Planning for our pets in case we pass away first

We all love our pets as our best friends, but what happens to them if their owner passes away before them?

There are over 38 million pets in Australia (yes, more than humans), so it makes sense that we should be considering them for what happens if we cross over first.

Too often, people don’t update their Will to advise their final wishes for their pet because it seems most of us are hopeful we will outlive our pet. But hope isn’t a plan! Keep in mind that in Australia’s legal system, a pet is property, so it makes sense to plan ahead to be clear about how you would like them cared for on a more nurturing basis if you’re no longer around.

So here are a few options to consider…

1. Family or Friends: Most commonly, a pet will be left with a family or friend to provide it with a new home. This is a common and preferred option if willing and capable individuals can care for the pet. When choosing someone to ask, it’s essential to think of a range of factors, including:
   • Can they afford to feed and keep up with vet bills, including in your furry friends’ old age?
   • Do you have similar values on where the pet sleeps or under what circumstances they may need to be put down?
   • Do they travel a lot, and would your pet be OK in a kennel for long periods of time?
   • Have you given them time to think their answer through rather than request an answer on the spot?
   • Does your pet love them (and potentially their other pets) too?
2. Estate Plans: Some individuals include provisions for their pets in their wills or estate plans. They can designate a specific person or organisation to take custody of the pet and provide for its care. They may also set aside funds to cover the pet’s expenses. You may wish to include this in your AfterLife Will kit, which is easy to update and store as circumstances change. If it’s about money, it’s best put in your Will to make sure it’s not being contested.
   
   
3. Animal Shelters or Rescue Organisations: If no immediate family members or friends can take in your pet, they might be surrendered to an animal shelter or rescue organisation. These organisations will then work to find the pet a new loving home but that can’t be guaranteed. That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead and check what they can reasonably give you the confidence to provide.
   
   
4. RSPCA Home Ever After Program: This is a great program where you can leave a bequest in your Will to the RSPCA, who will take care of your pet, including finding suitable homes for the rest of their lives. The RSPCA says “Even if you have a person to care for your pet, Home Ever After can be a reassuring backup plan. Family members’ lives can change, and neighbours can move away. By registering in Home Ever After, you will have the peace of mind that whatever happens, your pet will be cared for.”
   
   
5. Foster Homes: In some cases, pets may be placed in foster homes until a permanent home can be found. This is often done through animal rescue organisations.
   
   
6. Pet Trusts: In Australia, it is possible to create a pet trust, a legal arrangement where funds are set aside expressly for the pet’s care. A trustee is appointed to manage these funds and meet the pet’s needs for today and into the future, such as grooming, special foods and potentially expensive surgeries. But this can be complicated to set up. Here are some more insights on Wills and Trusts from the Law Society of Australia.