Including Pets in Your Will - A Final Act of Love and Care
Including pets in your Will may not have even crossed your mind. But pets are like beloved family members and they need looking after once you're gone.
Call the Wills & Probate team on 0113 320 5000
Every day in the UK, pets bring love, comfort, and companionship to millions of homes. They’re our early-morning walk partners. Sofa snuggle buddies. And unconditionally loyal members of the family. But what happens to them if we pass away unexpectedly?
There's never been a more perfect time to reflect not only on our own future care but also on the wellbeing of those we might leave behind. Including our pets. According to recent research by the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, a staggering 74% of UK pet owners over the age of 30 have not made any legal provision for their pets in their will.
At Winston Solicitors, we believe it's time to shine a light on this often-overlooked issue and help pet owners to take action. Our expert Private Client team is here to support individuals in making clear, compassionate plans that protect their beloved animals in the years to come.
Pets as Assets, Not Beneficiaries
One of the biggest misconceptions among pet owners is that pets can inherit in the same way as human family members. Legally, pets are considered assets, not people. That means they can’t directly inherit money or property, no matter how pampered your pooch or how regal your rescue cat might be.
The truth is that without formal instructions in your Will, there is no legal guarantee that your pet will be cared for by the person you might assume would take them. Even if a friend or family member has informally agreed to take them in, this arrangement can fall through due to changed circumstances, disagreements, or simply a lack of legal clarity. That’s why including pets in your Will is so important.
Including Pets in Your Will Ensures Their Safety
With 57% of UK households now owning a pet, the number of animals potentially at risk is in the millions. While we often associate estate planning with money, property, or family heirlooms, a beloved pet is often just as central to a person's sense of home and family.
But unlike your bank account or your house, your pet has needs that go far beyond financial value. They require ongoing emotional and physical care. On top of that, they can’t advocate for themselves.
Including pets in your Will is particularly relevant for older adults or those living with progressive illnesses such as dementia. The gradual nature of conditions like Alzheimer’s means there may come a time when a person can no longer care for their animals, even before death. Without the right legal tools in place, it can be difficult for family members or carers to step in.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Pets
Thankfully, including pets in your Will is relatively straightforward. It can also be deeply reassuring.
There are a few different approaches you can take when it comes to including pets in your Will.
1. Nominate a trusted caregiver
Your Will can include a clause that names a specific person to take responsibility for your pet. It’s important to talk to this person in advance to ensure they’re happy to take on the role. Ideally, choose a backup option as well.
2. Leave a legacy to help cover care costs
You can leave a sum of money to the person caring for your pet, either as a simple gift or with a letter of wishes about how it should be used. This can help cover food, veterinary bills, or specialist care. You can also create a pet trust if you want to be more specific or leave a larger amount.
3. Provide detailed instructions
Some people include preferences about their pet’s diet, daily routine, health needs or even favourite toys. These details don’t need to be in the will itself but can be included in a separate document known as a "letter of wishes," which can be updated more easily.
4. Consider animal welfare charities
Some organisations offer rehoming schemes for pets if no family or friends are available. Charities like the RSPCA and Dogs Trust run programmes where pets can be taken in and rehomed according to your instructions, if arranged in advance.
Don’t Leave It to Chance
It’s heartwarming to believe that someone close to you would naturally step in and look after your pets, but life has a habit of throwing curveballs. People move away, develop health problems of their own, or face financial constraints that make taking on a pet more difficult than expected.
Even well-meaning verbal promises can create legal confusion. Including pets in your Will provides clarity and legal authority. It ensures that your wishes are respected, and that your pets don’t end up in limbo. Or, in the worst-case scenario, an animal shelter.
Planning for Dementia and Other Life Changes
Planning ahead is not only wise, but also kind. Dementia and similar conditions can develop slowly or quickly. Many people find it difficult to have conversations about the future. Particularly when pets are involved.
But this is exactly when planning can be most beneficial. By including pets in your Will while you're well, you retain full control of what happens later. For individuals living with dementia, we can support you in documenting your wishes in a sensitive, legally sound way while you still have capacity to make those decisions.
The Role of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
While a Will sets out your wishes after death, an LPA ensures that someone you trust can step in during your lifetime, should you become unable to make decisions. This includes decisions about pet care, finances, and day-to-day arrangements.
With a Property and Financial Affairs LPA, your chosen solicitor can access funds to pay for your pet's care, including food, insurance, or vet bills.
Whereas, with a Health and Welfare LPA, they can make decisions about where you live. Including whether you stay at home with your pet or move to a care setting that allows animals.
Together, Wills and LPAs provide a comprehensive safety net for you and your four-legged family members.
How We Can Help with Including Pets in Your Will
We understand that your pet isn’t "just" an animal. They’re a cherished member of your family. Our experienced Private Client team can help you with including pets in your Will. We can also help to set up a legacy or trust for your pet’s future.
As well as including pets in your Will, we can arrange Lasting Powers of Attorney for your peace of mind in later life. We understand just how important pets are to your everyday life.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Pets
You’ve spent a lifetime loving your pets. Don’t leave their future to chance. Whether you’re creating your first will or updating your current plans, take this opportunity to make sure your pets are properly protected. Including pets in your Will is a small act that brings enormous peace of mind.
If you're ready to plan ahead and protect your pet, contact our Wills and Probate team today.
