Betty White wasn’t just America’s beloved “Golden Girl”—she was also a passionate, lifelong advocate for animal welfare. As a longtime trustee of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) and a dedicated supporter of organizations such as the Morris Animal Foundation, American Humane, and Guide Dogs for the Blind, she championed animal rights not only through generous financial contributions but also by leveraging her public platform.1 She consistently used her voice to spotlight shelter support, conservation efforts, and veterinary research. Her legacy of compassion continues through initiatives like the Betty White Challenge, which encourages charitable donations to animal welfare organizations each year on her birthday, January 17.2
Betty White’s commitment to animal welfare was a defining part of her legacy, and her estate planning reflected that devotion. Following her passing, the sale of her $10.7 million Brentwood home3 and the auction of personal memorabilia—including her seven Emmy Awards—raised approximately $4 million.4 These proceeds were likely directed to a trust that continues to support the causes she held dear.5 Among the beneficiaries is the Morris Animal Foundation, which received $150,000 from her estate to advance pet health research, wildlife conservation, and veterinary medicine.6 Through thoughtful estate planning, Betty White ensured her compassion for animals would continue to make an impact long after her lifetime.
One of the most often overlooked aspects of responsible pet ownership is planning for a pet’s future. What happens to them if something happens to you? That’s where pet trusts come in. Just as you might create an estate plan to protect your loved ones, a pet trust ensures your furry, feathered, or scaly companions are cared for when you no longer can.
What Is a Pet Trust?
A pet trust is a legally enforceable arrangement that provides for the ongoing care and financial support of a pet following the owner’s death or incapacitation. Unlike informal agreements, a pet trust ensures that the designated funds are used exclusively for the animal’s benefit and according to the owner’s instructions.7
A well-structured pet trust typically includes:
- A trustee to manage and disburse the funds;
- A designated caregiver responsible for the pet’s daily care;
- Detailed care instructions (including dietary preferences, medical needs, and routines); and
- Adequate funding to cover food, veterinary bills, grooming, and other necessities.
While some pet owners assume they can simply leave money to a friend or family member in their will, this approach lacks legal enforceability and offers no guarantee the funds will be used as intended. A pet trust, in contrast, provides a legally binding structure that ensures the assets are used solely for the animal’s benefit.8 These trusts may be standalone documents or sub-trusts within a revocable living trust (RLT), offering both flexibility and clarity.9 Because pet trust laws vary by state, it is essential to understand how they function in your jurisdiction—particularly in states like Texas and Florida, where the lstatutess provide strong protections for companion animals.
Pet Trusts in Texas
Under Texas Property Code § 112.037, pet trusts are explicitly recognized, allowing owners to establish arrangements that provide for one or more pets alive during their lifetime. The trust remains in effect until the last surviving pet passes away, at which point it is terminated; in the meantime, owners have the flexibility to appoint a trustee to manage the funds and designate a separate caregiver to handle the pet’s daily needs.10 This division of responsibilities ensures that both financial oversight and caregiving are handled by individuals best suited to each role. If the trust funds exceed what is necessary for the pet’s care, the remainder is typically distributed according to the owner’s broader estate plan.
Pet Trusts in Florida
Florida similarly recognizes pet trusts under Florida Statutes § 736.0408, allowing for enforceable arrangements that remain valid until the last surviving pet named in the trust dies. Moreover, to prevent misuse of funds or neglect, Florida courts are empowered to intervene if a trustee fails to uphold the trust’s purpose. If a caregiver is not named, the court may appoint one to ensure the pet’s proper care.11 Upon the pet’s death, any remaining trust assets are distributed either to the named remainder beneficiaries or, if none are specified, to the settlor’s estate.12
Together, Texas and Florida provide strong legal frameworks that allow pet owners to plan confidently, knowing their animals will be protected in accordance with their wishes.
Tax Benefits of Charitable Giving Through Pet Trusts
For pet owners who are also passionate about animal welfare—like Betty White—there’s an opportunity to incorporate charitable giving into a pet trust, offering both personal fulfillment and potential tax advantages. By directing a portion of the estate to an animal-focused organization, either through a charitable remainder trust (CRT) or a direct bequest, an individual may reduce their estate tax liability.13 Under current IRS guidelines, gifts made to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations can be deducted from the gross estate, effectively lowering the taxable base and, in some cases, eliminating federal estate taxes altogether.14 Additionally, lifetime charitable contributions may provide income tax deductions, subject to adjusted gross income limits and the type of gift.15
Beyond the financial benefits, charitable giving allows individuals to extend their legacy of care. When a pet trust is designed to terminate upon the pet’s passing, any remaining assets can be directed to a charitable organization of the owner's choice. This ensures continued support for causes aligned with the owner’s values—particularly the welfare and protection of animals. Well-established tools like CRTs and charitable bequests remain popular strategies in modern tax and philanthropic planning.
