Consider the animal's life expectancy and size of the person's estate in determining how much money will be transferred. "Be careful not to transfer too big of a sum because it is likely to cause a contest," Beyer said. "Some states will cut down the gift if you leave more than $1 million to take care of a pet."
Determine if and how any trustee or caretaker will be paid.
Consider whether you will need to leave money for higher insurance premiums the caretaker is likely to experience for taking care of a dog.
Describe exactly how you want a pet to be taken care of.
Indicate who gets money left in a trust after the animal dies. "It can't be the same as the beneficiary or caretaker," Beyer stresses. "Otherwise, there is no incentive to keep the animal alive."
Be sure to clearly identify the animal. There have been cases where the caretaker finds a replacement animal to keep the money coming in.
Require random inspections by the trustee.
Determine burial or cremation arrangements.
Also, define circumstances under which the animal should be put to sleep, animal advocates suggest.