When Your Pet Outlives You is the first comprehensive book to help you prepare for the future care of your animal companions, if you were to die before them. This book combines compelling personal stories along with practical steps you can take to protect your animal companions. Chapters include discussions of establishing a pet I.D system, pet trusts, animal sanctuaries, and pet retirement homes. The authors also take a discerning look at the pros and cons of different state laws for protecting pets, sample legal documents, what to do if you are financially strapped, and more.