Comprehensive Guide to Pet Trusts and Pet Estate Planning
Planning for a pet’s care after you’re gone is an important part of a complete estate plan. In Sparta, Tennessee, a pet trust provides a way to designate funds and caretaking instructions to protect an animal’s future. Pet trusts allow owners to set aside money, name a caregiver, and specify routine care, medical preferences, and living arrangements to ensure pets are looked after according to their owner’s wishes. This introduction explains why pet trusts matter for pet owners who want legal certainty and clear directions for those who will care for their animals.
Pet trusts can be tailored to the size, needs, and temperament of each animal, whether a dog, cat, or other companion. In Tennessee, these arrangements are recognized when drafted properly and integrated into a broader estate plan. Creating a pet trust can reduce the risk of disputes among family members, ensure funds are used as intended, and provide peace of mind to owners who want specific caregivers and care standards. This paragraph outlines common components and how integrating a pet trust into your estate documents strengthens overall planning.
Why a Pet Trust Matters for Your Companion
A well-drafted pet trust preserves continuity of care and protects your pet’s well-being by allocating funds, naming a caregiver, and specifying care standards and contingencies. It can prevent confusion or disagreement among family members about who will care for the animal and how funds should be used. With a pet trust, you can state medical preferences, routine schedules, and conditions that trigger relocation or special care. These provisions help ensure your pet’s lifestyle remains stable and that money designated for the pet cannot be misapplied by beneficiaries who do not share your intentions.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to Pet Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients across Tennessee, including Sparta and White County, assisting families with estate planning and probate matters that include pet trusts. Our approach emphasizes practical, clear documents that reflect each client’s priorities, with attention to caretaker selection and funding mechanisms. We work with clients to draft provisions that align with family dynamics and local law, prepare complementary estate documents, and communicate the plan to designated caretakers. The goal is practical protection for pets and straightforward administration for those left to carry out your wishes.
Understanding Pet Trusts: Purpose and Practical Use
A pet trust is a legal arrangement designed to provide for an animal’s care through the establishment of a trust fund and instructions for caretakers. In Tennessee, this involves naming a trustee to manage funds, identifying a caregiver responsible for day-to-day care, and setting clear directives for how money should be spent. Proper drafting addresses contingencies such as the caregiver’s inability to serve, unexpected medical needs, relocation, and end-of-life decisions. Pet trusts can be funded during life or at death through a will or restatement, making them flexible tools within a larger estate plan.
Understanding how a pet trust operates helps owners choose the right structure and terms. Trust documents should explain what counts as allowable expenses, such as food, veterinary care, grooming, boarding, and training. The trustee holds fiduciary responsibility to follow those instructions and to disburse funds appropriately. Owners may include instructions on preferred veterinarians, daily routine preferences, and even funeral arrangements for the pet. Working through these details in advance reduces emotional strain on loved ones and makes the eventual administration smoother and more predictable.
Definition and Legal Framework for Pet Trusts
A pet trust is a trust created to benefit one or more animals, with a trustee managing assets for the pet’s care and a caregiver handling daily needs. Tennessee law allows for these trusts when they are properly drafted and funded, with a trustee legally obligated to follow the trust’s terms. Documents should plainly identify the animals covered, state how funds are to be used, and provide successor arrangements if the named caregiver or trustee cannot serve. Clear definitions for terms like “allowable expenses” and “care standards” help avoid disagreement and ensure consistent care over time.
Key Elements and the Process of Establishing a Pet Trust
Creating a pet trust requires identifying the pet or pets, naming a trustee and caregiver, specifying funding sources, and detailing care instructions and permissible expenses. The drafting process typically involves an initial consultation to assess the pet’s needs and family situation, preparation of trust language that fits those needs, and coordination with the owner’s will or estate documents. The final steps include executing the trust, communicating the plan to caretakers, and formally funding the trust if funding during life is chosen. Thoughtful drafting anticipates common issues and streamlines administration.
Key Terms to Know About Pet Trusts
Understanding common terms used in pet trust documents helps owners make informed choices. Definitions of trustee, caregiver, beneficiary, funding source, and successor are especially important. Clear language about allowable expenses and veterinary authority can prevent disputes. Owners should also become familiar with terms describing trust duration, remainders, and contingency plans in case a pet outlives initial assumptions. Learning these definitions before drafting enables better decision making and helps ensure the trust functions as intended when it is needed most.
