05 Jan “LOVE AT FIRST BARK”: DIANE KEATON’S REPORTED $5 MILLION PET TRUST
After Diane Keaton’s death in October 2025, it was reported that the famous actress left $5 million of her estimated $100 million estate in a pet trust for her furry friend, Reggie, a golden retriever. Since trusts are private (unlike wills and it’s likely Diane Keaton had a revocable living trust), there is no certainty as to who her beneficiaries are although it is likely the majority of her estate will be distributed to her 2 children, Dexter and Duke.
Pets are considered personal property in the United States. Since pets are property, they are not a direct beneficiary (unlike the laws of some countries). The trust will provide for Reggie’s care, veterinary needs, walking services, grooming, food, boarding etc. which are managed by a trustee. The trust reportedly names various animal charities or shelters as beneficiaries after the death of Reggie.
Pet trusts are usually used when there is a large amount to be held by the trust. However, pet trusts are becoming more common. Oprah Windrey has stated she plans on giving a large sum of her funds to take care of her pets at her passing. German Countess Karletta Liebenstein left her dog $80 million. Leona Hensley left $12 million to her Maltese, and fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld left his Burmese cat, Choupette, a large portion of his $300 million estate for her to be pampered in his mansion for the rest of her life. In the United States, the amount held in trust for the benefit of the pet can be reduced if the court believes the amount is excessive for the pet’s care.
Most who love their pets may just leave a bequest (in their will or trust) to someone they trust for the care of their pet. An alternate person should also be named for the care of your pet. If the pet should die before the pet owner, the bequest often lapses. Sometimes walking instructions, diet, medications, favorite toys, insurance, etc. are described in the owner’s will or trust. If there is a pet trust, there should also be mentioned where the balance of any funds held in trust should be distributed after the pet dies.
Sometimes care of pets is mentioned in the general durable power of attorney of the pet owner since the pet owner could become incompetent or incapacitated. Powers of attorney terminate on the principal’s death.
Texas has a pet trust law which gives the ability to ensure that the care mentioned in the trust is followed. A pet trust can be part of a will or part of a trust.
Diane Keaton’s children may have thought her bequest to Reggie was a dog treat. However, it is likely that she felt that although Reggie was not her whole life, Reggie made her life whole.
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