Planning for the ongoing care of a beloved pet is an important part of a full estate plan for residents of Ukiah and Mendocino County. A pet trust provides a legal structure to set aside funds, name caretakers, and outline detailed instructions for your animal’s care after you are no longer able to provide for them. This page explains how a pet trust works, what options are available in California, and how the Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman can help you create a durable plan that reflects your wishes for your pet’s daily routine, medical needs, and long-term wellbeing.
Many pet owners want more than a simple note in a will; they want a clear, enforceable plan that ensures their animal companion will be cared for according to specific preferences. A pet trust can define who will serve as caregiver, allocate funds for food, grooming, veterinary care, and emergency situations, and set fallback arrangements if a chosen caregiver cannot serve. Proper planning can also reduce disputes among family members and caregivers by documenting preferences and contingencies. This guide covers practical steps to establish a pet trust in Ukiah, important terms to know, and considerations unique to California law.
A pet trust offers clear benefits for animal owners who want to ensure continuity of care, financial support, and adherence to their preferences. By formally designating a caregiver and creating a funding mechanism, a trust reduces uncertainty and makes it easier for caretakers to obtain the resources they need. It can include provisions for routine and emergency veterinary care, dietary needs, exercise and socialization routines, and directions for end-of-life decisions. Additionally, a trust provides enforceability so that a trustee can oversee the funds and ensure they are spent as intended to benefit the pet, protecting the animal’s interests and giving owners peace of mind.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman assists families across California with estate planning tools that include pet trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Our approach focuses on listening to client priorities and translating them into clear, durable legal documents that reflect individual circumstances. For pet trust clients in Ukiah, we emphasize practical provisions such as caregiver appointment, funding strategies, trustee duties, and contingency plans. We also coordinate trust documents with related estate planning instruments so that your overall plan is cohesive and minimizes the potential for administrative friction or disputes after incapacity or death.
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that holds funds and sets forth instructions for the care of one or more animals when their owner cannot care for them. The trust names a trustee to manage the money and a caregiver to provide daily care. It can be tailored to cover routine needs like food and grooming, veterinary expenses including preventive care and emergencies, boarding, and even provisions for special diets or medications. Pet trusts can be created during an owner’s lifetime or through estate planning documents that take effect upon the owner’s incapacity or death, giving flexibility based on personal circumstances and timing.
In California, pet trusts are recognized and enforceable, so courts can ensure funds are used according to the pet owner’s instructions. Trustees have fiduciary responsibilities to manage trust funds prudently and to make disbursements consistent with the trust’s terms. The trust can include reporting requirements, reimbursement procedures for caregivers, and backup plans for caregiver incapacity. Deciding how much to fund the trust and who should serve as trustee and caregiver are critical choices that should reflect realistic estimates of care needs, expected lifespan, and any special medical or behavioral concerns of the animal.
A pet trust is a legal device that places assets in the custody of a trustee for the benefit of an animal beneficiary and designates a person to provide day-to-day care. The trust sets rules for how funds are to be used, how often distributions are made, and what qualifies as a reimbursable expense. It can be structured to terminate when the pet dies and direct remaining assets to alternate beneficiaries. Because California statute recognizes pet trusts, courts can enforce the terms and remove trustees who fail in their duties, helping make the owner’s intentions binding and actionable following incapacity or death.
Creating a pet trust involves selecting a caregiver, naming a trustee and successor trustee, determining funding methods, and drafting clear instructions for care. Funding can occur by transferring assets into a trust during life or by directing assets into a trust through a will or revocable living trust at death. The process typically begins with an assessment of the pet’s projected needs, followed by drafting of the trust instrument, coordination with other estate planning documents, and execution under state law. Periodic review is recommended to confirm that funds, caregivers, and instructions remain appropriate as circumstances change.
Understanding common terms helps owners make informed decisions about pet trusts. Important words include trustee, caregiver, beneficiary, funding, trustee duties, and termination conditions. A trustee manages the financial aspects of the trust while a caregiver provides hands-on care to the animal. The beneficiary is the pet itself for purposes of the trust. Funding strategies determine how money will be available, and termination conditions specify when the trust ends. This glossary summarizes these and other terms to help you understand how each element fits into a comprehensive plan for your companion’s future care.
