What happens to my pet after I die?
Typically, the ownership of any pets will automatically pass to any remaining family members. However, if you live alone and currently have no plan in place for your pet after your death – it is important to consider making arrangements for the care of your pet after you’ve died.
Did you know that you can make provisions for pets in your will?
Thinking about what happens to your pets after your death, is not something we all consider when it comes to the task of making a will. However, making provisions for your pets and deciding who you would want to look after them is crucial and is something that all pet-owners should consider when making their Will.
As a pet-owner, you can actually include a pet plan as part of your will itself – this should nominate an individual to take over the responsibility of your pets, provide instructions as to how you wish for your pet to be cared for and can even include a monetary provision to help assist their future care.
However, when making these decisions, it is crucial not to assume that your chosen individual will just accept this responsibility upon your death, especially if they have no prior knowledge of your decision. Therefore, before making any major decisions, it is necessary that you speak to your chosen individual and confirm their willingness to take on the ownership of your pet(s).
What if that person is no longer capable of looking after my pets upon my death?
Should this situation arise and your nominated individual can no longer take on this responsibility, you can ensure the wellbeing of your pet(s) by appointing a substitute beneficiary. This individual will assume responsibility for your pets should the circumstances of the original beneficiary change due to illness etc.
Is there anything else I can do to ensure the future care of my pet?
In addition to appointing a beneficiary to assume responsibility for your pet and setting out any wishes for how you’d like your pet to be cared for – you can also make financial provisions in your Will that will help support the future care of your pet. For example, these provisions could be used to cover any future expenses, such as pet food, vaccines, insurance, vet bills and new microchipping etc.
Thus, if you do decide to leave any financial provisions for your pet, they should be gifted (in your will) to your chosen beneficiary who will take care of your pet(s). It is also advisable that you specify in your will, that these provisions are conditional and should only be used to assist with any financial expenses that come with caring for your pet(s).
What if I don’t have anyone suitable to take care of my pets after I die?
Sadly, many of us may not find anyone suitable or willing to take on the responsibility of our pets after we die. And very often, if you don’t have a suitable individual to assume responsibility for your pets upon your death, your pets may instead be left to a charity. If this is the case, it may be beneficial to pick and sign up to one of the schemes that these charities provide. There are many charities in the UK that provide for pets that outlive their owners:
- RSPCA’s Home for Life: This scheme ensures that if your pet outlives you, it will be cared for and placed in a new loving home. RSPCA’s Home for Life promises to do everything they can to make sure your pet is provided for and to ensure the future happiness of your pet(s).
- Pet Peace of Mind: The Pet Peace of Mind program is a scheme within the Blue Cross, which ensures that in the event you pass before your pet, they are found a new happy home. It is a free service to apply to and also allows you to register up to four pets per household.
- Dogs Trust Canine Care Card: By signing up to the Dogs Trust Canine Care Card it will guarantee that if you become seriously ill or pass away, your dog(s) will be looked after and found a new loving home. The application process is relatively quick and easy – you have to choose a dog guardian (someone who will sign your dog over to the trust, if you are not able) and complete an online application form.
- The Cinnamon Trust: The Cinnamon Trust is an organisation that rehome and care for all kinds of pets that may be left behind when you pass away. They are a program that prioritises your pets’ wellbeing and will carefully profile and match your pet to the homes best for them. As an addition, The Cinnamon Trust always keeps pet families together and will also pay any future vet bills for the rest of the pet’s lifetime.
- The Cats Protection League Guardians Card: This is a program that offers to take your cat into their care, should you pass away whilst they’re in your care. It promises to find them a new loving home and vows to never put a healthy pet down. It is a free service that may be signed up to via an online form.
- The Cinnamon Trust: The Cinnamon Trust is an organisation that rehome and care for all kinds of pets that may be left behind when you pass away. They are a program that prioritises your pets’ wellbeing and will carefully profile and match your pet to the homes best for them. As an addition, The Cinnamon Trust always keeps pet families together and will also pay any future vet bills for the rest of the pet’s lifetime.
Please note: if you do decide to sign up to any of these schemes, it is important that it is clearly referenced and recognised in your will. This will ensure that your instructions are followed and will guarantee a safe and happy future for your pet should you pass before them.
At IDR Law, we understand just how difficult this topic can be to consider, so please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team if any of the issues in this article are affecting you or your family.
Contact the IDR Team at: [email protected]