Published on: 30th September 2024

How can I provide for my pets in my Will?

It’s safe to say that most of us love animals – whether they’re fluffy, feathered, or covered in scales, they have our hearts. Around 60% of UK households own pets, and most owners would consider their pets to be a family member rather than a possession. However, often they are not considered when Wills are created.

If someone dies with no provision for their pets in their Will, there has to be a decision made as to who looks after them. This can mean the animal is taken in by friends or family or taken to a shelter if there are no alternative options. Therefore, to ensure pets are looked after, it is worthwhile including them in your Will. Disputes about what happens to pets after a death can be stressful, lengthy, and costly, so it is important that you have a carefully written Will to reflect your wishes to avoid such instances.

Legally speaking, pets are considered to be personal property, so you can include them in Wills and assign a beneficiary to receive them, as well as a secondary option. Having a secondary option means that should the first beneficiary find themselves in a position where they cannot commit to looking after your pet, there is a back-up option. Pets can be very time consuming, and a drain on the bank, so leaving pets to family and friends can be a big responsibility. When writing your Will, it is important to think carefully about who you would like to choose to do this, and whether or not you would like to leave your chosen beneficiary a cash gift to support them to look after your pet according to your wishes.

It is worth bearing in mind that however much we may want to, due to a pet being considered personal property, they cannot be left any money or possessions. This includes those diamond encrusted collars and plush dog beds! If it is important that pets are kept with certain items, this can be included in the Will.

Having a Will that covers who should look after your pet in the event of your death can mean your beloved animals are taken care of as you would like. Further steps that can be taken to include the creation of a trust for money to be used to pay for the care of your pet.

Finally, you can plan ahead with a Lasting Power of Attorney, so that should your mental and/or physical state decline to the extent that you cannot look after your pet, there are chosen individuals on hand to help manage the situation.

If you would like to speak with one of our Consultants to discuss any of the issues raised in this article or any other estate planning topic please telephone 01732 868190 or click here.

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