Your pets are important members of your household.  As part of your estate planning, you can ensure that your animal companions are cared for even if you are not able to do so personally.

A Pet Trust allows you to provide instructions and resources for the care of your animals if you become incapacitated or pass away.  You can name particular caretakers for your pets, or designate a trusted friend or relative to find permanent homes for them.

Georgia law also allows you to leave assets for the continued care of the pets, either through a lump-sum distribution to the chosen caretaker, or through continuing payments controlled by your designated trustee.  Any unused portion of the pet trust assets can be donated to the animal protection organization of your choice.