Your pet is like a member of your family. You want to ensure that, if they outlive you, your pet will still be looked after if you die. With this in mind, in her latest article, Laura Richardson explains how you can ensure that your pet will be looked after in the event of your death . . .

I have a new pet! How do I provide for them if something were to happen to me?

Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, an additional 3.2 million UK residents have become pet owners. According to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, 11% of UK households have acquired a new pet in the last year, meaning that there are now 34 million pets owned in the UK.

From a legal point of view, it is vital that every pet owner in the UK ensures that they have a plan for the care of their pet should the worst happen. In the UK the only way to legally ensure that your pet will be cared for after your death is to provide for them within your Will. However, with 59% of new pet owners reported to be between the ages of 16-34, it is not surprising that the rise in pet ownership has not sparked a rise in Will making as it is a common misconception that making a Will is something to be done during later life!

It is very simple to provide for a pet within your Will. However, there are a few considerations to be made before you write your Will:

  1. Do you have a family member or friend who would be willing and able to provide a loving home for your pet should the worst happen to you. Under the law in England and Wales, pets are considered to be personal possessions meaning they can be included within your Will as a simple gift to a named beneficiary. When you have made your decision you will need to approach your chosen carer to discuss the details with them!
  2. Do you need to provide financial aid to your chosen carer? It is not legally possible to leave money to a pet directly, but there are ways to leave a cash sum to your chosen carer to financially cater that pet’s needs after your death.
  3. Would it be beneficial to include a letter of wishes within your Will to provide your chosen carer with vital information such as your pet’s dietary or health needs?
  4. Do you need to include a substitute beneficiary who would be able to care for the pet should your chosen beneficiary be unavailable or unwilling to care for your pet following your death?
  5. If you do not know anyone who would be able to take care of the pet after your death, you do have the option of requesting that a charity cares for your pet. Charities such as The Cinnamon Trust and the RSPCA have facilities to care for a bereaved pet until a suitable loving home can be found.

Whether you are a new pet owner, or whether you have had pets for years, if you would like to discuss how to provide for a pet within your Will please contact Andrew Douglas Wills & Legal Services. As specialists in Will writing, you can rest assured that your Will is in expert hands. What’s more, we are currently offering a completely free initial consultation. Whether in Essex or across the UK, call today!

If you would like to keep up with our latest posts and advice about estate planning through the regular advice that we provide to our clients in this regard, then please also feel free to –

Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ADouglasWills.
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AndrewDouglasWills.