Pets in Your Will: Ensuring They're Cared For

Emma thought she had time to sort things out. At 38, childless but devoted to her two rescue cats, Milo and Luna, she'd often joked with friends that they were her "children." When she was hospitalized unexpectedly for three weeks following a severe accident, her sister reluctantly took the cats in temporarily—but made it clear she was allergic and couldn't keep them permanently.

Emma realized with horror that if she hadn't survived, Milo and Luna could have ended up at a shelter, separated, or even euthanized.

She's one of the 74% of UK pet owners over 30 who haven't made any formal arrangements for their pets in their will. With over 10.6 million dogs and 10.8 million cats in UK households—many viewing their animals as beloved family members—it's shocking that only 26% have planned for what happens if they pass away.

This guide explains exactly how UK law treats pets in wills, your legal options for protecting your pet's future, and how to create enforceable arrangements quickly and affordably.

Why Most Pet Owners Haven't Planned (and Why It Matters)

Only around a quarter of UK pet owners over the age of 30 have made provisions for their pets in their wills, according to research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers. Even more concerning, approximately 59% of adults over 30 were unaware that pets are classified legally as assets rather than heirs.

The reasons pet owners delay planning are understandable but dangerous:

"I thought my partner would automatically get custody." They won't. If you're unmarried, your pet legally goes to your next of kin, not your partner.

"I assumed I could leave money directly to my pet." You can't. Pets cannot inherit under UK law.

"It feels morbid to think about." Planning isn't morbid—it's one of the most loving things you can do.

"I'm young and healthy." Emma thought so too, until her accident.

Without planning, the consequences can be devastating.

Sarah's elderly mother passed away suddenly, leaving behind Whiskers, a 12-year-old Persian cat. Three adult children argued for months about who would take responsibility. None wanted the financial burden or had suitable housing. Whiskers spent four months in a rescue center, stressed and withdrawn, before finally being rehomed to strangers.

James, 34, died unexpectedly in a cycling accident. His beloved Border Collie, Max, was a high-energy working breed that cost £2,000 annually in specialist training, food, and veterinary care. James's parents were in their 70s and couldn't manage Max's exercise needs. Without provisions in place, Max went to a general shelter that struggled to find someone equipped for his requirements.

David and Sophie, an unmarried couple who'd lived together for seven years, jointly cared for their Golden Retriever, Bella. When David died without a will, Bella legally belonged to his estate and went to his brother—who lived 200 miles away and had never met Sophie. Sophie had no legal rights to the dog she'd raised from a puppy.

These aren't rare edge cases. Every year, thousands of pets face uncertain futures because their owners didn't plan. The emotional and practical consequences—family disputes, unsuitable homes, shelter placements, and sometimes euthanasia—are entirely preventable.

The UK Legal Reality: Your Pet Is Legally "Property"

This is the hardest truth for pet owners to accept: under UK law, your beloved companion is classified as "personal chattels"—essentially, property, like furniture or jewelry.

What does this mean legally?

Your pet can be "gifted" to someone in your will, but cannot themselves be a beneficiary. They cannot open bank accounts, sign documents, or legally own anything. An animal cannot own property themselves, which means you cannot write "I leave £10,000 to my dog Bella" in your will—it's legally void.

This applies to all pets: dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits, reptiles, and any other animal you care for.

It's a classification that feels cold and wrong when you're talking about a family member who greets you at the door, sleeps on your bed, and depends on you completely. But understanding this legal reality is essential because it shapes every option available to you.

Here's the crucial point: while you cannot leave money directly to your pet, you can leave money to a person with instructions or conditions that they use those funds to care for your pet. This workaround—leaving assets to a human caregiver rather than the animal—forms the basis of all pet planning in UK wills.

The good news? While the legal classification feels impersonal, there are several effective legal mechanisms to protect your pet's welfare, ensure they go to the right person, and provide financial support for their care.

Option 1: Appointing a Pet Guardian in Your Will

This is the simplest and most common approach: naming a specific person in your will to receive and care for your pet after your death.

Legally, your will creates a "gift" of the pet (as property) to the named person. It's straightforward, doesn't require expensive legal advice, and can be included in a standard will like WUHLD's.

But here's the critical requirement: you must get their consent first.

Naming someone who hasn't agreed is unfair and may not work. Your intended guardian might be allergic, live in pet-restricted housing, work long hours, have financial constraints, or simply not want the responsibility. Having an explicit conversation ensures your pet actually goes to someone willing and able to care for them.

How do you choose the right guardian?

