Legal News | 14.10.21

A pet is for life, not just for a pandemic

Very few people seem to have made it through the various lockdowns without either perfecting their banana bread or welcoming a new pet to the family. If you fall into the latter category, then you might want to consider what would happen to Fido if you were to die.

While you cannot simply leave your entire estate to Fido, there are options available to ensure that your pet is cared for in your absence.

Who will look after my pet?
While you might think that your neighbour who pet-sits for you on an occasional basis would be the perfect candidate, make sure you actually ask them whether they would be willing to take on such a responsibility. If you don’t have a friend, family member or neighbour who is able to help, then you can instead nominate a charity.

Whatever you decide, make sure that you communicate your wishes – either to friends and family or by leaving a clear note in your home. It can sometimes take time for your Will to be found after your death and this can mean uncertainty for your pet’s future.

Who will pay for my pet’s care?
While you might have worked out who will look after your pet if you die, that person might not be too happy if they are left footing your pet’s vet and food bills. You might therefore want to consider leaving your chosen pet guardian (be it a person or charity) a sum of money, either as an outright gift or in a trust, so that they have the means to care for your pet for the remainder of its lifetime.

How will they know what to feed my pet?
It can be helpful to leave a letter of wishes with your Will, which details any useful information about, amongst other things, your pet’s routine, eating habits and any medical issues. This can give your pet’s new owner a helping hand as they get to know one another.

If you would like to make a new Will or review your existing Will to ensure that your pet’s needs are catered for, please get in touch with your usual contact or email us at wealth@wansbroughs.com.