You’d be barking mad not to read this!

We’ve always been a nation of pet lovers, but these days even more people are choosing to have an animal companion, which can either provide them with the friendship they are lacking in the big city or become their kid’s friend and support children’s physical and mental development when growing up. Support dogs aren’t limited to helping the blind, they can aid with a wide range of physical and mental restrictions, helping people lead fuller and more active lives.

Regardless of the reasons why people decide to become owners of pets, it’s common for those pets to be forgotten about when the will is drafted. Sometimes this can be because the will is out of date, or the owner just didn’t consider that they might die first. However it happened, the result is that the animal can either end up being fought over by those left behind (expensive and stressful) or will be dependent on being taken in by pet organisations which at their best try to relocate the pet, despite already being overstretched.

For a pet owner whose love for their pet is unconditional the thought of their beloved pet being placed with an unrelated new family following their death can send shivers up and down the spine. It also goes without saying that a pet owner would find it deeply unsettling to think about the time when they will not be there to provide for their pet anymore and would be reluctant to engage in any discussion about who should care for their pet after they die.

However daunting such thought might be, a pet owner can always ensure that their cherished pet is provided for in the event that they die by incorporating a provision in their will that sets out who is going to take custody of their pet following their death and the sum of money (if any) that they wished to give to the appointed ‘pet guardian’ for the upkeep of the pet.

It does not take much to be a sensible pet owner and ensure that there is somebody ready and willing to take good care of your pet companion and give them the love and affection they would need after you are gone. Simply drop us a line at @Evelina Gurtskaya and our wills team will arrange a meeting with you to discuss the incorporation of a pet provision in your will.