The trustee is the person or entity responsible for managing the trust assets and making disbursements to cover the pet’s care. Responsibilities commonly include investing assets prudently, paying bills related to the pet’s care, and maintaining records and receipts. Trustees may also be required to provide periodic accounting to named parties, such as family members or an enforcer, to confirm that funds are being used according to the trust terms. Selecting a trustee who is trustworthy, organized, and willing to follow the owner’s instructions is an important part of creating an effective pet trust.
A caregiver is the individual designated to provide daily care, attention, and housing for the pet. The caregiver’s role may include walking, feeding, administering medications, arranging veterinary appointments, and providing companionship. The trust can specify how the caregiver is to be compensated, whether through regular disbursements or reimbursement for documented expenses. It is wise to name a primary caregiver as well as one or more alternatives in case the primary person is unable or unwilling to serve. Clear written instructions reduce ambiguity about expectations and help maintain continuity of care.
In a pet trust, the beneficiary is the animal or animals intended to receive care under the trust’s terms. While animals cannot hold legal title to property, the trust creates an enforceable obligation to use the funds for the benefit of the pet. The trust can name the animal explicitly and include identifying details such as breed, age, microchip number, and photographs to ensure that the intended animal receives the intended benefits. The document can also provide instructions for multiple animals and how funds are to be allocated among them.
Funding refers to how money or assets are transferred into the pet trust to cover the animal’s care. Common methods include transferring cash, securities, or property during life or directing assets into the trust via a will or revocable trust after death. Termination provisions state when the trust ends, often upon the pet’s death, and what happens to any remaining funds, such as distribution to named human beneficiaries or charitable organizations. Thoughtful funding and clear termination directives reduce the risk of insufficient resources or disputes after the pet’s passing.
Pet owners can choose among several tools to provide for animals, including direct bequests in a will, having a caregiver manage funds informally, or creating a formal pet trust. A will-based bequest may leave money to a caregiver but lacks the same enforceability and oversight that a trust provides. Informal arrangements rely on the goodwill of caregivers and may leave funds inaccessible if institutions require court involvement. A pet trust combines clear funding and enforceable instructions with trustee oversight to ensure funds are used as intended, making it a robust option for owners seeking durable and accountable arrangements.
A simpler arrangement can be suitable when the anticipated costs of pet care are modest and the owner has a trusted caregiver who is willing to accept responsibility without formal oversight. In such cases, leaving a straightforward gift in a will with clear caregiver instructions may be adequate. The owner should nonetheless provide detailed written notes about routines and medical history and consider backup caregivers. It is important to recognize that even with strong relationships, clear documentation reduces misunderstandings and ensures that the caregiver has access to necessary funds and records to meet the animal’s needs.
If a pet is healthy, has few ongoing medical requirements, and the owner expects a short-term transition to a caregiver, a limited approach may be practical. Informal plans or modest testamentary gifts can cover immediate expenses without establishing a full trust. However, owners should still prepare written care instructions, contact information for veterinarians, and any relevant medical records. This helps the caregiver provide consistent care and eases the transfer process. Owners should periodically review this arrangement to ensure it remains appropriate as the pet ages or circumstances change.
Pets with chronic medical conditions, behavioral issues that require ongoing training, or anticipated high veterinary costs benefit from a comprehensive trust that addresses long-term funding and care coordination. A formal trust ensures reliable distribution of funds, oversight by a trustee, and enforceable instructions for medical and behavioral needs. This reduces the risk that a caregiver will be unable to cover expenses and provides mechanisms for reporting and accountability. A well-structured plan anticipates contingencies, names successor caregivers, and establishes procedures for follow-up veterinary consultations and emergency interventions.
Owners with more substantial assets or several pets often need comprehensive planning to allocate funds fairly and set priorities for care. A detailed trust can specify how resources are divided among multiple animals, prioritize certain animals in constrained circumstances, and direct remaining funds to designated beneficiaries after the animals’ deaths. Such arrangements help prevent disputes among family members and ensure that each animal’s needs are addressed. Comprehensive planning also allows integration with other estate planning tools to coordinate tax, probate, and guardianship concerns efficiently.
