Pet Care After Death: Complete UK Planning Guide
Who Looks After Your Pet When You're Gone?
We love our pets; they're family, companions, and often the reason we smile after a tough day. But have you considered who'll look after them if something happens to you? While it's not a cheerful thought, ensuring your pet's future is one of the most loving things you can do. Without proper planning, beloved pets can end up in shelters, with reluctant relatives, or worse.
Leaving your pet’s future to chance is risky. While you might think a close family member or neighbour would step in, assumptions can cause confusion or even distress.
This guide covers everything you need to know about securing your pet's future in the UK, from choosing guardians to setting up financial provisions.
Understanding Pets and UK Law
Before diving into the practical steps, it's important to understand how UK law views pets:
Pets as Property
Under UK law, pets are considered "chattels"—personal property like furniture or jewellery. This means:
You can't leave money directly to your pet
Pets can be "gifted" to someone in your will
Without instructions, pets pass to your residuary beneficiary
The new owner has full rights over the pet
Why This Matters
Because pets are property, you need to:
Choose a trusted person to inherit your pet
Provide separate financial arrangements for their care
Give clear guidance about your wishes (though not legally binding)
Consider what happens if your first choice can't take the pet
Step-by-Step Guide to Securing Your Pet's Future
Step 1: Choose a Pet Guardian
Selecting the right guardian is crucial for your pet's wellbeing. Consider:
Primary Guardian Qualities:
Genuinely loves animals and has experience
Has suitable living arrangements (garden, pet-friendly lease)
Financially stable
Similar lifestyle to your pet's routine
Willing and able to make a long-term commitment
Have the Conversation:
Discuss your pet's specific needs and quirks
Be honest about costs and time commitment
Confirm they're willing to be named in your will
Ask about their current and future pet situation
Discuss any financial provisions you're making
Always Choose a Backup: Circumstances change. Name at least one alternative guardian in case your first choice becomes unable to care for your pet.
Download Pet Guardian Agreement
My FREE template to set up an agreement with someone to take care of your pet when you die.
Step 2: Make It Legal in Your Will
Include specific provisions for your pet:
Sample Will Wording: "I give my [type of pet] named [pet's name] to [guardian's full name] of [guardian's address], together with the sum of £[amount] for [pet's name]'s care and maintenance. If [guardian's name] is unable or unwilling to accept this gift, I give my pet and the said sum to [backup guardian's full name]."
Key Points:
Name specific pets (don't just say "all my pets")
Include microchip numbers for identification
Specify any financial provisions
Name backup guardians
Consider what happens to any remaining funds
Step 3: Create a Comprehensive Pet Care Letter
While not legally binding, a detailed pet care letter provides invaluable guidance:
Essential Information to Include:
Identification Details:
Pet's full name and nicknames
Species, breed, age, and sex
Microchip number and database
Distinguishing features
Recent photograph
Medical Information:
Vet practice details and registration
Vaccination history
Medical conditions and medications
Pet insurance policy details
Spay/neuter status
Allergies or sensitivities
Daily Care Routine:
Feeding schedule and preferred foods
Exercise requirements
Grooming needs
Favourite activities and toys
Behavioural quirks
Training commands used
Emergency Contacts:
Regular vet
Emergency 24-hour vet
Pet insurance claim line
Preferred boarding facility
Dog walker/pet sitter
Groomer
Download my Pet Care Information Template
A comprehensive and free template for ensuring the care of your pet after your death.
Step 4: Financial Planning for Pet Care
Pets are expensive. Consider these lifetime cost estimates, which can help you in any financial planning for pets after you die. These can be shared with your guardian so they know the financial implications of taking on your pet, especially if you cannot afford to leave a sum that covers all likely expenses.
