Guardian Pet Trust, a 501(c)3 charity, was founded by Brenda Marks in 2017. GPT is an offspring of Edwin D Marks Animal Foundation. The Foundation’s aimed to teach people about Pet Trusts and help prepare and implement them. The charity continues EDMAF’s mission by providing various individualized hands-on pet trust-related services.
Brenda wanted every dog and cat to be cared for the way they are accustomed to, even when their pet owner can’t provide that care themselves. She joined forces with her good friend and advisor, David Meyers. They researched Pet Trusts and hired an attorney to prepare a Pet Trust for Brenda’s poodle, Mishka. As a result, Brenda realized the finished Trust document did not contain enough details about the care Mishka receives. It also didn’t have any provisions for a Caretaker if Brenda didn’t have anyone to care for Mishka in her absence.
TWO ORGANIZATIONS, ONE CAUSE!
For this reason, Brenda started the Animal Foundation in honor of her beloved soulmate and husband, Edwin. In due time, the Foundation continued to grow. Until now, Pet Trusts were not widely used to provide pet care in the owner’s absence. Most people consider pet care after their death but not during their lifetime if they become injured or ill. In fact, Elder Attorneys and Estate Planners we interviewed said they have had a vague understanding of Pet Trusts and how to prepare and implement them.
All 50 states have Pet Trust laws but they are very vague. They don’t offer enough guidance on what to include or how to prepare a Pet Trust or implement one. So, the Animal Foundation decided to create a process to fill this need. As it grew, the Animal Foundation began to focus more on educating people about Pet Trusts. The ‘business” part of preparing and implementing Pet Trusts was then transferred to Guardian Pet Trust, our charity.
OUR PURPOSE
• Protect the future of your pets when you’re not able to care for them
• Provide innovative Pet Trust-related services and animal welfare support at affordable prices
• Partner with pet owners, estate planners, and elder attorneys to help prepare Pet Trusts
OUR PLAN
• Work with pet owners and their attorneys to prepare an Individualized Care Plan for your pet
• Rehome your pets with Fosters and Caretakers to provide animal welfare support when the owner cannot provide care
• Provide oversight of your pet’s care to help ensure your plan is carried out
YOUR BENEFITS
• Peace of mind knowing your pet will be loved and cared for in your absence
• Your pet will be rehomed, not caged or euthanized
• Knowing your pet, regardless of age or health, will receive animal welfare support and quality care
THE LOCAL IMPACT
• Preparing a Pet Trust helps to decrease the population in your local shelters
• Less overcrowding occurs and fewer pets are euthanized
• More younger pets are adopted because your pet has already been rehomed
SNAPSHOT OF GUARDIAN PET TRUST
Guardian Pet Trust works with you and your Estate Planning or Elder Attorney to prepare a well-designed and comprehensive Pet Trust. Our goal is the same as yours. We want your pets to be protected and cared for, the way you do it, for the rest of their life, even in your absence. We help you to figure out what is important to you and what your preferences are when caring for your pet.
You love your pets as a child and want to help ensure they are well taken care of if a time comes and you can’t provide that care yourself. All things considered, Guardian Pet Trust is the best partner to make that happen. From the beginning to the end, we are there for your pet by offering a wide range of Pet Trust-related services, animal welfare support, and innovative solutions to your pet care dilemmas.
Let us help you to give your pet the life it deserves, the way you want. See our menu of services or contact us at [email protected] or call 561-575-5788 to arrange a free consultation.
Your pet is counting on you and you can count on us!
OUR 4P PROMISE: Plan Prepare, Pamper, and Protect
We PLAN the details of your Pet Trust with you, PREPARE an individualized Care Plan for your Pet, PAMPER your pet according to your guidelines, and provide oversight to PROTECT your pets to make sure they’re being loved and cared for the way you intended.
Guardian Pet Trust Proudly Promotes and
Practices the FIVE FREEDOMS OF ANIMAL WELFARE
These internationally adopted standards help ensure the favorable treatment of animals under our care. All employees, volunteers, Fosters, and Caretakers of Guardian Pet Trust receive training on these Freedoms to help ensure every dog and cat is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Freedom From Hunger or Thirst
Freedom From Discomfort
Freedom From Pain, Injury or Disease
Freedom to Express Normal Behavior
