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Four-Legged Heirs By Laura Daily, July & August 2004 You give your pet everything—organic food, massages, imported toilet water—but what happens when you're no longer around?

What’s your take on pets as heirs?

My pets are already part of my will

What a nice thought! I’ll add my pets soon

I have pets, but I’d rather bequeath to friends and family

I don’t have pets, and I don’t understand why folks would put them in their wills

Less than 30 percent of Americans with pets have wills that provide for them. And if no one claims Fido and Fluffy when you go to the great beyond, your pets could be sent to a shelter or even euthanized. Some planning tips:

Build Your Pet's Trust

It helps to have a living trust that "can be put into action immediately should you suffer mental or physical disability or death," says Florida estate attorney Peggy Hoyt, author of All My Children Wear Fur Coats. Only about half the states enforce pet trusts, but they're a good idea regardless. Contact the Humane Society of the United States for a free estate-planning kit—get the kit online or by calling 202-452-1100.

Beware of Greedy Paws

Figure out how much cash your critters will need, and bequeath just that. Dog care costs about $780 to $1,500 a year (depending on size), while cats average about $640. Note: the more money you leave a pet, the more likely it'll be challenged by greedy relatives.

Book a Room

Look for a no-kill shelter or a pet retirement home, such as Pet Estates near Albany, New York, which offers lifetime care for pets when their owners can no longer care for them. You can name the home in your will or trust; your estate would be directed to pay the necessary costs.

Now, review 8 common estate-planning mistakes on AARP Bulletin Online.