Look for someone who genuinely loves animals and your pet specifically. Your cat-loving friend is a better choice than your dog-obsessed brother if you have a cat. Consider whether they have the physical space and living situation suitable for your pet—a house with a garden for an active dog, a pet-friendly landlord for renters, indoor space for cats.

Financial means matter. UK pet owners spend approximately £2,500 per year per pet on average, including food, toys, bedding, grooming, and veterinary care. Can your chosen guardian afford these costs without financial strain?

Think about proximity to your pet's current vet for continuity of care, or at least access to good veterinary services. Consider whether they share your philosophy on pet care—indoor versus outdoor cats, training approaches for dogs, dietary preferences.

Age and health matter too. Ideally, choose someone younger and healthier than you who will likely outlive your pet. A 15-year-old dog needs a guardian who can commit to potentially a decade of care.

Always name at least one backup guardian in case your first choice cannot fulfill the role due to illness, death, relocation abroad, or changed circumstances.

Here's an example of clear will wording:

"I give my cat, Luna (microchip number 123456789012345), to my sister, Sarah Mitchell of [address], provided she is willing and able to care for her. If Sarah Mitchell is unable or unwilling to care for Luna, I give her to my friend, James Thompson of [address]."

This approach gives you legal clarity, shows your wishes explicitly, and provides backup options—all essential for your pet's security.

Option 2: Leaving Money for Your Pet's Care

Appointing a guardian is important, but without financial support, you're asking someone to shoulder potentially £1,900 to £2,500 in annual costs. Over a pet's lifetime, this can reach £15,000 to £30,000 or more. Emergency veterinary care alone can cost thousands.

That's why many pet owners leave money alongside their pet to help cover these expenses.

The legal mechanism is straightforward: leave money to the guardian with instructions or conditions that it's used for pet care. For example: "I leave £15,000 to Sarah Mitchell, to be used for the care and welfare of my cat Luna for the remainder of her life."

This is called a conditional gift. It's simple, affordable, and included in standard wills.

But here's the limitation: conditional gifts rely on the guardian's goodwill rather than legal enforceability. The guardian receives the money, but there's no mechanism forcing them to spend it on the pet. You're trusting they'll honor your wishes.

For most people with trustworthy guardians, this works perfectly well. If you're concerned about enforceability, a more formal structure (like a trust of imperfect obligation) provides stronger legal protections—but it's more complex and expensive to set up.

How much should you leave?

Start with your pet's remaining life expectancy. An 8-year-old dog might have 7 years remaining. A 5-year-old cat could live another 12-15 years. Multiply those years by annual care costs. If your dog costs £2,000 per year and has 7 years left, that's £14,000 base amount.

Add a buffer for emergencies. Veterinary care can be unpredictable. A £5,000 emergency fund covers unexpected surgery, specialist treatment, or chronic condition management.

In this example, leaving £19,000 would be reasonable for a healthy dog with normal care needs.

Be realistic but not excessive. Courts can challenge unreasonably large pet bequests as unreasonable, and family members may contest wills that leave disproportionate amounts to pet care. A £500,000 bequest for a 5-year-old cat's care would likely face legal challenge.

Consider whether your pet has insurance. Some owners leave funds specifically to cover ongoing insurance premiums rather than a large lump sum, giving guardians flexibility to manage costs as they arise.

Option 3: Setting Up a Pet Trust

For those with complex situations or high-value estates, a formal pet trust provides the strongest legal protection.

A pet trust is a legally binding arrangement that holds assets specifically for the pet's benefit, governed by the Trustee Act 2000 and common law principles. In legal terms, it's a "trust of imperfect obligation"—funds stipulated to be paid to a trustee with the obligation to use them for the pet's care.

How does it work? You appoint trustees (usually one or two people) who manage the trust funds. The money is ring-fenced exclusively for pet care and cannot be used for anything else. The court can issue a Pettingall order requiring the trustee to give an undertaking to use the funds for the required purpose, making it legally enforceable.

The advantages are significant. Funds are protected from the guardian's creditors, divorce, or bankruptcy. Multiple pets can be covered under one trust. You can include very detailed care instructions—specific diet requirements, exercise routines, medical care protocols, grooming preferences, even burial wishes.

The trust continues as long as any covered pet is alive, providing long-term security. You can appoint a trust protector to oversee the trustees and ensure your wishes are followed.

But the disadvantages are equally real. Setting up a pet trust typically costs £1,000 to £2,000 in solicitor fees, with ongoing administration costs including trustee fees and accounting expenses. It's more complex than simple will provisions and often overkill for straightforward situations.

