Published on: 21st August 2023

Providing for Pets – Why Providing for your Four-Legged Friends is a Good Idea

When an individual considers writing their Will, they tend to think of their financial assets, such as bank accounts, property and shareholdings. People spend time thinking about who they would like to inherit what. However, many forget to take into account what would happen to their pet(s) after they pass away. Around 57% of households in the UK have a furry inhabitant, and so the fate of their animals should be something at the forefront of their minds when creating a Will.

Although it may be an assumption that a family member may care for them, it is still a conversation that needs to be had. Not everyone is willing or able to look after animals, and so we do encourage our clients to speak with their loved ones about what would happen to their pets when they pass away. One way to plan for your pets future is to have this conversation, and if they are happy to care for your animal, then you can leave a gift of your pet in your Will to a named person, as pets are considered to be a possession.

Looking after a pet can become very expensive. There are vet bills, food, toys, and even day care costs to consider. To remove this burden from a designated caregiver, a testator could choose to leave a gift to the caregiver within their Will, on the condition that they do take care of the animal.

As mentioned, not everyone is an ‘animal person’ and so it is understood that not everyone will know someone willing to care for the pet. There is still a provision to be made in these sorts of circumstances, which would be to include a clause, naming someone as responsible for finding them a good home instead. However, this is still a conversation that should be had to ensure  your nominated person is willing to take on that responsibility. Another option is to do some research into local animal charities, and leave your furry companion to a charity to be cared for, and potentially rehomed, instead.

Our consultants understand that pets are a part of your family, and will be able to go through all of your options in regard to providing for your pets after you pass away. If you would like to discuss your pets in further detail, consider booking an appointment with one of our Consultants by calling 01732 868190 or by using our online form by clicking here.

======================================

If you wish to give instructions or require general information about our Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, or Trusts then we will carry out a telephone or Zoom appointment.

However, if you wish to give instructions to one of our Consultants and you feel that you can only do this at a Face to Face meeting then we are offering, at our Consultant’s discretion, a limited number of Face to Face appointments in most of the areas we normally cover. To see the areas we normally cover please click here.

To arrange an appointment please telephone 01732 868190 or click here.

======================================

Back to all news