Trustee
A trustee is an individual or entity charged with managing the trust assets according to the trust’s terms. In a pet trust, the trustee is responsible for holding and disbursing funds for the pet’s care, keeping records, and ensuring that payments align with instructions for food, veterinary care, grooming, and other allowable expenses. The trustee must act in good faith and keep transparent accounting for beneficiaries or alternate parties named in the trust. Selecting a trustee familiar with fiduciary duties and local procedures helps the trust operate transparently and reliably.
Caregiver
The caregiver is the person who will provide daily care for the pet, handling feeding, exercise, medical visits, and the pet’s living arrangements. A caregiver can be a family member, friend, or other trusted person named in the trust who agrees to assume responsibility when the owner is no longer able. It is important to discuss the role with the caregiver in advance and provide instructions about preferences, routines, and medical authority. Naming a successor caregiver anticipates changes in circumstance and reduces the chance that a pet will be left without an appropriate home.
Beneficiary and Remainder
In a pet trust, the animal is the primary beneficiary of the trust’s support, but the trust may also name human remainder beneficiaries to receive any leftover funds if the trust’s purpose ends. Remainder provisions explain who receives remaining assets after the pet’s death or the trust’s termination. Clear remainder instructions prevent disputes over leftover funds and ensure money goes where the owner intends. Choosing remainder beneficiaries who understand the owner’s priorities reduces friction and aligns the plan with broader estate goals.
Funding and Allowable Expenses
Funding refers to how the trust will be paid for, whether through gifts during life, a transfer of assets into the trust, or a provision in a will that funds the trust at death. Allowable expenses list what the trustee may pay for, such as food, veterinary care, medications, grooming, boarding, and reasonable living arrangements. Specificity about allowable expenses helps a trustee make appropriate decisions and prevents misuse. Including examples and limits within the trust language clarifies expectations for both caregivers and trustees.
Comparing Pet Trusts with Other Options for Pet Care
Owners can choose between a formal pet trust or other approaches such as a directive in a will, leaving funds to a caregiver outright, or relying on family agreements. A pet trust offers more enforceability and oversight than an informal arrangement or an outright gift, because the trustee must follow trust terms and maintain accounting. A will provision can name a caregiver and request funds but may lack the legal protections and clarity of a trust. Evaluating the long-term needs of the pet and the reliability of potential caregivers helps determine the best legal option.
When a Simple Plan May Be Appropriate:
Short-Term or Low-Cost Care Needs
If a pet’s care needs are modest and the owner can identify a trusted caregiver who will accept an outright gift or informal arrangement, a limited approach may suffice. Situations where pets are healthy, have low medical needs, and where family members have clear agreement on long-term care can often be handled without a formal trust. However, even in these cases, documenting intentions in a will or written memorandum reduces the risk of misunderstanding and helps ensure the owner’s wishes are respected when circumstances change.
High Confidence in a Named Caregiver
A limited approach can be reasonable when the owner has a caregiver who clearly agrees to assume lifetime care and when there is strong trust between parties. In such situations, an outright transfer of funds or a will-based request might work, provided that the owner documents expectations and discusses arrangements with family and the caregiver. Owners should consider backup plans in case the caregiver can no longer serve and should still think about creating guidance to avoid disputes or misallocation of resources intended for the pet.
When a Full Pet Trust Is the Better Choice:
Complex Medical or Behavioral Needs
Pets with ongoing medical needs, behavioral challenges, or specialized care requirements benefit from a formal trust because it allows the owner to specify frequent veterinary care, medication protocols, and other specialized provisions. A trustee can disburse funds for approved treatments and oversee adherence to care standards, alleviating the burden on caregivers and ensuring continuity. A well-structured trust anticipates future needs and gives caregivers access to funds for unexpected but necessary care without the need for ad hoc approvals.
Family Dynamics and Potential Disputes
When family relationships are complicated or when multiple relatives may claim responsibility for a pet, a comprehensive pet trust can provide structure and legal enforceability to avoid disputes. The trust can name specific caregivers and trustees, spell out duties, and require accounting that clarifies how funds are spent. These provisions reduce the chance of conflict by setting clear expectations and offering a neutral party—such as a trustee—to handle financial decisions, ensuring the pet’s needs are prioritized over competing interests.
