by Jacqueline Nicoll, K & Co. Marketing –
Most of us view our pets as a member of the family; however, in the eyes of the law, they are viewed as property. For this very reason, while it’s a difficult topic to discuss, estate planning is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to establishing what happens to your beloved pet(s). After all, your Will dictates what happens with your property. If your wishes regarding your animals are not specific or laid out in a legal manner, your executor would then make the decision on where your pet goes, along with any other details. In some worst case scenarios, an animal can end up in a shelter.
To best protect your pet(s) and ensure that you have peace of mind, it’s crucial to have a plan in place not only for final wishes, but in the event that you become incapacitated for a shorter (or longer) time period and cannot care for any of the non-human, but very important members in your family.
“Consider preparing a letter of wishes for your executor, with directions about connections to maintain for your pet, trusted groups to rehome the pet, and the characteristics of an ideal home for your pet,” says Michelle Randall, Associate Lawyer at Reed Pope.
As a suggestion, when estate planning, you can provide a specific beneficiary to receive your pet upon your death, include them in your Will, and could also include a fixed amount of money for that beneficiary to receive from your estate, to offset any expenses they incur.
“Prepare a folder with everything there is to know about your pet, such as the contact information for their veterinarian, full name and date of birth, surgical and medical history, special diet or food restrictions and trusted sitters,” says Michelle, who mainly focuses on estate planning and administration.
Proactive planning is another important component to ensure the best outcome for your pet in the event that you are no longer able to solely care for that animal. But how can you take an even more well-rounded approach to planning? Michelle recommends: “Starting now by establishing a relationship with another household to facilitate the transition of your pet upon your death or in the event of a prolonged illness helps build familiarity with routines through regular pet-sitting, walking, and respite care. If your pet is of a rare, exotic or long-lived variety, establish a connection with a rescue group specific to that animal. They are more likely to have specialized knowledge and a network of qualified homes willing to foster or adopt.”
While one cannot predict the future, having a backup in place can provide you with a sense of security knowing that continuity of care will occur for your beloved companion, and the process of settling into a new household won’t be as stressful for them in the end.
