Protect Your Pet’s Future with a Colorado Pet Trust
Without proper planning, your pet’s future is uncertain. A pet trust ensures your companion receives the love and care they deserve — no matter what happens to you.
⚠️ The Reality Without a Plan
Every year, thousands of pets are surrendered to shelters because their owners passed away or became incapacitated without making arrangements.
More than 6 million animals enter shelters annually, and only about 50% are adopted. Don’t let your beloved companion become a statistic.
What a Pet Trust Covers
Comprehensive protection for your companion
Names a Trusted Caregiver
You choose who will care for your pet — someone you trust who understands your pet’s needs and personality.
Provides Clear Instructions
Specify diet, medical care, exercise routines, and even end-of-life wishes. Your pet continues receiving care exactly as you’d provide.
Names Backup Caregivers
Life changes. Your primary caregiver may not always be able to serve. Naming alternates ensures your pet is always protected.
Names a Trustee
The trustee manages the money — paying bills, monitoring care, and ensuring funds are used appropriately.
Sets Aside Dedicated Funds
Money is earmarked specifically for your pet’s food, veterinary care, grooming, and daily needs.
Legal Enforcement
Unlike informal arrangements, a pet trust is legally binding. A trustee ensures funds are used solely for your pet’s benefit.
Colorado’s Strong Pet Trust Laws
Colorado was an early adopter of pet trust legislation (C.R.S. §15-11-901, enacted 1994 and updated under the Colorado Uniform Trust Code). The state provides some of the most comprehensive protections for pets in the nation.
Key Legal Protections in Colorado
- Trust lasts for your pet’s entire lifetime — no arbitrary time limits
- Funds must be used solely for your pet’s benefit and reasonable trust expenses
- Multiple parties can enforce the trust: caregiver, trustee, remainder beneficiaries, or court-appointed enforcer
- Courts can step in if funds are misused or if the pet isn’t receiving proper care
- You decide where leftover money goes after your pet passes
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
You can name someone to receive your pet in a will, but that does not require them to accept the pet or use any money for its care. A pet trust creates a legal obligation and provides the funds to do so. It also works during incapacity, not just after death.
You can name backup caregivers. If the first choice is unable or unwilling to serve, the trust automatically moves to the next option.
There is no fixed amount. Most people base it on realistic costs: food, routine vet care, grooming, boarding, and emergency care. Any unused funds can go to a charity or beneficiary you choose.
Yes. Colorado law allows one person to serve in both roles. Some clients prefer separating the roles for accountability. We talk through both options during your consultation.
This is one of the most important reasons to consider a pet trust. It allows funds to be used immediately for boarding, pet sitters, or veterinary care if you are temporarily or permanently unable to care for your pet.
You can include as much or as little detail as you want. Many clients specify feeding routines, medications, veterinarian preferences, grooming needs, and end-of-life decisions.
You decide. Many clients name an animal-related charity. Others choose family members. The trust ends when the last covered pet passes away, and remaining funds are distributed according to your instructions.
Schedule your free consultation today
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Review your current pet care situation and concerns
- Explain how a Colorado pet trust works in plain language
- Discuss caregiver options and funding strategies
- Answer all your questions about protecting your pet
- Discuss how the pet trust fits into your comprehensive estate plan
No cost, no obligation — just honest guidance from an attorney who understands how important your pet is to you.
“Early in my career I saw estate plans so complex it took years for families to receive inheritances. That’s why today I focus on creating clear, enforceable plans that protect my clients’ wishes and make things simple for the people they trust.”— Clark Dray, Managing Attorney · 15+ Years in Colorado Estate Law
Don’t leave your pet’s future to chance . . .
Free Consultation
We’ll discuss your pet’s needs, your concerns, and explain exactly how a pet trust works — no pressure, just clear answers.
Straightforward Flat-Rate Fees
You’ll know what your estate plan costs before we begin — no hourly billing, no surprise invoices. We provide a clear quote in your Design Meeting.
Custom Planning
Every pet and family is different. We’ll create a plan tailored to your specific situation, considering your pet’s age, health, care requirements, and your wishes.
Complete Protection
Stand-alone pet trust or integrated into a comprehensive estate plan — powers of attorney, living trusts, and incapacity provisions — so your pet is protected in every scenario.
Client Reviews
What clients say about The Law Office of Clark Daniel Dray
“My family worked with Clark’s office for a living trust. We have been very happy with the service throughout the process. He was the most clear with the information that we needed to know as well as expectations that we should have during the process.”
“We had a fantastic experience working with Clark for our estate planning. He was professional, knowledgeable, and even rewrote a section to better align with our goals.”
“Mr. Clark was incredibly helpful to talk to even though I didn’t end up obtaining his services at this time. He was a wealth of knowledge and advice and my consultation was absolutely free.”
“Working with Clark Dray and his staff was a great experience. Everyone was so helpful, super accommodating and I always felt I was in good hands.”
★★★★★ 100 five-star reviews on Google
Ready to protect your pet?
Your free consultation takes about 30 minutes. You’ll leave with a clear plan and a clear price.