Benefits of a Fully Formed Pet Trust
A comprehensive pet trust provides legal structure to protect an animal’s welfare by specifying funding, care standards, and succession plans for caregivers and trustees. This formal arrangement increases the likelihood that funds will be used as the owner intended and offers legal mechanisms to resolve disputes. It also reduces uncertainty for caregivers, who can rely on a trustee to handle finances and reimburse reasonable expenses. Overall, a comprehensive plan brings clarity and stability to what can otherwise be an emotionally charged situation.
Additionally, a formal trust enables owners to tailor provisions for long-lived pets and to address contingencies like multiple caregivers, changes in living circumstances, or relocation. By setting parameters for veterinary authority and routine care, owners can preserve their pet’s quality of life and maintain consistency in daily routines. A comprehensive approach also integrates with broader estate planning goals, ensuring the pet’s needs are considered alongside asset distribution and other family considerations.
Financial Oversight and Accountability
A primary benefit of a trust is the separation of financial management from caregiving duties. The trustee handles funds and bookkeeping, ensuring that money designated for the pet is spent only on approved expenses. This oversight protects against misuse and offers reassurance that the caregiver will not be left without resources for the pet’s care. Clear accounting and reporting obligations in the trust help maintain transparency, making it easier to confirm that funds are used responsibly and that the pet’s needs remain prioritized over competing claims.
Longevity and Adaptability of Care Plans
A comprehensive trust can be crafted to accommodate a pet’s changing needs over time, providing provisions for chronic conditions, aging, or end-of-life care. The trust can specify milestones or review periods and instruct how funds should be adjusted as circumstances evolve. Including successor caregiver and trustee provisions allows the plan to remain operative long after the owner is gone, preserving continuity of care. This adaptability ensures that the owner’s intentions endure and that pets receive consistent treatment throughout their lifetimes.
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Practical Tips for Creating a Pet Trust
Choose Trusted Caregivers and Trustees
Selecting the right caregiver and trustee is vital to a pet trust’s success. Choose someone who understands your pet’s needs, is willing to assume responsibility, and can manage day-to-day care or coordinate with a kennel or boarding facility if necessary. Discuss expectations in advance, provide written instructions, and name successor caregivers in the trust to address future changes. Consider appointing a trustee who can handle financial responsibilities and maintain transparent records to support the caregiver and prevent disputes.
Fund the Trust Realistically
Be Specific About Care Instructions
Provide detailed care instructions that cover feeding routines, medication schedules, exercise needs, favorite toys, and preferences for veterinary providers. Specificity helps caregivers maintain consistency and reduces stress for the pet during transitions. Include guidance on end-of-life decisions and preferred courses of treatment to guide caregivers and trustees. Communicate the plan to caregivers and store copies with important documents so the trust’s terms are known and accessible when they are needed most.
Reasons to Include a Pet Trust in Your Estate Plan
Including a pet trust in your estate plan helps ensure your companion receives continued care aligned with your wishes, secures funding for ongoing needs, and reduces the potential for family disputes. Pet trusts provide legal mechanisms to appoint caregivers and trustees, set standards for care, and allow for oversight of funds. For pet owners who consider animals as family members, these arrangements create a practical framework for preserving an animal’s routine and welfare after the owner’s death or incapacity, offering reassurance for both the owner and those left to care for the pet.
Owners who want control over how funds are used and who will care for a pet find a trust particularly useful. A pet trust can specify veterinary treatment limits, daily routines, housing preferences, and successor arrangements so a pet’s lifestyle remains consistent. This planning reduces uncertainty during an already difficult time and helps avoid lengthy court involvement or disagreements over informal promises. Overall, a pet trust translates thoughtful intentions into enforceable directions that protect the animal’s welfare.
Common Situations Where Pet Trusts Are Beneficial
Pet trusts are beneficial when owners lack a clear plan for long-term care, when pets have significant medical needs, when family dynamics may lead to disagreement, or when owners wish to allocate funds specifically for animal care. They are also useful for older owners who want to ensure pets are cared for after they pass away or for owners with multiple pets who need an organized plan for distribution and care. In these circumstances, a trust provides a structured and enforceable solution that addresses both financial and care considerations.
