Planning for Your Pet in Your Estate  

A Guide for Cats in the City Lifetime Care Program Members  

Many people include family members, charities, and property in their estate planning — but pets are often overlooked. Because animals are legally considered property, they cannot inherit money directly. Without planning, pets may end up in uncertain situations if a guardian becomes incapacitated or passes away.

Planning ahead ensures that your cat will always have:

• a known advocate

• financial support for their care

• a safe and stable placement

The Cats in the City Lifetime Care Program is designed to work alongside your estate plan so that your cat’s care can be coordinated immediately if something happens.

This guide can be shared with your estate attorney when preparing or updating your will or trust.

Topics to Discuss With Your Attorney  

If you are including your cat in your estate plan, we recommend discussing the following four elements.

1. Creation of a Pet Trust  

A pet trust allows you to legally set aside funds specifically for the care of your cat.

A trust can:

• allocate funds for your pet’s care

• appoint a trustee to manage those funds

• provide written care instructions

• ensure funds are used only for your pet’s needs

Pet trusts are often the most secure way to provide for a pet over their lifetime.

2. Allocation of Funds for Pet Care  

Your estate plan should identify funds that can be used to support your cat’s care if needed.

These funds may cover:

• boarding and housing

• veterinary care and medications

• food and supplies

• grooming and hygiene care

• behavioral support

• foster care or transitional placement

• adoption or long-term placement support

The amount of funding needed will depend on your cat’s age, health, and expected lifespan.

3. Designation of a Caregiver  

You may wish to designate a person who would assume long-term care of your cat.

Your estate plan can name:

• a preferred caregiver

• one or more backup caregivers

• a trustee responsible for managing funds

It is important that the designated caregiver understands the responsibility and agrees to serve in that role.

4. Authorization for Cats in the City to Coordinate Care  

Some guardians choose to designate Cats in the City as a coordinating organization to ensure their cat is safe and supported during transitions.

This may include:

• emergency stabilization

• temporary boarding or foster care

• coordination with caregivers

• assistance with adoption or long-term placement

Including Cats in the City in your estate planning helps ensure that your cat’s care plan can be implemented quickly and smoothly.

Example Language for Your Estate Plan  

Your attorney may adapt language similar to the following.

“If I die while any of my cats are living, I request that Cats in the City, LLC, located in Portland, Oregon, be contacted to assist in coordinating the care and placement of my pet(s).”

Funds allocated for pet care may be used for:

• boarding

• veterinary treatment

• food and supplies

• grooming and hygiene care

• foster care

• adoption and placement support

Your attorney can incorporate this language into your will, trust, or pet trust in a way that fits your estate plan.

Lifetime Care Program Documentation  

Guardians enrolled in the Cats in the City Lifetime Care Program may also maintain the following documents:

• Lifetime Care Program Agreement

• Durable Pet Care Power of Attorney

• Pet Care Planning Worksheet

These documents help ensure that caregivers understand your cat’s routines, personality, and medical needs.

Questions or Documentation Requests  

If your attorney would like additional information about the Lifetime Care Program, Cats in the City is happy to provide documentation.

Cats in the City, LLC

2036 SE Tacoma St.

Portland, OR 97202

503-214-2003

admin@catsinthecity.com

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