What Happens to my Dog if I Die?
Q. I have a young dog and am worried what would happen to him if I die. Is there anything I can do?
A. For many of us, our pets are very much a member of the family. Cats and dogs can live for 15-20 years, and tortoises for hundreds of years so it is important to make provision for them in case you die before them.
According to the RSPCA, around 70,000 owners die each year without having made provision for their pets in their Wills. Many people assume their next of kin will inherit their pets but that may place an unfair burden on them, both practically and financially.
One way to avoid this is by making provision in your Will. It’s sensible to think about who you would want to care for your pet, and to discuss it with them in advance to ensure they are happy to take on the responsibility. Food, vet fees, insurance and kennels/boarding fees are all costs to be taken into account, and vets bills and insurance costs will likely rise as your pet ages.
You can gift a sum of money outright to the person caring for your pet, or you can create a trust within your Will to provide funds to the person for as long as they care for the pet, and if there is any money left after the pet’s death then that can pass to a named beneficiary.
It would also be worthwhile preparing a letter to be stored with your Will detailing your pet’s daily habits/needs to assist the person caring for him.
It’s important to remember, though, that in order for your Will to be effective it must comply with all legal requirements.
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