If you care about what might happen to your pets if you were to die, you could include them in your will.

Some might laugh at the idea. Others might find it intriguing. But we now have a little-known state law that recognizes trusts for animals.

"Before, there was always the problem of pets being property and whether property could inherit [from its owner]," said Andrew Sykes, a lawyer with the Elder Law Office of Petrich & Sykes.

Last year, Pennsylvania joined about 40 other states that have adopted the Uniform Trust Act of 2000, a statute that makes pet trusts valid and enforceable.

The act does not allow a person to will property to an animal, but allows her to set up a trust for the continuing care of a pet.

Leona Helmsley set up a $12 million trust to ensure that her white Maltese would have champagne wishes and caviar dreams. But people with far more modest means still can provide for a dog, cat or other animal that is as dear as a family member.

"As you get older, it's more likely the pet could outlive you or you could become disabled and not be able to care for the pet," Mr. Sykes said. "If someone has a stroke and has to go to the nursing home, they need to know there's something in place to make sure their pet is cared for."

Some questions to consider: Who will be the trustee? What type or level of care does the pet need? How much money is needed to carry out the trust and for how long? Will the trust be funded by assets in a will or by a life insurance policy?

Usually, when pets die, the money remaining in the trust goes back to the person who established it or can be directed to heirs or charity.