This guide explains how to ensure your pet has guardianship in your will, so if or when you die, they're looked after and loved.

For many elderly people, a dog, cat or other pet is not just a friend but a cherished member of the family. It’s a deep bond built on loyalty, love and companionship.

Looking after your pets in your will ensures that they continue to receive love and care when you aren’t able to provide it yourself. 

Including pets in your estate planning has several benefits

Security for Your Pet: It provides peace of mind knowing that your pet will not be left to uncertainty or worse, end up in a shelter. 

Selecting the Best Care: You have the opportunity to choose a caregiver who understands your pet's needs and can offer the best possible home.

Financial Planning: You can allocate funds specifically for your pet’s needs, covering expenses such as food, medical care, and grooming.

Pets are creatures of habit and thrive on stability. The sudden loss of their owner can cause stress and behavioural changes. Without a prearranged plan, they face potential displacement and confusion during an already difficult time.

When you write a will, it is a chance to outline the long-term care of your pet(s).

Understanding your options for long-term pet care if you die 

The Cinnamon Trust is a remarkable national charity for older people, providing invaluable support by ensuring their beloved pets receive the care they need. 

Recognising pets as family, this trust steps in to assist with day-to-day care, giving peace of mind to owners that their furry companions are in good hands.

Rehoming Organisations: These types of organisations can find a new loving home for your pet.

Making arrangements in your will

When thinking about what will happen to your pets in the future, it's important to include specific instructions in your will. This way, you can make sure that your wishes for their care are known and followed. 

Option 1) Name a local shelter or rescue group like Cinnamon Trust

One option is to name a trusted local shelter like the RSPCA which has a “Home for life” scheme, as a beneficiary in your will. The RSPCA is dedicated to helping animals and has the resources to provide proper care. 

Do some research: Look for a shelter or rescue group that has a good reputation for taking care of pets.

Visit in person: Go to the facility and see how they operate. Ask them about their policies for accepting pets from wills

Get legal advice: Work with a lawyer to include the chosen organisation in your will.

Include specific instructions in your will regarding your pet: It's essential to clearly state any specific instructions about how you want your pet to be taken care of in your will. 

This can include details about their daily routine, dietary needs, and any medical requirements they have. 

Provide detailed care instructions: Write down everything that someone would need to know to properly care for your pet.

Option 2: Appoint a trusted individual

Another option is to choose a close friend or family member who you trust to be the guardian of your pet. This can be a more personal way of ensuring that they will be looked after by someone who knows them well. 

Here's what you should consider:

• Talk it over with potential guardians
• Find out if they are willing and able to take on this responsibility
• You might want to set aside some money for your pet's needs to help out the guardian
• In case your first choice is unable to fulfil the responsibility, name an alternative beneficiary who can step in

Look after your pet, even when you’re not around

Pet peace of mind is not just a comforting thought but a necessity for a responsible pet owner. 

The importance of including pets in your will cannot be stressed enough. Pets are not just belongings, they are part of the family and deserve love, attention, and protection even after their owner's death.

If you need legal advice or assistance with creating or updating your will to include instructions about the care of your pet when you die, you can contact our legal partner Parfitt Cresswell.

You’re also welcome to talk to our elder care experts on 01892 335 330 for guidance who will be happy to listen and help you with your questions about caring for your pet if you move into a care home or pass away.