A comprehensive pet trust provides clarity, enforceability, and sustained financial support for a pet’s lifetime. By naming a trustee to oversee funds and a caregiver to provide daily care, the trust creates accountability and reduces ambiguity. Detailed instructions for medical care, dietary preferences, and living arrangements make it more likely that the pet will experience continuity in routine and care standards. In addition, the trust structure can include reporting requirements that keep interested parties informed and reduce the likelihood of misuse of funds, ultimately protecting the pet’s wellbeing and honoring the owner’s intentions.
Comprehensive planning also helps families avoid disputes and administrative delays after an owner’s incapacity or death. Having clear directions and designated roles expedites transitions and provides caregivers with access to funds and official authority to arrange care. A trust can incorporate contingencies such as successor caregivers, alternate trustees, and guidance for euthanasia or hospice care consistent with the owner’s values. These provisions create a predictable process that supports both the animal and the people who will step into caregiving and administrative roles.
One major advantage of a comprehensive pet trust is the structured financial support it provides, which helps ensure that funds are available when needed for everyday care and unexpected medical expenses. The trustee’s role provides oversight to confirm that funds are spent according to the owner’s wishes, while reporting provisions can inform designated family members or enforcers about expenditures. This combination of funding and oversight provides tangible protection for the animal’s needs and reduces the chance that caregivers will face financial barriers when arranging necessary care.
Another important benefit is the peace of mind that comes from documenting specific care instructions and contingency plans. Owners can specify feeding regimens, medication schedules, exercise habits, socialization preferences, and veterinary contacts, helping caregivers maintain the animal’s routine. Well-drafted instructions reduce ambiguity and conflict, so caregivers can focus on the pet’s wellbeing rather than interpreting informal notes. For owners who care deeply about their animal’s daily life and medical care, this level of detail ensures that personal preferences are respected over time.
Selecting the right caregiver and trustee is important to ensure your pet receives consistent daily care and that funds are managed responsibly. Look for individuals who understand the specific needs of your animal and who are willing to keep records and receipts for trust expenditures. Discuss expectations clearly in advance and designate successor caregivers and trustees in case the primary choices are unable to serve. Consider naming separate individuals for caregiving and financial oversight, or designate a trusted friend or family member to serve as caregiver with a professional fiduciary or institutional trustee managing funds if that arrangement better fits your situation.
Estimate the costs of daily care, routine veterinary visits, and potential emergencies when deciding how much to place into a trust. Include a buffer for inflation and unexpected conditions. Consider whether to fund the trust during life or through testamentary direction, and coordinate with other estate planning documents to avoid conflicting instructions. Review the trust periodically, particularly after major life events or changes in a pet’s health, to confirm that funding levels and designated caregivers remain appropriate. Regular updates help prevent underfunding or the need for court intervention later on.
Pet trusts are valuable when you want to ensure sustained care with financial oversight and enforceable instructions. If your pet depends on specialized medical care, has behavioral needs, or you lack immediate family who can assume care, a trust provides a legal structure to support a caregiver and maintain continuity of care. Trusts also help avoid delays and disputes that can arise when funds are left informally, making it easier for caregivers to access necessary resources. For many owners, the assurance that their animal will be cared for according to their wishes makes a trust a preferred planning tool.
A pet trust is also appropriate when you wish to allocate resources among multiple animals or to leave remaining funds to charity or family members after a pet’s death. The trust can include oversight mechanisms to ensure proper use of funds and to require reports or receipts, which adds accountability. If you anticipate that a caregiver may need financial support for long-term or intensive care, a trust can formalize that support and reduce the risk that the pet will suffer due to lack of resources. Thoughtful planning makes transitions smoother for both animals and caregivers.
Common circumstances include sudden incapacity of an owner, complex medical needs of a pet, lack of immediate family for care, or the desire to ensure long-term funding and oversight. Owners who travel frequently, who own multiple animals, or who have pets with special dietary or medical regimens also benefit from the structure a trust provides. Additionally, when owners wish to leave specific instructions about living arrangements or end-of-life care, a trust makes those directions enforceable. In each case, the pet trust reduces uncertainty and helps preserve the animal’s quality of life.
When an owner becomes incapacitated or dies, a pet trust ensures there is a clear legal path for the animal’s care, including funds and authority for the caregiver. Without a trust, caregivers may face delays in accessing money or authorization for medical decisions. A trust names fiduciaries and provides instructions that facilitate a smooth transfer of responsibility, helping the caregiver address immediate needs and long-term care without unnecessary legal hurdles. Planning ahead prevents gaps in care and reduces emotional stress for family and friends stepping into caregiving roles.