When is a pet trust appropriate?

If you have a high-value estate where pet care costs are a small portion of total assets, the complexity and expense are justified. Multiple expensive pets—horse owners, breeders, or households with several animals—benefit from the coordinated funding structure.

Pets with significant medical needs requiring guaranteed funding, situations where you don't fully trust the guardian to use funds appropriately, or exotic pets requiring specialized and expensive care all warrant the additional legal protection.

For most pet owners with one or two cats or dogs, straightforward guardians they trust, and moderate estates, a simple will provision with a conditional gift works perfectly well and costs a fraction of the price.

Charity Schemes: Dogs Trust, RSPCA, and Other Organisations

What if you don't have a suitable guardian? What if your first and second choice guardians both cannot take your pet when the time comes?

This is where charity backup schemes provide invaluable safety nets.

Dogs Trust operates the Canine Care Card scheme, a free service that guarantees your dog will be cared for and rehomed if you pass away before they do. After registering with Dogs Trust and including specific wording in your will, the charity will collect your dog, provide veterinary care, and find them a loving new home.

Crucially, Dogs Trust never euthanizes healthy dogs, giving you peace of mind that your companion will be safe.

The process is straightforward. Register with Dogs Trust while you're alive (it's not automatic). Choose a Dog Guardian—a trusted friend, family member, or solicitor who can sign your dog over to Dogs Trust if you're not able to. Complete the simple online application. Once approved, you'll receive your Canine Care Card to keep in your wallet.

Then update your will with their recommended wording: "It is also my wish that Dogs Trust cares for and rehomes my dog at the time of my death."

There are limitations. Dogs Trust cannot accept dogs with extreme aggression, banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act, or dogs with court-imposed restrictions. Registration requires you to live in the UK, and the scheme only covers dogs, not other species.

The RSPCA's Home for Life scheme previously offered similar services for cats, dogs, and other pets, but as of 2025, they are no longer accepting new applications. However, for those who already requested a pack, the RSPCA will continue to register eligible applications received until 31 March 2026. The RSPCA still accepts pet bequests in wills even without Home for Life registration.

Other organizations offer support too. Cats Protection runs similar schemes (availability varies by local branch). Blue Cross provides pet rehoming services and can be named as a backup in your will. Breed-specific rescues like the Greyhound Trust, Cinnamon Trust (which specializes in helping elderly owners' pets), and many others exist.

How should you use these schemes?

They're ideal as backup options if your primary guardian is unable to take your pet. Include wording like: "If Sarah Mitchell is unable or unwilling to care for my dog Max, I wish Dogs Trust to take responsibility under their Canine Care Card scheme."

Many people also leave a charitable bequest to thank the organization: "I give £1,000 to Dogs Trust in gratitude for their Canine Care Card service."

Registration while you're alive is strongly recommended so the charity has your details on file and can act quickly if needed.

Remember: charity schemes are safety nets, not substitutes for personal planning. Your pet deserves a loving home with someone who knows and cares for them, not just any suitable placement. But as backups, these schemes provide crucial peace of mind.

Special Considerations for Different Pets and Situations

Not all pets and circumstances are the same. Here's how to address specific scenarios.

Multiple pets present unique challenges. If you have bonded animals—siblings, long-time companions, or animals that grew up together—strongly consider keeping them together. Separation can cause stress and behavioral issues.

Include explicit wording in your will: "I wish for my dogs Max and Bella to remain together if possible. If my guardian cannot accommodate both dogs, I prefer they go to Dogs Trust together rather than be separated."

If one person can't take all your pets, you may need multiple guardians. A trust structure can help coordinate care across different guardians with shared funds.

Exotic pets like reptiles, birds, fish, and small mammals require specialized knowledge and equipment. Your guardian must have experience with the species. A bearded dragon owner can't necessarily care for a parrot, and vice versa.

Consider specialist rescue organizations as backup guardians. Parrots present particular challenges because many species live 50 years or more. A 20-year-old parrot could outlive you by decades—plan accordingly.

Be aware of legal requirements. Some species require licenses, including certain venomous snakes, birds of prey, and protected species.

Horses and livestock are expensive and complex. A single horse can cost £3,000 to £8,000 annually for livery, feed, farrier, and veterinary care. Guardians need access to suitable property or stable facilities.

Consider naming equine charities like Redwings Horse Sanctuary or World Horse Welfare as backup options. You'll likely need a substantial trust fund to cover costs, potentially tens of thousands of pounds.

