The first question in a good pet trust is “Who Owns the Dog?”
The Pet Protection Agreement® pet trust dictates ownership.
Movie buffs might remember this classic scene from Peter Seller’s The Pink Panther Strikes Again:
Inspector Clouseau: "Does your dog bite?"
Hotel Clerk: "No."
Inspector Clouseau pets the dog. The dog bites Clouseau's foot.
Inspector Clouseau: "I thought you said your dog did not bite!"
Hotel Clerk: "That is not my dog."
This vignette is an eye opener for all those who love their animals.
It's VERY IMPORTANT to name a SINGLE owner so as to avoid a court battle in the case of a breakup.
So...Who Owns the Dog?
Take the test below and see how you might do if you end up in court. The court may put you through the ringer and even then you may not get the result you wish.
“I own the dog! I rescued Soupbone at the shelter.”
- “I own the dog! He was my birthday gift.”
- “I own the dog! I took Swizzle to the vet; my roomate only bought the food.”
- “I own the dog! In my divorce she should be coming with the kids.”
- “I own the dog! I had Sundance for 5 years before we were married.”
- “I own the dogs! I stay at home and care for Snuggles and Topper. My partner and I can live without each other but I can't live without those dogs”
Each of these cases lost in court.
Resolving the issue of ownership before a dispute arises can solve a myriad of problems and avert future legal disputes and litigation.
The Pet Protection Agreement® pet trust is the strongest proof of ownership you can bring to court.
If you hiring an advisor or attorney for your estate plan make sure that they are addressing all owned property including your animals.