Three More Famous Pet Trust Cases and the Lessons We Can Learn from Them

Sometimes, pet owners can get a bit creative when providing for their pets’ future care. The following three famous cases involving a sort of a pet trust offer some important lessons. Although some of the cases shared here involve leaving an inheritatnce to a pet, note that we cannot do that in Texas or Florida. Pets, as much as they are part of our families, are considered personal property.

David Harper and Red

David Harper, a wealthy, reclusive bachelor in Ottawa, Canada, was not exactly famous during his life. In his death, however, he made headlines by reportedly leaving his entire $1.1 million estate to his tabby cat, Red. To ensure his wishes were fulfilled, Harper bequeathed the fortune to the United Church of Canada under the stipulation that they care for Red! The ploy worked.

Lesson learned: You can be creative in ensuring your pets receive proper care after you are gone.

Maria Assunta and Tommaso

In a four-legged, furry version of the classic rags-to-riches story, wealthy Italian widow Maria Assunta rescued a stray cat from the streets of Rome and gave him a proper home and name: Tommaso. As Assunta’s health failed, she tried for several years to find an animal organization to entrust Tommaso with. When no suitable organization was found, Assunta left her estate, valued at $13 million, directly to the cat in her will and named her nurse as caretaker. She passed away in 2011 at age 94, knowing her beloved Tommaso would be well taken care of.

Lesson learned: Do not assume someone will automatically care for your pet when you pass. The best way to ensure that your pet is cared for is to plan ahead, choose a caretaker you trust, and put your wishes in writing with a proper estate plan.

Patricia O’Neill's Pet Trust and Kalu

Patricia O’Neill, daughter of British nobility and ex-spouse of Olympian Frank O’Neill, had designated a fortune worth $70 million to her chimpanzee, Kalu, and other pets in her will—or so she thought. It was discovered in 2010 that the heiress was, in fact, broke, thanks to the shady dealings of a dishonest financial advisor. This story provides perhaps the most famous example of a pet trust gone dry while the owner was still alive.

Lesson learned: You can only give away what you have. If caring for your pets after your death is important to you, make sure your financial plan aligns with your estate plan and that you have taken appropriate steps to oversee your advisors.

Establishing a pet trust can be a good way to ensure that your beloved pets receive the care they deserve after you pass on. To learn more about your options, give us a call today.