You can't leave money directly to your pet in a will because the law treats animals as property. But there’s a way around that, if you’ve got money to spare: pet trusts, which became legal in the 1990s, allow you to designate a caretaker and trustee to manage funds for your animal's care.

The Conversation

Diane Keaton’s $5M pet trust would be over the top if reports prove true – here’s how to ensure your beloved pet is safe after you are gone

Taking good care of your pets can include leaving clear directions to ensure their needs are met once you’re gone.