Can I leave it all to my dog?

The short answer - no, but you can put it in a trust.

Many pet owners think of their pets as much more than an animal – they are a member of the family.  It’s understandable to want to ensure your pet is taken care of if something happens to you.  Though you can’t leave your pet money or property, you can provide for their care.

Pet owners can create a trust to provide for the care of their pet.  Issues to consider include who will care for your pet and what financial amount is reasonable for your pet’s care.  If your pet passes before the trust is completely used, the money left in trust goes back to your estate and is distributed in accordance with your will.

Remember – the above is for informational purposes only.  If you are considering creating a trust as described, you should consult an attorney.