Who will care for my pet after my death?
These simple steps can ensure your pet is safe, settled and well looked after if they outlive you.
These simple steps can ensure your pet is safe, settled and well looked after if they outlive you.
Even the most practical among us might not like to think about what will happen to our pets if they outlive us. Perhaps we imagine it won’t happen. Or we just hope for the best.
The Association of Lifetime Lawyers, an organisation for lawyers who support older people and those in vulnerable circumstances, recently revealed that only 23% of pet-owners aged 55-65 and 12% of those aged 65-74 have included their pet in their will. That leaves a huge number of animals in limbo.
Fortunately, with a little planning, you can make sure your pet is cared for after you’ve gone.
In legal terms, pets are possessions. “A pet is considered to be a chattel… in the same way as a piece of furniture or your car,” explains Claire Davis, board director for the Association of Lifetime Lawyers and a legal consultant.
That means that unless you spell things out, decisions fall to your executors or, if you don’t have a will, to whoever administers your estate.
“If there’s no will, this falls under the intestacy rules, meaning that administrators will decide what happens to your pet,” says Davis. “This is usually a next of kin, but for those without close family, it could be someone unknown to you.” Your pet might then be given to someone against your wishes.
A will lets you take control. You can name a guardian for your pet and, if you like, set money aside in a trust for their care. But even if you name someone to look after your pet, it might not be quite enough…
A friend or relative might be the obvious choice as your pet’s guardian.
Yet people’s circumstances change, and even with the best intentions, they may not be able to take on your pet when the time comes. Just because you’ve written in your will that someone will look after your pet doesn’t mean they have to do so, if they can’t or don’t want to. “That person has no legal obligation to accept the responsibility if they are unable or unwilling,” says Davis.
Have a frank conversation with them about their potential responsibilities now – and come up with a backup plan.
For many owners, the greatest reassurance comes from knowing there’s a guaranteed fallback.
Several animal charities may well be able to take your pet in. Remember to contact them first and then put them in your will.
The Blue Cross Peace of Mind service is free to join, open to owners of all ages across the country and covers a wide range of pets, from dogs and cats to gerbils and horses. They take up to four animals.
When you apply, they’ll ask you for information such as your pet’s microchip details and their medical history. You can also include details of your pet’s favourite toy or whether they’re a lap cat.
“When they come to us for rehoming, we’ll assess them so that we find the right match,” says Katherine Boyle, legacy marketing and stewardship manager at the charity. “The more we know about them, the better.”
Boyle also recommends appointing a friend or relative to liaise with Blue Cross in case they need to take the pet in. “That way things can happen a little bit quicker,” she says. “When you pass away, they can contact us and we can make sure your pet is taken care of as soon as possible.”
Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an emergency card so that, if the worst happens, the charity can step in quickly.
“Rescue centres are in high demand at the moment, so if you don’t register, it might take a little bit longer before they have space,” says Boyle. “If you're registered with us, we will take your pet in straight away as an emergency admission.”
The Cinnamon Trust, a national charity that supports elderly and terminally ill people with their pets, offers a service called Forever Fostering.
They also ask you to register, at which point they will take a detailed pet profile. “We make sure we know everything about the pet, from their medical history to their bedtime routine,” says Marnie Cude, operations manager at the trust.
If something happens, the charity already knows the pet and can act immediately. They find foster parents for the animals or, where needed, care for them in their sanctuaries.
“We always ask, ‘What’s best for this pet?’” says Cude. “The pet may need diabetic injections or to be kept with their siblings. In those cases, it might be better to rehome the pet at one of our centres. Every pet is looked at individually.”
Unlike other pet charities, animals remain under The Cinnamon Trust's care for life, wherever they’re placed. The trust pays all the pet’s bills, from vet visits to specialised diets.
“We support our volunteers throughout the process,” says Cude. “If they’re worried about the pet’s health, they can speak to our animal welfare team. We can also sort out emergency treatment. That way the owner knows that their pet will be taken care of.”
Setting up a pet profile with them is essential. “Profiling offers a guarantee that we will take your pet in, if anything happens to you,” says Cude.
They accept all sorts of animals, from cats and dogs to tortoises and iguanas, although there’s currently a waiting list.
Several other charities can also help provide for your pet.
The Dogs Trust encourages owners to sign up for a Canine Care Card. If your pet outlives you, it will take them in, guaranteeing that if it can’t find a new home, the dog will remain in its care indefinitely.
The Cat Guardians scheme focuses on careful moggie matching. Owners provide detailed information about personality and habits, helping the charity place cats in homes that suit their temperament.
Putting a plan in place doesn’t just protect your pet, it lifts any current uncertainty. “We have hundreds of people registered with us, but only a small proportion ever need our services,” says Boyle.
“Often, people outlive their pets. Removing the worry means that owners and their animals can enjoy the time they have together now.”
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