Young versus elderly pets require different planning. A young pet has higher lifetime costs, needs decades of care, and requires a guardian with energy and space for an active animal. An elderly pet requires a shorter commitment period but may have high veterinary costs and specialized care needs like daily medication or mobility support.

Be realistic about the commitment you're asking your guardian to make.

Pets with medical conditions need special attention. Clearly document the condition, medications, treatment history, and special needs in a letter of wishes accompanying your will. Leave extra funds for ongoing treatment. Ensure your guardian is willing and able to provide medical care—some conditions require daily medication administration or frequent vet visits.

Unmarried couples face a critical vulnerability. If you die without a will, your pet goes to your next of kin (parents, siblings), not your partner—even if you lived together for years and jointly cared for the animal.

Your surviving partner has no legal rights to your pet unless you name them in your will. This is essential to understand. Create a will naming your partner as pet guardian, or consider joint pet ownership documentation during your lifetime, which gives co-owners stronger legal rights.

Dangerous dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 present special legal challenges. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro are banned breeds. Exempted dogs (those with a Certificate of Exemption) can be passed on, but the recipient must apply for a new certificate.

Legal complexities abound, and most charities cannot accept banned breeds. If you own a banned or exempted breed, seek specialist legal advice before making will provisions.

What NOT to Do: Common Mistakes

Learning from others' errors saves heartache. Here are the most common mistakes pet owners make.

Mistake 1: Leaving money directly to your pet. "I leave £20,000 to my dog Buddy" is legally void. Pets cannot inherit. Instead, leave money to a guardian with the condition they care for your pet.

Mistake 2: Verbal promises without documentation. "My sister said she'd take care of Whiskers" isn't legally binding. Your sister could change her mind, other family members may dispute ownership, or circumstances may change. Put the arrangement in writing in your will.

Mistake 3: Naming someone without asking them first. Assuming your brother will take your three dogs because he likes animals is unfair and risky. He may be unable or unwilling. Have an explicit conversation and get clear agreement before including their name in your will.

Mistake 4: Not naming a backup guardian. What if your chosen guardian becomes ill, dies before you, moves abroad, or faces changed circumstances? Without a backup, your pet has no designated caregiver and defaults to next of kin or your executor's decision. Always name at least one backup.

Mistake 5: Leaving unrealistic amounts for pet care. A £500,000 bequest for a healthy 5-year-old cat's care is excessive and may face legal challenge. Courts can scrutinize unreasonably large pet bequests, and family members may contest your will. Calculate realistic costs based on life expectancy and actual needs.

Mistake 6: No planning at all—the biggest mistake. "I'll get around to it someday" means if you die unexpectedly, your pet's future is entirely uncertain. Family disputes, unsuitable homes, or shelter placements become real possibilities. Create a will today—it takes just 15 minutes with WUHLD.

Mistake 7: Not updating your will when circumstances change. Your named guardian moved to Australia five years ago, but you never updated your will. Or your pet developed diabetes requiring expensive ongoing treatment, but your financial gift doesn't reflect those costs. Review your will every 2-3 years and after major life changes like guardian relocation, pet medical diagnosis, or changes to your financial situation.

How to Include Your Pet in Your Will with WUHLD

You don't need an expensive solicitor for straightforward pet provisions. WUHLD allows you to make comprehensive pet arrangements as part of your legally valid will.

What you can do with WUHLD:

Name pet guardians and backup guardians clearly and legally. Leave financial gifts to guardians to help cover pet care costs. Include a letter of wishes with detailed care instructions that helps your guardian understand your pet's needs. Make charitable gifts to animal organizations like Dogs Trust or RSPCA if you wish.

What WUHLD does not cover (requiring a specialist solicitor):

Formal pet trusts with trustees and complex legal structure involving Pettingall orders. Arrangements for banned dog breeds requiring specific legal advice.

For the vast majority of pet owners—those with one or several cats, dogs, or other pets, straightforward guardians they trust, and moderate estates—WUHLD provides everything you need.

Before you start, prepare this information:

Your pet's full details: name, species, breed, age, microchip number, and any distinguishing features. Your chosen guardian's full name and contact details (and confirmation they've agreed to take your pet). Backup guardian's details. Estimated care costs and the amount you want to leave for pet care. Special care instructions including diet, exercise routines, medical needs, and temperament notes.

During the WUHLD will creation process:

In the "Gifts" section, make a specific gift of your pet: "I give my cat Luna (microchip 123456789012345) to my sister Sarah Mitchell of [address], provided she is willing and able to care for her."

Then create a financial gift: "I give £12,000 to Sarah Mitchell to be used for the care and welfare of Luna for the remainder of her life."

