1. How do the pets influence where you will retire?
2. How do they influence the type of property you choose?
3. How does age determine what type of pet you get when one dies?
4. How do you deal with living pets in your estate plan?
We have 4 dogs, all medium to large size, and 2 cats. Dogs = 90 lb female lab/pit mix, 80 lb male anotolian shepherd mix, 70 lb golden retriever male, 50 lb male cattle dog mix. If you ask DW they are her kids. I also enjoy the dogs and so not having a dog in any future is not very likely. I can do without the cats, but can also do with them.
1) I also do old cars as my hobby, so I need a place with a large detached garage; which also lends to being a large yard and dog friendly. I absolutely hate any apartment living, could never do it. Need my own space and yard - preferably with 2-5 acres. I always do my own yard work, will never pay as long as I am physically able.
2) As stated above, I don't see any future without dogs. Given answer to question 1, should not be any issues.
3) All of our dogs are rescues, with one being inherited when my mother died. We tend to get adult dogs, not puppies at this time of our lives, although we are still working OMY.
4) Have specific instructions in trust docs to cover costs and adopting of the pets.
As for travel, our best solution if we don't take the dogs, is to have someone stay at the house. Less hassle and better for the dogs to stay at home where they continue their routine. It is also lower cost than boarding. Cats are less trouble, you can leave them inside with dry food and water for several days.
If we take the motorhome we try to take the dogs. They travel good and make our trips more fun. I intend to take a lot more RV trips once retired and work not getting in the way.
Edit: Added bonus for the dogs - built-in security system. Any burglar would think twice or more about getting into a yard with four big dogs.