Advance Care Planning for Pets

For older adults, this is more than a hypothetical. The bond between older adults and their pets is real and well-documented. According to a September 2025 poll from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, 83% of older pet owners say having a pet gives them a sense of purpose. Seventy percent say having a pet connects them with others, a meaningful finding at a time when loneliness among older adults is a growing public health concern.

What happens when there’s no plan

When an older adult is suddenly hospitalized or passes away, pets can quickly end up in a difficult situation. Even in the best-case scenario, when pets are identified and located, there are still struggles. The pets of seniors are often seniors themselves, and they may be among the first to be deemed unadoptable by local animal welfare agencies.

Start with the basics

The simplest step you can take today costs nothing. Carry a wallet-sized card that lists your pets, where they are, and who should care for them in an emergency. This ensures that first responders, neighbors, or family members know immediately that an animal needs attention.

Beyond the card, identify at least one person who is willing and able to take your pet if you can’t. It’s best not to assume that family members will step up. Have an explicit conversation and get a real commitment.

Consider a pet trust

For those who want a more formal arrangement, a pet trust is the gold standard. A pet trust is a legal arrangement that provides for the care and maintenance of one or more companion animals in the event of the owner’s disability or death. A trustee holds money in trust for the benefit of the pets, payable to a designated caregiver.

A trust creates a legal obligation to care for your pet as you describe, provides accountability for the money you leave to the caretaker, and perhaps most importantly, takes effect if you become incapacitated, not just after death. That matters enormously for older adults who may face a gradual health decline rather than a sudden event.

What to include in your plan

Whether you set up a formal trust or a simpler written arrangement, think through the details. Consider your pet’s daily routine, dietary needs, medications, preferred veterinarian, and any behavioral quirks a new caregiver should know. Also think carefully about funding. Make sure whatever financial provision you make is realistic for your pet’s expected lifespan and health needs.

Organizations that can help

If you don’t have family or friends who can take your pet, you’re not out of options. Organizations such as Pet Peace of Mind work directly with hospices around the country, providing volunteers who care for pets of the seriously and terminally ill—at no cost to the family.

The bottom line is simple: If your pet matters to you, they deserve a place in your plan. Talk to an estate planning attorney about a pet trust, name a caregiver, and write it down. Your pet can’t advocate for themselves. That’s your job, and the best time to do it is now.