Pets that require frequent veterinary attention, long-term medication, or specialized treatments can place financial strain on caregivers. A pet trust ensures that funds are earmarked specifically for these expenses and that a trustee manages disbursements in accordance with documented needs. The trust can define allowable expenses and payment processes so caregivers can secure timely treatment without worrying about immediate out-of-pocket costs. This arrangement safeguards the animal’s health by making sure financial barriers do not delay necessary medical care.
When an owner has multiple pets, allocating resources fairly and setting priorities can be complicated. A pet trust can specify how funds are to be divided among animals, what happens if some animals predecease others, and how remaining funds should be distributed after the animals’ deaths. Clear allocation rules help prevent conflicts among caregivers or family members and ensure that each pet’s needs are considered. This structure supports consistent care practices across animals and reduces the administrative burden on caregivers managing multiple responsibilities.
The Law Offices of Robert P. Bergman provides pet trust planning services to clients in Ukiah and across Mendocino County, helping families create plans that reflect their care preferences and financial intentions. We help identify suitable caregivers and trustees, draft precise trust provisions, and coordinate trust funding with other estate planning documents such as revocable living trusts or pour-over wills. Our goal is to provide documents that are practical and enforceable in California, reducing stress for family members and ensuring pets receive consistent care under the owner’s directions.
Working with an attorney familiar with California estate planning and pet trust law can streamline the process of creating a durable plan. We assist clients with selecting caregivers and trustees, estimating funding needs, and drafting clear, enforceable provisions that anticipate common contingencies. Our drafting emphasizes practical instructions for daily care, medical decision-making, and distribution of remaining funds. We also help integrate the pet trust with related documents, such as powers of attorney and advance health care directives, so your overall estate plan functions cohesively and minimizes administrative complications.
We help clients evaluate funding options, whether to place assets into a trust during life or to direct funding through testamentary provisions. We can suggest realistic funding levels based on a pet’s expected lifespan and medical needs and structure the trust to allow for adjustments if circumstances change. Our approach aims to provide clarity for caregivers and fiduciaries, including reporting requirements and procedures for oversight. These measures reduce uncertainty and make it easier for designated individuals to act promptly and in alignment with your wishes.
Beyond drafting documents, we guide clients through conversations with prospective caregivers and trustees so that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. We provide clients with checklists for medical records, microchip information, and other practical details that support smooth transitions. We also review and update plans when life changes occur, such as changes in family dynamics, a pet’s health, or financial circumstances. This ongoing attention helps maintain a plan that remains realistic and effective over time.
Our process begins with an initial consultation to learn about your pet’s needs, your caregiving preferences, and your financial situation. We gather information about medical history, veterinarian contacts, and any behavioral concerns. Next we draft a trust tailored to those needs, including funding recommendations and contingency provisions. We review the draft with you to confirm details, coordinate the trust with other estate planning documents, and assist in executing and funding the trust. Finally, we provide guidance on maintaining records and updating the plan as circumstances change to ensure the trust remains effective.
The first step is a thorough information-gathering session in which we document your pet’s medical history, daily routines, current care providers, and any special needs. We also discuss potential caregivers and trustees and review your financial picture to estimate funding needs. This planning stage ensures that the resulting trust reflects realistic care costs and personal preferences. We take time to address questions about termination provisions, reporting requirements, and how remaining funds should be handled after the pet’s death, providing clarity for both you and your chosen caregivers.
We work with you to assemble complete care instructions, including feeding schedules, medication regimens, veterinary contacts, microchip details, and any necessary behavior management techniques. These documents help the caregiver continue consistent routines and allow veterinarians to make informed decisions in an emergency. We recommend including photographs and current medical records to assist with identification and care continuity. Detailed documentation reduces the likelihood of errors or delays and provides reassurance that your animal’s daily needs will be met according to your direction.
Choosing the right people to manage care and finances is essential. We help you evaluate potential caregivers for willingness and capacity to care for your pet and potential trustees for their ability to manage funds responsibly. Naming successors for both roles ensures continuity if primary choices cannot serve. We also discuss whether a professional trustee or institutional manager is appropriate, and how to structure compensation and reporting obligations. Clear role definitions mitigate future disputes and streamline administration when the plan is activated.