Include backup provisions: "If Sarah Mitchell is unable or unwilling to care for Luna, I give Luna to my friend James Thompson of [address], and the financial gift shall pass to him instead."

In the "Other wishes" section, include pet care details and backup charity arrangements if desired. For example: "If neither Sarah Mitchell nor James Thompson can care for Luna, I wish for Cats Protection to take responsibility for her rehoming."

The letter of wishes is optional but highly recommended. WUHLD provides a framework for creating this non-binding but valuable guidance document. Include Luna's daily routine, favorite foods (grain-free wet food, dislikes chicken), medical history (hyperthyroidism, daily medication), vet contact information, behavioral notes (shy with strangers, loves feather toys), and social needs.

This helps your guardian transition your pet to their new home with minimal stress.

Here's a complete example:

Will provision: "I give my cat Luna (microchip 123456789012345) to my sister Sarah Mitchell of [address], provided she is willing and able to care for her."

Financial provision: "I give £12,000 to Sarah Mitchell to be used for the care and welfare of Luna for the remainder of her life."

Backup: "If Sarah Mitchell is unable or unwilling to care for Luna, I give Luna and the associated financial gift to my friend James Thompson of [address]."

Letter of wishes: Detailed information about Luna's grain-free diet, hyperthyroidism medication schedule, contact details for her regular vet, personality traits (shy with strangers, indoor-only cat), favorite hiding spots and toys, and burial wishes.

The investment: £49.99 one-time payment. No subscriptions, no hidden fees, no ongoing costs.

The time: 15 minutes to complete your entire will online.

The process: Preview your complete will free before paying anything. No credit card required to see exactly what you're getting. Make unlimited changes until you're satisfied. Download your legally binding will and supporting documents when ready.

What's included: Your complete, legally valid will. A 12-page Testator Guide explaining how to execute your will properly. A Witness Guide to give to your witnesses. A Complete Asset Inventory document to help executors locate your assets.

The peace of mind: Knowing your beloved companion will be protected and cared for if something happens to you.

Your Pet Depends on You

Your pet cannot plan for their own future. They cannot choose their next home, cannot tell anyone their needs, cannot protect themselves if you're gone. That responsibility rests entirely with you.

Here's what you need to remember:

Your pet legally cannot inherit money directly, but you can appoint a guardian and leave funds to support their care. The simplest approach works for most people: name a willing pet guardian in your will and leave them money to cover care costs, calculated based on your pet's remaining life expectancy and annual expenses.

More complex options exist for specific situations. Pet trusts provide maximum legal protection but cost £1,000 to £2,000 to set up. Charity schemes like Dogs Trust's Canine Care Card offer valuable backup options. Most pet owners just need basic will provisions that WUHLD provides.

Always get your guardian's agreement first, name a backup, and leave realistic funds. Don't assume, don't leave excessive amounts that courts might challenge, and don't forget to account for emergency veterinary costs.

Without a will, your pet's future is uncertain. Family disputes over who takes responsibility, pets going to unsuitable homes, shelter placements, separation of bonded animals, and even euthanasia become real possibilities. These outcomes are preventable with 15 minutes of planning.

Your pet has given you unconditional love, companionship, and joy. They depend on you completely for their welfare and their future. Taking 15 minutes to create a will isn't morbid—it's one of the most loving and responsible things you can do to ensure they're protected and cared for if something happens to you.

They cannot protect themselves. But you can protect them.

Create your will and secure your pet's future today.

WUHLD makes it simple and affordable to include your pet in your will. For just £49.99 (one-time payment, no subscriptions), you can create a legally valid UK will online in about 15 minutes that names your pet's guardian and provides for their financial care.

You'll get your complete, legally binding will, a 12-page Testator Guide explaining how to execute it properly, a Witness Guide for your witnesses, and a Complete Asset Inventory document—everything you need to ensure your wishes are carried out.

Preview your complete will free before paying anything. No credit card required.

Give yourself peace of mind today that your beloved companion will be looked after, no matter what happens.

Ready to Create Your Will?

WUHLD makes it simple to create a legally valid will online in just 15 minutes. Our guided process ensures your wishes are properly documented and your loved ones are protected.

Start creating your will now — it's quick, affordable, and backed by legal experts.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about including pets in your will and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your individual situation, particularly if you have complex arrangements (multiple high-value pets, banned dog breeds, formal trust requirements), please consult a qualified solicitor. WUHLD's online will service is suitable for straightforward pet guardian appointments and financial gifts; complex pet trusts requiring trustees may require professional legal advice.

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