Owner Incapacity or Death
When an owner becomes incapacitated or dies without a clear plan, pets can face uncertain futures. A pet trust provides instructions and dedicated funds to maintain care during and after a period of incapacity or after death, reducing stress for both pets and family members. Having a trust in place helps caregivers act quickly and with financial support, ensuring pets receive medications, veterinary visits, and stable housing without delay. It also relieves family members from making ad hoc decisions under emotional pressure.
Pets with Special Medical Needs
Pets that require ongoing medication, specialized diets, or frequent veterinary attention benefit from the certainty a pet trust provides. These animals need consistent funding and clear instructions to maintain treatment regimens and quality of life. A trust can specify the level of care desired and allow funds to be accessed for necessary treatments, reducing the risk that cost becomes a barrier to appropriate care. This structure helps caregivers make timely decisions in the pet’s best interest without financial uncertainty.
Complex Family Situations
When family members have differing views on care or when relationships are strained, a pet trust helps by documenting the owner’s preferences and assigning roles clearly. The trust can prevent disputes by naming a caregiver and a separate trustee to manage funds, providing a neutral financial overseer while the caregiver focuses on day-to-day needs. Clear instructions and successor appointments reduce the likelihood of conflict and preserve the owner’s intended outcome for the pet’s future.
Local Legal Help for Pet Trusts in Sparta
If you live in Sparta or elsewhere in White County, Jay Johnson Law Firm can assist with drafting pet trusts that fit your goals and reflect Tennessee law. We help clients identify appropriate caregivers and trustees, draft clear funding and expense provisions, and coordinate pet trust language with wills and other estate documents. Our approach focuses on practical solutions that make administration straightforward for those who will implement the plan, so pets receive consistent care without placing undue burden on loved ones.
Why Choose Our Firm for Pet Trust Planning
Jay Johnson Law Firm offers guidance tailored to the needs of pet owners in Tennessee, with attention to drafting clear, enforceable pet trust provisions. We work closely with clients to identify caregivers, estimate funding needs, and craft instructions that minimize ambiguity. By integrating pet trusts with broader estate plans, we help ensure that arrangements for pets align with your overall wishes and legal documents. This collaborative process reduces the chance of confusion and provides caretakers with the direction and resources needed.
Our team assists with communication strategies so that caregivers and family members understand the plan and their responsibilities. We prepare trust language that balances flexibility with accountability, including successor nominees and reporting requirements to keep administration transparent. We also advise on practical steps for funding the trust and maintaining records, making it easier for trustees to handle disbursements and for caregivers to access necessary resources for the pet’s care.
When clients engage our firm, we prioritize clear documentation, regular reviews, and practical contingency planning. We help you anticipate issues like caregiver unavailability, relocation, or changing medical needs, and we draft provisions to address those possibilities. The result is a pet trust that is dependable, adaptable, and aligned with your family and financial circumstances, providing a stable foundation for your pet’s future.
Talk with Us About Protecting Your Pet Today
How We Create and Implement Pet Trusts
Our process begins with a consultation to discuss your pet’s needs, family dynamics, and financial considerations. We gather details about the pet’s health, typical care routines, and potential caregivers. From there we draft trust language tailored to your preferences, propose funding options, and review successor arrangements. Once documents are finalized, we coordinate execution, advise on funding the trust, and provide copies and guidance for caregivers. We remain available for updates and to help implement changes as circumstances evolve.
Step One: Initial Consultation and Planning
During the first meeting we review your goals for the pet, evaluate potential caregivers and trustees, and discuss funding strategies. This stage focuses on understanding the pet’s daily routine, medical history, and any special needs that should be reflected in the trust. We also discuss how the pet trust will fit into your broader estate plan and whether you prefer to fund the trust during life or at death. Clear planning at this stage sets the foundation for a durable and useful trust.
Assessing Needs and Choosing Caretakers
We evaluate the pet’s specific needs and help identify caregivers who are willing and able to accept responsibility. This includes discussing housing arrangements, daily schedules, and veterinary preferences. We recommend naming successors in case the primary caregiver cannot serve and advise on how to discuss the plan with those named so they understand expectations. Choosing caretakers who are committed and prepared reduces the likelihood of future complications and helps preserve the pet’s quality of life.
