Your Will could be one of the most important documents you create in your lifetime. It is legally binding, so your loved ones can carry out your preferences and have your assets distributed according to your desires. However, one important element that people overlook is their pets. You can stipulate how you want your furry friends to be looked after in your Will so you can rest assured that they will have a safe and stable home.
Ensure Your Pet Has a New Guardian
Appointing a guardian for your pet can give you the peace of mind knowing that someone will take care of your pet. You can also select a particular shelter or organisation in the case that you don’t have a chosen Guardian. Consider who would be the best option based on their living arrangements, financial stability and willingness to care for your pet the way you want.
Outline Financial Support
In your Will, you can outline any financial support that you want to offer for the upkeep of your pet. After all, pet maintenance costs can add up, from grooming to food and vet bills. You may also want to consider if your chosen guardian can financially take care of your pet through its lifetime.
What is a Pet Trust?
You can offer to provide a set amount of funds for the ongoing care of your furry companion, which is also known as a pet trust. This is a legal arrangement that outlines how you want the money to be used which can be then overseen by your pet’s chosen guardian. You can add the details of the trust in your Will or in an extra document.
Layout Care Instructions
Making provisions for pets is important so you can specify how you would like your pet to be taken care of. You can include any dietary requirements, grooming routines, and vital information, such as exercise and medication needs. We don’t recommend including this information in the Will itself, but in a letter of wishes that can be kept with the Will and will serve as guidance for the pet’s care.
Ensure Your Pet is Looked after Through its Lifetime
Consider your pet’s expected lifespan when making your Will provisions so that you can provide for your furry companion through the years if you wish. The amount of money can be adjusted to account for your pet’s age so that your chosen guardian can continue taking care of your pet as you instruct.
The amount in a pet trust should be seen as reasonable given the pets age and care requirements. For example, it’s understandable to leave a larger sum in the fund for a horse with a long-life expectancy instead of a dog that is elderly. Working with professionals such as ourselves at Batt Broadbent can help to determine the amount and conditions of your pet trust as well as any other pet-related details in your Will.
Furry friends can become companions of great importance; for some, they are even treated like extended members of the family. That’s why here at Batt Broadbent we understand how it could give you peace of mind knowing that they will be taken care of by including them in your Will with all the necessary provisions to continue living a happy, healthy life.
If you’re looking for more information or advice on executors, Wills or probate, don’t hesitate to contact our legal specialists at Batt Broadbent.