If you have pets, you’ve probably joked that they’re part of the family. However, when something happens to you, serious questions arise: Who will care for them, and how will it be paid for? Too many people assume a relative or friend will just step in. Sometimes they do. Other times, nobody is prepared, and a beloved pet ends up stressed, rehomed, or placed in a shelter.
Pet planning gives you a way to protect your animals with clear instructions and a backup plan. The Law Offices of Kobrick & Moccia helps families put legal protections in place for pets as part of a larger estate plan. Led by attorney Anthony Moccia, a member of the New York State and Nassau County Bar Associations, the firm focuses on structure, education, and planning that supports your loved ones—including those with four legs.
What Is Pet Planning?
Pet planning is the process of legally documenting what should happen to your pets if you die or become unable to care for them. It can be a simple plan or more detailed, depending on the type of pet, the cost of care, and your wishes.
A pet plan may include:
- Naming a primary caregiver and backup caregiver
- Providing financial support for food, vet care, and grooming
- Writing instructions for day-to-day routines
- Setting aside money to cover long-term needs
- Putting a plan in place if you become incapacitated
Why a Pet Plan Matters More Than People Think
Under the law, pets are considered property. That means if you don’t plan, the system doesn’t automatically “assign” them to the person you trust most. Even if someone loves your pet, they may not be able to afford the cost of care.
A plan helps avoid:
- Last-minute scrambling by family members
- Disagreements about who keeps the pet
- Unclear expectations about care and expenses
- Pets being moved multiple times during a stressful period
- A pet ending up in an unsafe situation
A clear plan is one of the simplest ways to protect an animal that depends on you.
What Is a Pet Trust?
A pet trust is a legal tool that allows you to set aside money for your pet’s care and name someone to manage it. Not everyone needs a pet trust, but it can be helpful if you want more structure and clearer oversight.
A pet trust can allow you to:
- Choose the person who will care for your pet
- Choose a separate person to manage the money, if desired
- Set guidelines for how funds should be used
- Provide coverage for long-term care needs
- Keep your instructions in writing for clarity
Pet trusts can be especially useful if you have multiple pets, have a pet with health issues, or want additional protection beyond a simple will provision.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Kobrick & Moccia for Pet Planning in Garden City, NY?
Pet planning shouldn’t feel complicated, but it does need to be done correctly. The Law Offices of Kobrick & Moccia helps New York families create estate plans that protect the people and responsibilities they care about most — including their pets.
Attorney Anthony Moccia earned his law degree from Touro Law School and has been with the firm since 2006, later taking ownership in 2021. The firm is known for its education-first approach, offering resources and seminars that help clients feel confident in their choices.
Give Your Pet a Safe Future
Your pet depends on you every day. Pet planning helps make sure they’re cared for, supported, and protected if life changes suddenly. With the right legal plan, you can name the right caregiver, set aside support, and put your wishes in writing.
To create a pet planning strategy, contact the Law Offices of Kobrick & Moccia in Garden City, NY. Call (516) 248-9500 to schedule a consultation.