A Pet is not just for Christmas

Everyone has heard this phrase which is particularly pertinent at this time of year. We are a nation of pet lovers and yet it is estimated that thousands of pet owners in the UK also die each year without making any arrangement for their pets in the event of their death.

If you do not make provision then you do run the risk that your beloved pet will be left unwanted, uncared for and even homeless. Your Pet may be inherited by someone who is not an animal lover. However many people will at this time of year be considering making as Will as part of their New Year’s resolution and your pets could be provided for in your Will.

The Law treats pets as “property” and therefore it is possible to make gifts of family pets in your Will so you need to consider, is there a family member or friend who would be willing and able to look after your pet?   It is important that you discuss this with that person to make sure that they are happy to take on the responsibility of caring for your pet. Caring for your pet can be a financial burden and it is a good idea to leave in your Will, to the person whom you would like to look after your pet , a sum of money to cover the cost of caring for your pet. It is also important that you include any future pets that you may have at the date of your death in your Will and likewise it is important that you consider that if you have made any cash gifts purely for the pets’ maintenance to your chosen person, it is conditional upon the pet being alive at your death. There are also many Charities who run free re-homing schemes who you may wish to nominate to look after your Pets.

If you don’t specifically mention your pets in your Will they may be inherited by someone who is not an animal lover.

For advice on including pets in your Will or making a Will generally, please contact Rachel Damianou or Jyoti Patel on 0161 624 6811 (Option 3) or call into our Clinic details of which are below.