Because the law considers pets personal property and not human beings, pets cannot own property, and a pet owner cannot leave money or assets to a pet in a will or a trust. But a pet owner can provide for the care and well-being of a pet or pets in a traditional trust or in a statutory pet trust (authorized under a state’s statutes).

For example, the pet owner (known as the grantor, settlor, or trustor) will create a trust for a named pet or pets (the beneficiary or beneficiaries of the trust), place money or income-producing assets in the trust and name a trustee to manage and administer the trust for the benefit of the pet or pets, as provided in the trust agreement.

For a brief summary of each state’s pet trust laws and the state statutes where you can find them, copy and paste this URL in your internet browser: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning/pet-trust-laws

In Kentucky, pet owners can create a trust to ensure the care and well-being of their pets after the owner's death or incapacitation. Kentucky law recognizes pet trusts, which allows a pet owner to designate a certain amount of money or assets to be used for the care of their pets. The trust is managed by a trustee who is responsible for administering the funds according to the terms set out in the trust agreement for the benefit of the pet or pets. The pet trust remains in effect for the lifetime of the pet or until the trust funds are exhausted. Kentucky's pet trust law is codified in Kentucky Revised Statutes, Section 386B.4-080. This statute outlines the specific provisions and requirements for creating a valid pet trust in the state, ensuring that pets are cared for according to the owner's wishes.