In our estate planning practice, we sometimes have clients with large animals like horses, animals that live a long time like birds, or other pets that are important members of the client's life.  If you become ill, incapacitated, or pass away, what provisions need to be made for the care of your pets?  In Massachusetts, this planning can be complex -- establishing a pet trust with a fund of money and a trustee. Or it can be as simple as naming a neighbor to care for your pet until you are better or a new home can be found.  We talk about this in our first meeting and have pet care cards that can go in your wallet.  These let a health care provider know that there is a pet at home that needs care with a phone number for the friend or neighbor who can car for animals if your are in the hospital.