You cannot leave money directly to an animal, but you can make clear plans to provide for your pet in your Will, using gifts, trusts or charities and by naming carers.
If your pet is part of your family, you will want to make sure they are looked after if you die. The law treats animals as property, so you cannot leave money directly to a pet. However, there are sensible, well-established ways to provide for your pet in your Will so their needs are covered and your wishes are clear.
Why you can’t leave money directly to a pet
Pets do not have legal personality in England and Wales, so a pet cannot inherit money or property in its own name. Instead you make arrangements that ensure another person or organisation looks after the animal and receives funds to meet its needs. That means planning who will care for the pet, how funds should be used, and what should happen if your first choice cannot take the animal.
Practical options for providing for your pet
1. Leave the pet to a named person
The simplest approach is to leave the animal as a gift to someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend. You should always check with them first that they are willing and able to take on long term care. In your Will name an alternative carer in case your first choice cannot accept the pet when the time comes.
2. Leave money to the carer, with clear instructions
You can leave a sum of money to the person you want to care for your pet, with a recorded wish that the money is to be used for the pet’s upkeep. This gives the carer funds, but because it is an outright gift there is nothing legally enforceable to stop them spending the money on something else. To reduce that risk you can be specific about what the money is for, and discuss expectations with the carer in advance.
3. Set up a trust for the pet’s benefit
If you want stronger protection, a trust can be used to hold and release funds for the pet’s benefit. You can ask your executors or trustees to pay money to the carer from the trust on a schedule, or to reimburse invoices for food, vet bills and insurance. This offers more control over how funds are used and allows trustees to withhold funds if the carer fails to look after the animal properly. Trusts can be tailored to your wishes, which is why many clients ask us to include a trust clause in their Will. Read more about trusts on our Trusts page.
4. Leave the pet to a charity
If you cannot find a person to take the pet, you can leave your animal to a reputable charity that rehomes pets. Charities such as the RSPCA can rehome animals appropriately and will use any funds you leave to meet the animal’s needs. It is sensible to contact the charity first to confirm they will accept the type of animal and any conditions you want to attach.
Helpful practical steps to include in your Will
- Give full details about the pet, including microchip number, veterinary practice and medical needs.
- Name a primary and alternative carer, and include contact details so executors can act quickly.
- Decide whether to leave an outright gift, a nominated sum with a wish, or a trust arrangement.
- Consider leaving items such as toys, bedding or insurance policies that relate to the pet.
- Keep a record of where you store food, medications, and your pet’s routine to make the transition easier.
Who should you ask for help?
Writing these clauses can be sensitive and it helps to get legal advice so your wishes are clear and enforceable. If you already have a Will, you can add a codicil to cover a pet, or make a new Will. For guidance on making or updating a Will see the government advice at gov.uk/make-will.
If you would like to discuss leaving provision for your pet, we can help you choose the right option for your circumstances and draft clear wording to avoid disputes.
Book a will-writing appointment with us and we will talk through the best way to protect your pet’s future.
Contact Beneficial Family Wills to discuss trusts, carers and the practical details to include in your Will.
You may also find our online Will service useful if your wishes are straightforward, or call us to arrange a tailored Will with a trust if you prefer more control.
Other documents to consider
A Lasting Power of Attorney cannot make decisions for your pet after you die, but it can allow an attorney to manage your finances and pay for pet care if you become incapacitated. Learn more on our Lasting Power of Attorney page.
Making clear arrangements now gives you peace of mind that your pet will be cared for in the way you want. If you are ready to make those plans we are here to help.
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