When we consider making a Will, most of us will think about what we would like to happen to our money, investments, and home. But what about your pets?
First of all, you should consider whether anyone you know and trust would be willing to look after your pet when you pass away. Within your Will you can make a provision as a Gift, leaving your pet to that particular person. This is possible because, in England and Wales, pets are defined at “Personal Chattels”, meaning you can gift them to someone else.
Before making your Will, you must speak to the person(s) you want to look after your pet and obtain their consent. This will make sure that it does not come as a complete surprise to them when you pass away.
You can nominate a person within your Will and in addition, you can choose a substitute beneficiary just in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to look after your pet when the time comes.
In addition, you can also consider leaving your chosen beneficiary a cash legacy to cover the cost of caring of your pets for the remainder of their lives. This can be viewed as a maintenance payment to cover such costs eg. Vets bills, insurance, and food etc. The clause relating to any pet provision would need to be worded correctly to make sure that the Beneficiary only receives the cash gift on the basis that he or she agrees to look after your pet.
If you cannot nominate anyone within your Will to take care of your Pets, you can request that your pet is looked after any Animal Charity. There are many Charities that will accept pets that have been left homeless following an owner’s death.
If Fisher Jones Greenwood can assist you in the preparation of your Will then please contact us on 01206 700113 or email [email protected] to arrange a mutually convenient appointment.