planning for children, charities, businesses, or four-legged family members, your trust should reflect what matters most to you.
Because at the end of the day, good estate planning isn’t just about money—it’s about care, clarity, and peace of mind.
And sometimes… it’s also about making sure your dog continues to eat the good food.
Whether you’re planning for kids, pets, or both—let’s talk.
Schedule a free consultation so we can walk through your unique situation and build a trust that’s perfectly tailored to you (and maybe your trust fund pet, too).
