Not long ago, pet trusts were thought of as little more than eccentric things that famous people did for their pets when they had too much money. These days, pet trusts are considered much more mainstream. For example, in 2016, Minnesota became the fiftieth state to recognize pet trusts legally. But, unbeknownst to many pet owners, a pet trust may not reflect their wishes precisely. Sometimes, pet owners can get creative when providing for their pet's future care. Let's look at six famous pet trust cases and consider the lessons you can learn so your furry family members can be protected through your plan.

Leona Helmsley and Trouble

Achieving notoriety in the 1980s as the “Queen of Mean,” famed hotelier and convicted tax evader Leona Helmsley passed away in 2007. True to form, in her will, she awarded her Maltese dog, Trouble, a trust fund valued at $12 million and left nothing to her two grandchildren. However, the probate judge did not think much of Helmsley's logic, knocking Trouble's portion down to a paltry $2 million, awarding $6 million to her two grandchildren, and giving the remainder of the trust to charity. Trouble was supposed to be buried in the family mausoleum when she died but was instead cremated when the cemetery refused to accept a dog.

Lessons learned: Leaving an extravagant sum to a pet may not be honored in a lawsuit and can cause family conflict. It is best to leave a reasonable amount to provide for the care and lifestyle that your pet is accustomed to. To determine a sensible amount, create a monthly or annual budget to see what it would cost to provide for your pet for the rest of its anticipated lifespan. If you want to disinherit one or more family members, talk with your attorney to make the disinheritance as legally solid as possible.

Michael Jackson and Bubbles

Most Michael Jackson fans remember his pet chimpanzee Bubbles, the King of Pop's constant companion. Jackson reportedly left Bubbles $2 million. As of 2024, Bubbles is alive and well, living out his years in a shelter in Florida. There has been speculation about who has been paying for his care in the sanctuary, with some reporting that Jackson's estate has been covering the costs and others claiming that his family members have been paying.

Lessons learned: Using a trust as part of your estate plan can help prevent prying eyes from knowing the details of your affairs.  

Karla Liebenstein and Gunther III

Allegedly, German countess Karla Liebenstein left her entire fortune, valued at approximately $65 million, to her German Shepherd, Gunther III. The fortune has increased in value to about $400 million over time and has subsequently been passed down to Gunther VI, a German Shepherd. However, some suspect that the inheritance is a hoax.

Lesson learned: Pet trust benefits can be passed down through generations, so make sure your estate plan reflects your actual wishes and intentions about any subsequent pets.

David Harper and Red

David Harper, a wealthy, reclusive bachelor in Ottawa, Canada, was not precisely 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, choose a caretaker you trust, and write your wishes with a proper estate plan. 

Patricia O'Neill 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 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 essential, ensure your financial plan aligns with your estate plan and that you have taken appropriate steps to oversee your advisors.

Establishing a pet trust is the best way to ensure that your beloved pets receive the care they deserve after you pass on. If you still need to make arrangements for your beloved pet in your estate plan, we are here to help. We would love to discuss setting up a new pet trust or adding one to your current plan. To learn more about your options, give us a call today.

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