Pets are apart of the family so to ensure that they will be provided for in the event of our passing it is becoming more common to include them in our wills.
An elderly client came to our clinic wanting to adopt a kitten and I was apprehensive of the idea because of her age. I felt that it was probable that the kitten would outlive the client and that didn't seem like the best idea, not to mention the fact that a playful kitten wouldn't be the best match for an older person anyway. The idea came to me that I could pass away at anytime and who would be left to care for my furry babies. My family would make sure they were okay but would they love them? I doubt that they would really want them. I started to think that perhaps my husband and I should find the perfect person to take on our pets in the case of our passing and put it on paper. This would put a lot of worries to rest.
I did some research and found that including a pet in a will doesn't necessarily mean that the animal will be cared for. In America animals are seen as property like a piece of furniture, that means that the individual who inherits your pets can decline or turn around and give them to a shelter. It is advised by the AVMA that we talk to our friends and relatives about taking on our pets in the event of our passing before including them in the will. A friend at work has her 2 dogs and her horse in her will, in the event of her passing the animals will be cared for by a friend, who will also inherit enough money to help with their expenses.
For more information: Pet Estate Planning and