During drafting, we prepare the pet trust instrument and coordinate its terms with other estate planning documents such as wills, revocable living trusts, health care directives, and powers of attorney. The goal is to create a cohesive plan that prevents conflicting instructions and ensures that assets are available to fund the pet trust when needed. We tailor provisions such as allowable expenses, distribution schedules, trustee powers, and reporting requirements to reflect your preferences and the pet’s anticipated needs, creating a practical and enforceable plan under California law.
We draft provisions that specify how and when funds will be distributed for the pet’s care, including regular stipends, reimbursement protocols, and emergency access. The document can set limits on spending categories and require receipts or periodic accountings. Clear funding and distribution rules help trustees and caregivers manage resources responsibly and ensure funds are used for the animal’s benefit. We also include contingency distributions and directions for unused funds after the pet’s death to avoid confusion and potential litigation.
Integration with existing estate planning documents is essential to avoid contradictory instructions. We ensure that beneficiary designations, pour-over wills, and revocable living trusts align with the pet trust funding plan. If assets are to be transferred at death to fund the pet trust, we prepare the necessary testamentary documents and confirm that transfer mechanisms will operate smoothly. This coordination reduces the risk of probate delays or administrative barriers to funding the trust and helps preserve your intentions for the care of your pet.
After documents are drafted and reviewed, we assist with execution formalities and steps to fund the trust. Funding may include transferring assets during life, titling accounts in the trust’s name, or directing assets via a pour-over will. We provide instructions for caregivers and trustees about recordkeeping, reporting, and procedures for accessing funds. Finally, we recommend periodic reviews to update the trust as pets age or circumstances change, ensuring that caregiver choices, funding levels, and care instructions remain appropriate over time.
We guide clients through funding the trust by advising on asset titling, bank account setup, and transfers of securities or other assets into the trust. Proper funding ensures that trustees have access to resources when care is needed and reduces the likelihood of delays. We also coordinate with financial institutions or other advisors to confirm that account registrations and beneficiary designations are aligned with the trust’s objectives. Clear instructions and support during this stage are important to make the trust effective when it must be used.
Once the trust is established, periodic reviews are recommended to confirm that the funding level remains sufficient, caregiver and trustee choices are still available, and care instructions reflect current needs. Life events such as moves, health changes, or new family dynamics can necessitate updates. We offer ongoing review services and can help amend the trust when appropriate to maintain alignment with your wishes. Regular attention reduces the risk of underfunding and helps ensure the trust continues to operate as intended.
A pet trust is a legal arrangement that sets aside assets to provide for the care of one or more animals and names a trustee to manage funds and a caregiver to provide daily care. The trust outlines how funds should be used, what constitutes allowable expenses, and often includes instructions about medical care, routines, and end-of-life decisions. Because California recognizes pet trusts, the terms are enforceable and a court can hold fiduciaries accountable for complying with the owner’s directions. By formalizing these arrangements, a pet trust reduces uncertainty and provides mechanisms for oversight, making it easier for caregivers to access funds and make decisions consistent with your wishes. Clear instructions and designated fiduciaries minimize the risk of disputes and delays, ensuring that pets receive timely care and that funds are managed responsibly for their benefit.
Choosing a caregiver involves identifying someone who is willing and able to provide day-to-day care, understands the pet’s needs, and is committed to following your instructions. Discuss expectations in advance and consider naming an alternate caregiver in case the first choice becomes unavailable. Factors to consider include the caregiver’s living situation, schedule, and proximity to veterinarians and support networks. For the trustee role, look for a person or entity capable of managing financial affairs, keeping records, and following the trust’s distribution rules. Some owners choose separate individuals for caregiver and trustee roles to avoid conflicts of interest, while others select a trusted friend to handle both responsibilities. Clear documentation of roles and compensation helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures smooth administration.
Determining how much to set aside depends on the pet’s expected lifespan, routine care costs, and potential medical needs. Start by estimating annual expenses for food, routine vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, and medications, then add a buffer for emergencies and inflation. For animals with chronic conditions or higher medical needs, plan for higher annual amounts. A realistic funding estimate makes it more likely that the trust will cover needs over the pet’s lifetime without placing undue burden on caregivers. It is often helpful to consult with a veterinarian to understand likely future costs and to review past expenses. Allocating funds conservatively and including mechanisms for periodic review and amendment can keep the trust functional over time. If you have multiple pets, include allocation rules so resources are distributed in accordance with your priorities.
