Planning For Your Pet’s Future: Have You Included Them In Your Will?
Pet ownership in the UK continues to rise, with recent estimates suggesting that around 62% of households have at least one pet. This highlights just how many families may need to consider planning for their pet’s future
Have You Safeguarded Your Pet in Your Will?
If you have a beloved family pet, it is likely you keep them up-to-date with their vet appointments, medications, and exercise. But while looking after them today, have you considered what would happen to your pet if you were no longer able to care for them in future?
For many of us, pets are cherished members of the family. However, in law, they are treated as possessions rather than dependants. This means they do not automatically have legal protection and can easily be overlooked when it comes to estate planning.
Including your pet in your Will can help ensure they are cared for, placed in safe hands, and able to maintain their quality of life.
How Can You Provide for Your Pet?
There are several ways to make provision for your pet within your Will:
1. Appointing a Trusted Person (with a Letter of Wishes)
You may wish to name a trusted friend or family member to care for your pet. Alongside this, you can leave a sum of money to assist with their ongoing care.
This is usually supported by a Letter of Wishes, which sets out your preferences for your pet’s care, including routines, diet, and any medical needs. While this creates a clear moral obligation, it is not legally binding.
2. Creating a Trust
A Trust can provide a more structured and legally binding arrangement.
Through a Trust, you can:
- Appoint trusted individuals to care for your pet
- Set aside funds specifically for their needs (such as veterinary care, food, insurance and grooming)
- Provide detailed instructions about how your pet should be looked after
This option can offer greater reassurance that your wishes will be followed. It may also have inheritance tax implications, depending on your circumstances.
3. Leaving Your Pet to a Charity
You may choose to leave your pet to a reputable animal charity that can arrange for them to be rehomed.
Leaving a gift to charity may also reduce the inheritance tax payable on your estate, depending on the value of your estate and the gift made.
Why It Matters
Your pet depends on you for their care, comfort and companionship. Taking the time to include them in your estate planning is a responsible step that can help protect their future wellbeing.
You may also wish to consider additional details, such as written care instructions or arrangements for your pet’s remains, depending on your personal preferences.
Without planning, there is a risk that pets may not receive the care they need or could end up in already stretched animal shelters.
How We Can Help
At JCP Solicitors, we understand that your pet is an important part of your life.
Our experienced Lifetime Planning team can:
- Advise on including your pet in your Will
- Help you appoint a suitable guardian
- Set up a Trust for your pet’s future care
- Prepare supporting documents such as a Letter of Wishes
We can also assist with Lasting Powers of Attorney to help you plan for later life with confidence.
If you would like to discuss your options, please do get in touch with our team for an initial, no-obligation conversation.
You can contact JCP Solicitors by calling 03333 208644, emailing hello@jcpsolicitors.co.uk, or visiting your local office. Alternatively, you can complete our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.
We are here to guide you through your options and help you put the right plans in place for both you and your pet.