Protecting pets under Wills

Over 51% of UK adults own pets and the question of what will happen to those pets upon death is often not considered.

Like your household belongings, clothing, jewellery etc your pets are considered personal chattels. It is not possible to gift money to a pet under your Will.

To ensure that your pet is taken care of as you wish following your death, provision should be made in your Will.

Your Will should be clear as to which pet you are referring to in order to avoid confusion.

You should consider who you would want to take care of your pet, whether it be a family member or friend who are already familiar with your pet. Consider whether that person would be able to take on the responsibility and be willing to. It would be advisable to speak with them beforehand. Also consider a substitute if the chosen person is not able to take on your pet.

Weigh up the life expectancy of your pet and the age of the person you are going to entrust them to.

The estimated yearly cost of care for a dog is £1,200 to £1,400 and for a cat is it £1,000 to £1,200. A horse is considerably more. Think carefully about how much (if any) you wish to gift to the person who is going to take on your pet. This will depend on the type of pet and their age and health needs. The gift of money should be conditional on your pet being alive at the date of your death and the designated person taking on their duty.

It may help to include a letter of wishes regarding your pets needs and likes and dislikes.

If you do not feel able to choose a person to care for your pet, you may consider leaving it in the hands of your executors to decide. If you do not know anyone who would be suitable to care for your pet, you could consider specifying a particular animal charity to organise re-homing.