Yes, a pet trust can include specific instructions for medical decisions and end-of-life care, such as preferences regarding life-prolonging treatments, hospice care, or conditions under which euthanasia should be considered. Including these directions helps caregivers and veterinarians make choices consistent with your values and reduces uncertainty in stressful situations. Be as clear as possible about preferences while also allowing reasonable discretion for caregivers and veterinarians in emergencies. You can also specify who should be consulted for medical decisions and whether the trustee must approve certain expenditures. Providing detailed medical records and contact information for your regular veterinarian aids decision-making. Clear, written instructions reduce the risk of conflict and ensure that medical care aligns with what you would want for your pet.
A well-drafted pet trust names successor caregivers and successor trustees to step in if the primary choices cannot serve. Successor naming helps ensure continuity of care without needing court intervention. If no suitable successor is named or available, the trustee may need to seek court approval for alternative arrangements or the remaining funds may be distributed according to the trust’s residual instructions, such as to a charitable organization or designated human beneficiary. It is wise to discuss potential successor choices with those individuals in advance to confirm their willingness to serve, and to include alternates. Regular reviews of the trust can update these designations over time to reflect changes in relationships or availability.
Funding a pet trust can be accomplished during life by transferring cash, securities, or other assets into the trust’s name, or through testamentary directions such as a pour-over will or a provision in a revocable living trust that allocates assets to the pet trust at death. Funding during life ensures immediate availability of resources, while testamentary funding takes effect upon death and may be subject to probate or other administrative processes if not coordinated properly. We can help you evaluate which funding approach fits your circumstances and assist with the mechanics of titling assets, creating trust accounts, and coordinating beneficiary designations. Proper funding helps avoid delays and makes sure the trustee has timely access to the resources needed for the pet’s care.
A properly funded pet trust created during life can often avoid probate for assets placed directly into the trust, allowing funds to be available to the trustee without court supervision. Testamentary funding through a will may involve probate, which can delay access to funds and complicate immediate care needs. Coordinating the trust with other estate planning documents reduces the risk of probate-related delays and helps ensure funds are available when needed. Even when probate is involved, a trust can provide a clear legal mechanism for allocating funds to a caregiver and defining care instructions that guide decisions. Proper planning and funding choices tailored to your situation help minimize administrative delays and support timely care for the animal.
Yes, multiple pets can be included in a single trust, and the trust can specify how funds are to be allocated among them. The document can address scenarios such as the death of one pet before the others, varied medical needs, and whether certain pets receive priority. Allocation rules help ensure fair and practical distribution of resources and reduce potential conflicts among caregivers or family members. When planning for multiple animals, consider whether different species or animals with different needs require separate provisions or distinct funding subaccounts. Clear instructions on allocation and contingency plans for each pet help trustees and caregivers manage resources effectively and fulfill the owner’s intentions.
Review your pet trust periodically, especially after life changes such as moving, changes in financial circumstances, the arrival or loss of pets, or changes in caregiver availability. Regular reviews every few years or when major events occur help ensure funding remains adequate, designated caregivers and trustees are still appropriate, and instructions reflect any new medical or behavioral developments. Updating the trust as conditions change keeps it practical and effective for the pet’s ongoing needs. You should also update supporting documents such as medical records, microchip information, and contact lists for caregivers and veterinarians. Maintaining current information and communicating with those named in the trust reduces confusion and improves the likelihood of smooth transitions when the trust becomes operative.
Provide your caregiver and trustee with copies of the trust, a summary of care instructions, veterinary records, medication lists, microchip information, and contact details for routine and emergency veterinary providers. Include photographs and any training or behavior notes that will help the caregiver maintain routines. Having a clear packet of information reduces stress and facilitates continuity of care when responsibilities transfer. Also provide written authorizations where appropriate, such as permission to obtain medical records or access veterinary portals. While the trust grants financial authority, practical access to records and clear points of contact enable caregivers and veterinarians to act quickly and consistently in the pet’s best interest.
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