Care for Your Pet From Beyond the Grave

The attorney also notes that "a little secret" about jurisdictions can assist those whose states don't offer enough legal recourse: Choose a trustee in a pet-trust state, whose laws will be honored instead.

Those who don't have a trusted caretaker willing to look after their pet should get in touch with a group that can assure Fido a spot, such as an animal sanctuary or pet retirement home. Other groups, like Canine Haven in Vero Beach, Fla., charge an annual fee that comes out of a trust. There are organizations for a wide array of pets -- from dogs and cats to reptiles and horses.

It's important to make sure that your pet will receive companionship, and not simply be fed, walked and locked in a cage -- and to put everything in writing. Once you've decided where your pet will go and how the resources will be handled to take care of him, consult a lawyer to put it all into a formal document. Include every last detail of how you want Spot to be taken care of -- from how often he should be walked and groomed to the type of food he should eat, to ensure his standard of living is maintained. Take note of any medical conditions and make sure cost estimates include added medical expenses or insurance as the pet ages.

Stephan Otto, director of legislative affairs at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, notes that pet owners should consult estate trust or probate lawyers who have expertise in their specific state to make sure that their wishes are respected.