An increasing number of pet owners in the UK are taking steps to include their pets in their wills, according to Steve Bish, an estate planning expert with S Bish Estate Planning.
Bish reports a rising demand for provisions that ensure pets will be well cared for in the event of an owner’s death or incapacity. As pets are now more frequently regarded as family members, owners are looking to secure their futures as part of their estate planning process.
Bish observes that, in the absence of specific instructions, pets can end up in shelters, as inheritance laws treat pets as personal property. “When an owner passes away, their pet typically becomes part of the estate and may be inherited by a designated beneficiary or, if there’s no will, passed onto the next of kin. But this can lead to complications, especially if that person is not expecting a four-pawed inheritance,” Bish explained. He advises pet owners to consider a formal plan within their wills to avoid unexpected outcomes for their animals.
Planning for Pets’ Care in Estate Provisions
Bish encourages pet owners to think about what would happen to their pets if they were unable to look after them, recommending they specify their wishes in a will to reduce risks and ensure immediate care for the animal. By including pets in a will, owners can designate a caregiver, establish a support fund, and reduce potential disputes.
“Setting out your wishes in your will can reduce the risk of disagreements and mean that there is someone there to care for your pet immediately,” says Bish. Owners who include specific provisions, such as financial support for pet care or selecting a guardian, gain peace of mind that their pets will be looked after according to their wishes. “The love and care you provide your pets during your lifetime should extend into their future as well,” he added.
Key Considerations for Including Pets in Wills
Bish offers several recommendations for pet owners preparing wills to ensure continuity of care for their pets. First, selecting a designated caregiver is essential. Owners should choose a trusted individual and discuss arrangements to ensure they are willing and able to assume responsibility. Specifying a backup caregiver is also recommended in case circumstances change for the original designee.
Financial support is another key consideration. Pet owners may leave funds specifically for the pet’s care, covering essentials such as food, veterinary expenses, and other costs. This can be done by designating an amount for the caregiver or setting up a legally binding Pet Trust, managed by a trustee. Bish points to the rising number of abandoned animals in recent years, which reflects the importance of securing sufficient resources to prevent pets from ending up in shelters.
Outlining Care Instructions and Consulting Specialists
Providing detailed care instructions for the designated caregiver can be invaluable, particularly when it comes to specific dietary needs, health conditions, or behavioural details. Bish also recommends owners include information on pet plans, insurance, and veterinary details, potentially adding these notes at the pet’s regular vet as an additional reference.
Consulting a legal specialist is essential to ensure that pet provisions in wills are legally binding and effectively structured. An expert in wills and estates can offer guidance on the best approach to ensure a pet’s continued care. Bish also advises regular updates to the will to reflect any changes in circumstances, such as new pet requirements or adjustments to funds, keeping provisions relevant as needs evolve.
As more UK pet owners formalise plans for their pets’ futures, the approach reflects a shift towards treating pets as family members in estate planning. By outlining specific care provisions, pet owners can safeguard the well-being of their animals in any circumstance, from changes in personal health to end-of-life planning. For pet owners, such measures offer peace of mind, knowing that their pets’ needs will be met even when they are no longer able to provide direct care.