Determining Funding and Expense Policies
We work with you to estimate reasonable funding levels and define allowable expenses to avoid ambiguity. This includes considering food, preventive and emergency veterinary care, grooming, boarding, and any special needs. We draft provisions describing how funds should be accessed and reimbursed, and whether the trustee must approve certain categories of spending. Defining these policies up front protects the trust’s purpose and assures caregivers that funds are available when needed.
Step Two: Drafting and Review
After gathering information, we prepare draft trust documents that reflect the decisions made during planning. This involves drafting clear instructions for caregivers and trustees, specifying funding mechanisms, and including successor nominations. We review the drafts with you to refine language, address any remaining questions, and ensure the documents align with your broader estate plan. Careful review helps catch potential ambiguities and ensures the final documents work as intended in real-world situations.
Customizing Trust Language
Trust language is customized to reflect the pet’s individual needs and the owner’s preferences. We include detailed care instructions, definitions of allowable expenses, and mechanisms for trustee oversight and reporting. Special clauses can address unusual circumstances like relocation, long-term medical treatments, or multiple caregivers. Customization ensures that the trust’s terms are realistic, enforceable, and aligned with Tennessee law, giving caregivers and trustees clear authority and direction when administering the trust.
Legal Review and Compliance
We ensure that the trust complies with applicable Tennessee requirements and integrates properly with existing wills or estate documents. This step includes verifying execution formalities, coordinating beneficiary designations if needed, and advising on tax or probate implications when relevant. Confirming compliance and integration reduces the risk of unintended outcomes and helps ensure the trust functions smoothly when activated, protecting your pet and your broader estate plan.
Step Three: Execution, Funding, and Communication
The final step involves executing the trust documents, funding the trust if you choose to do so during life, and communicating the plan to caregivers and trustees. We provide guidance on transferring assets, updating beneficiary designations, and storing documents so they are accessible. Communicating expectations to caregivers and ensuring they have necessary documentation helps avoid delays and confusion. We also offer follow-up reviews to update the trust as circumstances or laws change over time.
Execution and Funding Options
Execution includes signing the trust and any related estate documents in accordance with legal formalities. Funding options include transferring assets into a trust during life, creating a testamentary trust that is funded at death, or designating specific assets for pet care. We advise on practical funding methods to ensure that resources are available when needed and that funding mechanisms align with your overall financial and estate objectives.
Ongoing Review and Access for Caregivers
After the trust is in place, it’s important to review it periodically and update instructions if the pet’s needs or family circumstances change. We recommend documenting contact information for caregivers and veterinarians and providing caregivers with copies of key documents and instructions. Making the trust accessible and maintaining open communication reduces stress for caregivers and ensures the trust remains a living document that continues to serve the pet’s best interest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Trusts
What is a pet trust and how does it work in Tennessee?
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that sets aside funds and instructions to provide for an animal’s care after an owner’s incapacity or death. In Tennessee, a trust names a trustee to manage the assets and a caregiver to provide daily care, with clear directions on allowable expenses and medical preferences. The trustee has a duty to disburse funds according to the trust and to account for expenditures, while the caregiver focuses on the pet’s day-to-day needs.Setting up a pet trust usually involves drafting the trust document, naming successors, and deciding on a funding mechanism such as transferring assets during life or creating a testamentary trust funded at death. Clear language and communication with the caregiver and trustee help ensure the plan operates smoothly when it is needed.
How do I choose a caregiver and trustee for my pet trust?
Choosing a caregiver involves selecting someone reliable who understands your pet’s routine and is willing to assume responsibility. It is important to discuss expectations with the caregiver in advance and to name at least one successor in the trust in case the primary caregiver cannot serve. A trustee should be someone capable of managing funds responsibly and keeping records, such as a trusted friend, family member, or a professional fiduciary.Consider the practicalities of the caregiver’s living situation and ability to meet the pet’s needs, as well as the trustee’s willingness to handle financial oversight. Discussing the plan and providing written instructions reduces surprises and helps ensure all parties are prepared to implement your wishes.
How much money should I set aside in a pet trust?
Determining the right funding level for a pet trust depends on the pet’s expected lifetime costs, including routine veterinary care, medications, food, grooming, and potential emergencies. Consult with your veterinarian to estimate likely expenses based on your pet’s age, breed, and health history, and factor in inflation and potential long-term needs. A realistic funding estimate helps ensure caregivers can provide consistent care without financial strain.It is also important to include provisions for unanticipated costs and to name remainder beneficiaries who will receive any unused funds after the pet’s death. Periodic reviews of the trust and funding levels help maintain adequacy as circumstances change.
