Q: I have no living relatives or loved ones. Can I will all my assets to my dog and note in my will that some of the funds

A: A Will can leave assets for care of a pet. Provide For Pets in Your Will and Trust If You Become Disabled

A bequest in your Will or Living Trust is an uncomplicated way to help protect your pets.

A bequest may take several forms. It can be a specific sum, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after expenses and gifts to loved ones. Bequests can include cash, securities, real estate, houses, and personal property such as valuable collections, art, or jewelry. More information at www.hsus.org and www.centraljerseyelderlaw.com

Here is some sample language that your attorney may use in your Will to provide your executor with guidance in arranging for your pet's care:

{Article Number} A. As a matter of high priority and importance, I direct my Personal Representative to place any and all animals I may own at the time of my death with another individual or family (that is, in a private, non institutionalized setting) where such animals will be cared for in a manner that any responsible, devoted pet owner would afford to his or her pets. Prior to initiating such efforts to place my animals, I direct my Personal Representative to consult ______________________, D.V.M. (currently at the _______________________ Hospital), or, in the event of Dr. _____________'s unavailability, a veterinarian chosen by my Personal Representative, to ensure that each animal is in generally good health and is not suffering physically. In addition, I direct my Personal Representative to provide any needed, reasonable veterinary care that my animal(s) may need at that time to restore the animal(s) to generally good health and to alleviate suffering, if possible. Any animal(s) not in generally good health or who is so suffering and whose care is beyond the capabilities of veterinary medicine, reasonably employed, to restore to generally good health or to alleviate suffering shall be euthanized, cremated, and the ashes disposed of at the discretion of my Personal Representative. Any expenses incurred for the care (including the costs of veterinary services), placement, or transportation of my animals, or to otherwise effect the purposes of this Article ___________ up to the time of placement, shall be charged against the principal of my residuary estate. Decisions my Personal Representative makes under this Article ____________________ for example, with respect to the veterinary care to be afforded to my animal(s) and the costs of such care shall be final. My intention is that my Personal Representative have the broadest possible discretion to carry out the purposes of this paragraph.

Source: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/providing_for_your_pets_future_without_you/d_sample_language_for_your_will.html

Preparing for the Unexpected/Disability - Power of Attorney

We recommend you have your attorney prepare a Power of Attorney if you become disabled. This will permit someone else to handle your affairs and be a legal caretaker for your pet.

In the confusion that accompanies a person's unexpected illness, accident, or death, pets may be overlooked. In some cases, pets are discovered in the person's home days after the tragedy. To prevent this from happening to your pet, take these simple precautions:

Find at least two responsible friends or relatives who agree to serve as temporary emergency caregivers in the event that something unexpected happens to you. Provide them with keys to your home; feeding and care instructions; the name of your veterinarian; and information about the permanent care provisions you have made for your pet.

Make sure your neighbors, friends, and relatives know how many pets you have and the names and contact numbers of the individuals who have agreed to serve as emergency caregivers. Emergency caregivers should also know how to contact each other. Source: www.hsus.org