Planning for your pets care in your Will

While most people make Wills to decide who should receive their money and property after they have gone, for many pet owners thoughts soon turn to who would care for their dogs, cats, and other cherished pets after they are gone.

Naturally, caring pet owners will want to make sure that their furry friends are well-looked after and that they have a caring home - and the good news is that this can be dealt with in your Will.

The Law and your pets

These days a pet is often considered to be a valuable part of the family. However, many would be surprised to learn that the law has a less sentimental view, and that a pet is considered a possession just like a car or an expensive painting hanging over your fireplace.

This means that it is not possible to leave money directly to your dog, no matter how well behaved and clever he is, but it is possible to appoint a trusted relative or friend to look after him.

Many people also choose to accompany this appointment with a cash gift to meet the cost of their pet’s care or as a way of saying thank you to the person they appointed.

Choosing the right person

For many people, selecting who looks after their pet can be a simple choice. Most will choose a family member or a friend, and ideally this will be someone who is already familiar with the testator’s particular pet.

However, consideration must be given to the possibility that the person you choose may die before you, or that their circumstances may change and they can no longer take on the responsibility of a new pet.

To avoid issues like this, the Will should also include alternative provisions which take a longer term view and appoint substitutes.

What if you cannot think of anyone suitable? In this case the Will-maker can give guidance to their executors to ask for their pets to be rehomed, and some charities such as the Dogs Trust and RSPCA offer services which people can sign up to in their lifetime and which ensure their pets will be rehomed after they are gone.

What else should you consider?

Anyone leaving their pets to someone in their Will in this way would be advised to write a letter or guide which would accompany the Will and give their appointed person some additional guidance about their pet’s quirks and preferences.

How can we help?

If you need support on how to plan for your pet’s care in your Will get in touch with our specialist private client solicitors today. Contact our team by telephone on 0116 247 2000, complete our contact form, or send us an email via info@smithpartnership.co.uk. 

We also have offices across the midlands with expert private client solicitors, in Burton, Derby, Stoke-On-Trent and Swadlincote.