7:00pm Tuesday, August 11, 2026

What happens to your pet if you’re hospitalized, delayed while traveling, evacuated during a disaster, or after you’ve died? Most pet owners assume a friend or family member will “figure it out,” but experience shows that without clear instructions, legal authority, and practical preparation, pets can end up in stressful or unsafe situations.

This webinar gives you the knowledge and tools to protect your pet’s future with confidence. 

You’ll learn:

• The landscape of pet trusts and how those can be set up to manage funds for your pet’s medical and living expenses, including how Uniform Trust Code Section 408 and some state‑specific laws work in real life;
• Steps to setting up wills, trusts, and caregiver instructions, as directed by the American Kennel Club and other estate‑planning experts;
• How to choose the right caregiver, and what to do when the “obvious choice” isn’t actually willing or able;
• How to prepare for emergencies, evacuations, and travel disruptions with go‑bags, binders, medical records, routines, and handoff logistics; and
• Real stories from the presenter’s experience settling estates, rescuing a dog with no pet trust in place, and building her own comprehensive plan.

You’ll leave with practical steps you can take today, including how to use the Nokbox Pet Checksheet to organize essential information and how to talk with your estate attorney about the right structure for your situation.

This session is ideal for anyone who loves their pet and wants to ensure they are cared for—no matter what tomorrow brings.

Rita Crawford has been deeply involved in the world of companion animals for more than five decades. A lifelong dog owner, she has also trained and exhibited her dogs in multiple dog sports at the championship level. Since 2012, she is also an American Kennel Club (AKC) Tracking Judge, approved to judge all levels of AKC tracking tests. She currently serves as the President of the Palo Alto Foothills Tracking Association, Inc. (PAFTA/est.1983), one of the most respected AKC tracking clubs in the country.

Her volunteer work extends into community safety and disaster readiness. She is the Firewise USA Lead for her neighborhood and a Board Member of the emergency GMRS radio network - supporting her wildfire‑prone communities in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of California. She is also an active Board Member of her local Neighborhood Association in Silicon Valley.

In addition, Rita has the hard‑earned personal experience of settling two estates. One estate settlement included navigating the transfer of a beloved dog who was left behind. This prompted Rita to build her own comprehensive pet‑readiness plan. Her perspective blends expert guidance, real‑world caregiving, and a deep commitment to ensuring that every pet has a safe, loving future—no matter what challenges life brings.