What Will Happen to Your Pet? A Wake-Up Call for Honolulu Families
- Keoni
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
When Ian Burke, a Texas mail carrier, heard that Floyd — a dog he had grown close to on his route — was taken to a shelter after his owner passed away, he stepped up. Burke arrived at the shelter before it even opened and adopted Floyd on the spot. It’s a touching story with a happy ending.
But stories like Floyd’s don’t always end this way.
Every year, thousands of pets across the country — and right here in Hawaiʻi — end up in shelters after their owners pass away or become incapacitated without making a plan. In 2024 alone, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters, and many were surrendered simply because no one was legally prepared to take them in.
Let’s talk about how you can make sure your pet isn’t one of them.
Why Honolulu Pet Owners Need a Plan for Their Animals
Floyd’s original owner was a Vietnam veteran who clearly loved his dog — but still, Floyd wound up in a shelter. That’s not uncommon. Even the most devoted pet parents may assume a friend or family member will step up — but that’s often not realistic.
In Hawaiʻi, many people rent homes where pets aren't allowed. Some family members live on neighbor islands or the mainland, or simply can't take on the responsibility. Without a formal plan, your beloved pet could face an uncertain future.
What Doesn’t Work: Verbal Promises
Saying “Take care of my cat if something happens to me” isn't enough. During times of grief, verbal promises can be forgotten or ignored. Family dynamics and logistical hurdles often interfere with even the best intentions.
A legally sound, written plan is the only way to ensure your wishes are followed.
What Works: A Thoughtful Pet Care Plan
When you work with me to create your Life & Legacy Plan, we’ll go beyond naming a caregiver. We’ll have real conversations about expectations, finances, and what your pet actually needs — from daily routines to end-of-life decisions.
Here’s what we’ll put in place together:
Choose & Prepare Caregivers
Designate primary and backup caregivers.
Select a local “first responder” who can act fast in an emergency.
Talk openly about expectations and long-term responsibility.
Provide Detailed Instructions
Feeding schedules, walking routes, vet info, allergies, and favorite toys.
Where to find their medications and how to administer them.
Your values around medical care and end-of-life choices.
Create a Financial Plan
According to Rover.com, pet ownership costs $30K+ over a lifetime. Without a financial plan, even the most willing caregiver may struggle.
We can explore options like:
Setting aside dedicated funds.
Creating a formal pet trust with enforceable instructions.
Including pet care in your overall estate strategy.
What About Incapacity?
Estate planning isn’t just about death — what if you’re hospitalized or recovering from surgery? Who will feed your dog? Who can access your house? Without a clear plan, your pet might be left alone for days.
That happened to someone a colleague knew — a rollerblader suffered a serious injury in the park, and his dog was only rescued because a kind neighbor intervened. Imagine if no one had known.
Why Honolulu Families Choose Life & Legacy Planning
Traditional estate planning typically stops at documents — wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. But documents alone don’t protect pets. They don’t support grieving family members or walk them through your wishes.
When you plan with me, you get:
A relationship, not just paperwork.
Regular reviews and updates so your plan stays current.
Personal guidance for your loved ones when they need it most.
Your pet isn’t an afterthought. They’re ʻohana — and they deserve protection, just like the rest of your family.
Take the First Step to Protect Your Pet
Floyd’s story had a happy ending thanks to a caring mail carrier. But your pet’s future shouldn’t rely on luck or a stranger’s kindness.
If you live in Honolulu — or anywhere in Hawaiʻi — let’s work together to ensure your pet is protected with a thoughtful, legally sound plan. When the unexpected happens, your pet will already be in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I include pets in my will?
Yes — but a will alone won’t guarantee your pet’s care. A will goes through probate, which can delay access. A better option is to include a pet plan in your trust or create a pet trust.
Q: What’s a pet trust, and do I need one?
A pet trust allows you to legally set aside money and give specific instructions for your pet’s care. It’s ideal for Honolulu residents who want to make sure their animals are cared for exactly as they wish.
Q: I live alone. What happens if I’m hospitalized and no one knows I have pets?
That’s exactly why we include “first responder” planning in your Life & Legacy Plan — to make sure someone local has access and can care for your pet immediately.
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This article is brought to you by the Law Office of Keoni Souza, a boutique estate planning firm located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, proudly serving families on Oʻahu and across the Hawaiian Islands. At our firm, estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about creating lasting peace of mind for you and the people you love. Through our unique Life & Legacy Planning Process, we guide you to make informed, empowered decisions that protect your wealth, your wishes, and your family’s future. To get started, contact our Honolulu office today to schedule your Family Wealth Planning Session. Mention this article to learn how you can receive this $750 session at no charge.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an estate planning attorney licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi. Use of this website or communication through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC.
