Planning for Pets: How a Pet Trust in Florida Can Protect Your Furry Family
For many Floridians, pets are more than companions—they’re family. From Sarasota to Jacksonville, households include dogs, cats, birds, and even tropical reptiles. Yet while people spend generously on veterinary care and food, far fewer think about what happens to those pets if the owner passes away or becomes unable to care for them.
That’s where a pet trust comes in. In Florida, pet trusts are legally recognized and can ensure that your beloved animals are cared for according to your wishes. It’s a tool that blends estate planning with compassion, and it’s gaining popularity across the state.
What Is a Pet Trust?
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that sets aside money or property for the care of your animal. Florida law (Statute §736.0408) explicitly allows trusts for the lifetime of one or more animals alive during the grantor’s lifetime. When the last surviving pet passes away, the trust terminates, and any remaining funds go to the designated beneficiaries or the owner’s estate.
Unlike leaving general instructions in a will, a trust is enforceable. The trustee you name is legally obligated to follow your directions, whether that means maintaining a special diet, paying for regular grooming, or covering veterinary bills.
How It Works in Florida
To establish a pet trust, you:
- Name the pets covered by the trust.
- Designate a caregiver—the person or organization that will provide daily care.
- Appoint a trustee to manage the funds and oversee the caregiver.
- Fund the trust with cash, investment accounts, or even property to cover expenses.
- Provide instructions—from medical care to burial or memorial preferences.
Florida law also allows the court to step in if the trust is not being administered properly, which gives added confidence.
Real-World Examples
- Sarasota couple with parrots: A retired couple created a $50,000 pet trust for their two macaws, ensuring a caretaker would cover the birds’ specialized diet and long lifespans, which can reach 50+ years. The trustee, a family friend, ensures the caregiver submits receipts and updates annually.
- Jacksonville dog owner: A widowed woman set up a trust for her golden retriever, Max. Her will designates her niece as Max’s caretaker, with $25,000 placed in a pet trust to cover food, vet bills, and pet-sitting services if the niece travels.
- Tampa rescue advocate: A man active in animal rescue created a trust benefiting multiple pets and directing that any leftover funds go to his favorite animal shelter after the pets’ lifetimes.
- The “Z Donk” question: During a recent estate planning education presentation in Manatee County, an attendee asked whether she could set up a pet trust for her zebra donkeys—affectionately called Z Donks. The answer: yes. Florida’s statute allows trusts for virtually any domestic or legally owned animals, highlighting just how flexible and inclusive this planning tool can be.
These examples highlight how pet trusts can be tailored to fit animals of all kinds—from lapdogs to exotic livestock.
Pet Trust vs. Will
Some owners simply mention their pets in a will. While this is better than nothing, it’s not always enforceable. A will may leave a pet and some money to a friend, but once probate ends, there’s no guarantee the funds are used for the pet’s benefit.
A trust adds structure and accountability. By naming both a caregiver and trustee, you create checks and balances—helping ensure your wishes are honored.
Common Considerations
- How much to set aside: Factor in food, veterinary care, grooming, and lifespan. Large dogs, parrots, or exotic animals may require larger trusts.
- Choosing a trustee: Pick someone financially responsible and willing to enforce the trust’s terms.
- Backup caregivers: Always name an alternate caregiver in case your first choice cannot serve.
- Leftover funds: Decide if remaining money goes to heirs, charities, or back into your estate.
Why It Matters in Florida
Florida is a retiree haven, and many residents face questions about who will care for their pets if they move into assisted living or pass away. Because Florida explicitly recognizes pet trusts, residents have a straightforward legal path to ensure continuity of care.
And with hurricane evacuations and travel common in the state, a well-designed plan can also cover temporary care when owners are displaced or hospitalized.
The Bottom Line
A pet trust is not only about money—it’s about confidence. By taking time to plan, you’re making sure that your pets live out their days with the same love and attention you’ve always given them.
For Floridians who see pets as family—whether it’s a golden retriever, a parrot, or even a pair of zebra donkeys—creating a pet trust is one of the most compassionate estate planning steps you can take. It ensures that no matter what happens, your animals will be protected.
Evan R. Guido, Senior Wealth Advisor, is the Founder of Aksala Wealth Advisors LLC, a 2026 Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisor, a 2018 Forbes Top Next-Gen Advisors award recipient. Evan heads a team of financial strategists for clients who consider themselves the “Millionaire Next Door.” He can be reached at 941-500-5122 Aksala.com eguido@aksalawealth.com 6260 Lake Osprey Dr. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240. Securities offered through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. The views and opinions presented in this article are those of Evan R. Guido and not of Cetera or its subsidiaries. These opinions are based on Evan’s observations and research and are not intended to predict or depict performance of any investment. These views are subject to change based on subsequent developments. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. These views should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities and purely for education and entertainment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The Top Next Gen list includes 250 rising advisors who help manage over $490 billion in client assets. Each advisor was nominated by their firm, then vetted and ranked by SHOOK Research. The rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, are based on an algorithm of qualitative criterion, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors who are considered have a minimum of four years' experience and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass the highest standards of best practices. The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors with a minimum of seven years' experience and weighing factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience, and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings. Listings in these publications and/or awards are not guarantees of future investment success. These recognitions should not be construed as endorsements of the advisor by any clients. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using these third-party ratings or award.