When choosing a charitable beneficiary, it’s important to identify organizations that reflect your mission and values. National organizations such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)16 and The Humane Society of the United States17 are IRS-recognized nonprofits and popular choices. Others may opt to support local rescues or no-kill shelters, which often rely heavily on community donations to sustain operations. Regardless of the recipient, incorporating charitable giving into a pet trust not only safeguards your pet’s future but also creates a meaningful, lasting impact on the broader animal welfare community.
Secure Your Pet’s Future with a Legacy of Love
Your pet is a cherished member of your family—don’t leave their future to uncertainty. A well-structured pet trust can ensure they continue to receive the care they deserve, even when you're no longer able to provide it. Just as Betty White’s estate planning reflected her lifelong dedication to animal welfare, your own plan can serve as a meaningful expression of your values. Her example illustrates that estate planning is not merely about distributing assets—it's about preserving what matters most and creating lasting impact. Whether your priorities include protecting a beloved pet, supporting charitable causes, or reducing future tax exposure, a thoughtfully tailored plan can help achieve those goals. For clients in Texas and Florida, Fleurinord Law offers guidance in crafting plans that reflect both personal values and practical needs. From minimizing probate delays to clearly documenting your wishes, we’re here to assist with care and precision. Now is the time to plan with intention—and take a confident step toward peace of mind and a legacy built on purpose.
1Staff Author, 'Her Legacy Will Have a Lasting Impact': Animal Groups Remember Betty White's Lifelong Support, People (Dec. 31, 2021), https://people.com/pets/betty-white-dead-remembered-for-animal-activism/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2025).
2Caitlin O’kane, Betty White famously loved animals. Fans are taking up the #BettyWhiteChallenge to donate to animal shelters in her honor, CBSNews (Jan. 5, 2022), https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bettywhitechallenge-animal-shelter-donations/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2025)
3Matt Adams, Betty White’s longtime California home sells for nearly $10.7M, Nexstar Media Inc. (Jun. 3, 2022), https://www.wwlp.com/news/betty-whites-longtime-california-home-sells-for-nearly-10-7m/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2025).
4Caitlin O’kane, Betty White memorabilia auction rakes in $4 million – much more than anticipated, CBSNews (Sep. 26, 2022), https://www.cbsnews.com/news/betty-white-auction-4-million-golden-girls-juliens-auctions/ (last visited Mar. 4, 2025).
5William Kennedy, Here's Who Inherited Betty White's Fortune After She Died, Grunge (Oct. 11, 2023), https://www.grunge.com/1415437/who-inherited-betty-white-fortune-after-she-died/ (last visited Mar. 5, 2025).
6Morris Animal Foundation, Remembering Betty White (Apr. 26, 2022), https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/betty-white-animal-advocate (last visited Mar. 5, 2025).
7Maggie Roberts, A Fiduciary for Fido: Pet Trusts and End-of-Life Planning, 45 Bifocal, no. 6 (Aug. 2024), https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_aging/publications/bifocal/vol45/vol45issue6/pettrustsandendoflifeplanning/ (last visited Mar. 5, 2025).
8See Darin I. Zenov & Barbara Ruiz-Gonzalez, Trusts for Pets, 79 Fla. B.J. 22 (Dec. 2005), https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/trusts-for-pets/ (last visited Mar. 5, 2025).
9Id.
10See Texas Property Code § 112.037.
11See Florida Statutes § 736.0408.
12Id.
13See I.R.S., Charitable remainder trusts, IRS.gov, https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-remainder-trusts, (last visited Mar. 5, 2025).
14 See I.R.C. §§ 2055 (allowing deductions from the gross estate for transfers to charitable organizations) and 2522 (providing gift tax deductions for transfers to charitable organizations).
15See I.R.S., Publication 526: Charitable Contributions (2024), IRS.gov, https://www.irs.gov/publications/p526, (last visited Mar. 5, 2025).
16American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Frequently Asked Questions, https://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq, (last visited Mar. 5, 2025).
17ProPublica, Humane Society of the United States, https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/530225390, (last visited Mar. 5, 2025).
