How To Provide For Your Pets When You Die
Posted on: 19 October 2016
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If you own family pets, you might be concerned about what fate would befall them if you were to die first. This is something that you could address when making your will. Read on for more information.
How pets are defined by the law
According to the law, pets are defined as personal chattels. The term covers pretty much everything that you own from your car and house contents to your dog, cat or canary. It's therefore legally possible to make provision for your pets in your will.
Providing for pets in your will
When including provision for pets in a will it's very important that you include a properly written pet clause. For example, if you stated that you wanted to leave $5,000 to your cat, Harry, the clause would fail because Harry is a cat and therefore can't provide a legal receipt for receipt of the money. For this reason, you are best advised to consult an experienced family lawyer to draw up the pet-related clauses for you.
If you know someone who would be prepared to take on your pets when you die, a clause can be included in your will gifting them a cash amount specifically towards maintaining the pet during its lifetime. However, always be sure to ask the person first before naming them in your will!
Charities
If you don't know anyone who would be able to take on your pets, there are charitable organisations that run schemes designed to provide for the pets of deceased owners. One such scheme is run by the RSPCA. It's a free scheme that pledges to find your pet a new, loving home should you pass away. All you have to do is ask your lawyer to add a clause to your will that instructs that care of your pets passes to the RSPCA in the event of your death.
The Dogs' Trust runs a scheme that provides care for dogs in the event that their owner dies. You'll need to register as a Canine Care Cardholder with the Trust and be sure to mention this in your will. When you die, your dog will be taken to one of the Trust's rehoming centres whose staff will try their best to find your pet a new home.
Your vet may be able to recommend other charities in your area that offer similar schemes for different types of pets.
In summary
If you have pets and are concerned about what will happen to them when you die, you can put your mind at rest by deciding on a suitable option for their care and asking your lawyer to put the appropriate details and clauses in your will.