Can I fund a pet trust through my will?
Yes, a pet trust can be created through a will as a testamentary trust that becomes effective upon your death. This approach can be appropriate for owners who prefer not to fund a trust during life but still want to direct funds for their pet’s care. The will must be properly drafted to create the trust and designate a trustee and caregiver, and the trust will be funded through the estate during probate.A testamentary pet trust may take longer to access funds because it depends on the probate process, so owners should weigh timing and accessibility against convenience when choosing between lifetime funding and a testamentary option. Discussing these considerations helps align the plan with your goals for immediate and long-term care.
What happens to leftover funds after my pet dies?
Leftover funds after a pet’s death should be addressed in the trust document through remainder provisions, which designate who will receive any remaining assets. Owners can name family members, charities, or other beneficiaries to receive leftover funds, and can specify whether those funds must be used for related charitable purposes or simply pass to the remainder beneficiary. Clear remainder instructions prevent disputes and reflect the owner’s intentions for unused resources.Without clear remainder provisions, courts or heirs may disagree about distribution, potentially leading to delays and conflict. Including explicit directions in the trust helps ensure that any remaining funds are distributed according to your wishes and in a manner consistent with the trust’s purpose.
Will a pet trust prevent family disputes over my pet?
While a pet trust cannot guarantee disputes will never arise, it reduces the likelihood of conflict by documenting the owner’s wishes, naming specific caregivers and trustees, and establishing oversight and reporting requirements. These elements create a clear framework for decision making and financial management, reducing ambiguity that can lead to disagreement among family members. The presence of a neutral trustee can also help resolve disagreements by enforcing the trust’s terms.Open communication with family members and caregivers before finalizing the trust further minimizes tension. Sharing the plan and explaining the reasons behind specific choices helps others understand your intentions and accept the arrangements when they become necessary.
Can the caregiver use trust funds for their own expenses?
Trust funds are intended to pay for allowable expenses for the pet’s care as defined in the trust document. The caregiver may receive reimbursements or direct payments for expenses incurred, but the trustee is responsible for disbursing funds according to trust terms and for keeping records. The trust should clearly define what counts as allowable expenses and whether the caregiver can receive direct payments or must submit receipts for reimbursement.Including reasonable safeguards, such as documentation requirements and periodic accounting, helps prevent misuse and maintains transparency. These measures protect both the caregiver and the trust’s purpose by ensuring funds are used appropriately for the pet’s well-being.
Do I need a pet trust if my family will agree on care?
Even if family members agree informally on care, a pet trust can add important protections by creating enforceable directions and ensuring funds are used as intended. Informal arrangements can be vulnerable to changing circumstances, misunderstandings, or disputes after the owner’s death. A formal trust clarifies roles, provides financial resources, and sets expectations that reduce uncertainty during an emotional time.For owners with straightforward family situations, a simplified trust or a well-drafted will provision may be sufficient. However, formal documentation still offers the best protection against accidental changes in plans and gives caregivers confidence that they will have the resources necessary to follow your wishes.
How often should I review or update my pet trust?
Reviewing your pet trust periodically is important, especially after major life events such as moves, changes in caregiver availability, or significant shifts in your pet’s health. Laws and financial circumstances can also change, so regular reviews help ensure continued alignment with your intentions. Updating contact information for caregivers and veterinarians and revisiting funding levels maintains the trust’s effectiveness.We generally recommend reviewing estate-related documents every few years or after notable changes in family, finances, or the pet’s condition. Proactive reviews help prevent surprises and ensure the trust remains realistic and enforceable when it is needed.
How do I get started creating a pet trust in Sparta?
To start creating a pet trust in Sparta, contact a local estate planning attorney to schedule a consultation. During the meeting, gather basic information about your pet’s health, daily routine, and potential caregivers, along with an estimate of assets you intend to allocate for the pet’s care. Discuss your goals and preferences so the attorney can draft tailored trust language and funding recommendations.After drafting, review and finalize the documents, execute them according to Tennessee requirements, and communicate the plan to those named. Proper execution and funding, along with clear instructions for caregivers, help ensure your pet receives stable, ongoing care.