Average Lifetime Costs (UK):
Small dog: £15,000-£20,000
Large dog: £20,000-£30,000
Cat: £12,000-£18,000
Rabbit: £6,000-£9,000
Horse: £50,000-£100,000+
Financial Options:
1. Lump Sum in Will
Simplest option
Given to guardian with pet
No ongoing administration
Risk: money might not be used for pet
2. Informal Pet Trust
Money held by trustee
Released for pet expenses
More oversight than lump sum
Requires trusted trustee
3. Purpose Trust (Formal)
Legally binding arrangement
Can last up to 21 years
Requires trustees and enforcer
More complex and costly to set up
4. Lifetime Provision
Set up care while you're alive
Useful if entering care home
Can include power of attorney
Provides immediate protection
To help, download my Pet Care Cost Calculator. This FREE calculator will help pet owners quickly work out how much money to leave for their pet's care after their death, with all calculations updating automatically when they change any input values.
Step 5: Emergency Planning
Don't wait until you've completed your will—set up emergency provisions now:
Create Emergency Cards:
Carry a wallet card stating you have pets
Include emergency contact details
Keep one at home visible to emergency services
Download Emergency Card Template
My free template you can fill out, cut to size and store in your wallet or purse.
Set Up Temporary Care:
Arrange neighbours/friends for short-term emergencies
Provide vet authorisation for treatment
Leave care instructions accessible
Ensure access to pet supplies
Special Circumstances
Multiple Pets
Consider if they should stay together
Some guardians might take one but not all
Factor in increased costs
Update plans as pet numbers change
Elderly or Ill Pets
Be realistic about care needs
Consider quality of life
Increase financial provisions
Discuss end-of-life decisions
May need specialised guardian
Exotic Pets
Require knowledgeable guardians
Check legal requirements (some need licenses)
Higher vet costs
Specialist equipment needs
Consider zoo or sanctuary options
Horses and Livestock
Significant ongoing costs
Require appropriate facilities
Consider loan agreements
Look into sanctuary options
May need professional care
UK Pet Charity Schemes
If personal guardianship isn't possible, these charities offer excellent alternatives:
Dogs Trust Canine Care Card
Free to register
Care for dogs if owner dies or becomes seriously ill
Rehoming through their network
No age limit for dogs
Register at: dogstrust.org.uk
Cats Protection Guardian Service
Promises to never put a healthy cat down
Nationwide service
Find suitable new homes
Free registration
Visit: cats.org.uk
Blue Cross Pet Peace of Mind
Covers dogs, cats, small pets, and horses
Free registration
Partnership with solicitors for will inclusion
Emergency foster care available
Details at: bluecross.org.uk
RSPCA Home for Life
Accepts various pets
Lifetime care or rehoming
Suggested donation but not required
Must pre-register
Information: rspca.org.uk
Cinnamon Trust
Specifically helps elderly owners
Can provide temporary foster care
Long-term sanctuary for pets
Register at: cinnamon.org.uk
What Happens Without Planning?
If you make no arrangements (and apologies if some of these sound distressing, but this is the reality):
Immediate Crisis
Pets may be alone for days
Risk of dehydration/starvation
Extreme distress for animal
Legal Process
Pets go to residuary beneficiary
They may not want/can't keep pet
Family disputes possible
No funds for care
Likely Outcomes
Reluctant relatives take pet
Surrender to rescue centre
Rehoming to strangers
Possible euthanasia
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave money directly to my pet?
No, UK law doesn't allow this as pets can't own property. You must leave money to a person or trust with instructions (though not legally binding) to use it for pet care.
What if my chosen guardian's circumstances change?
This is why regular reviews matter. Update your will if your guardian moves, develops allergies, or their situation changes. Always have a backup guardian named.
Should I set up a pet trust?
For most pets, a simple gift in your will with money to the guardian suffices. Consider a trust for:
Multiple pets
Horses or expensive animals
When you don't fully trust the guardian with money
Very specific care requirements
Can I specify my pet should be put down rather than rehomed?
While you can express wishes, vets will make decisions based on the pet's welfare, not owner instructions. Focus instead on finding suitable care arrangements.
What about pet insurance after I die?
Most policies end on owner's death. Your guardian would need new insurance. Include policy details in your pet care letter so they know the pet's medical history.
How much money should I leave for pet care?
Calculate annual costs (food, vet, insurance) multiplied by pet's expected remaining lifespan, plus 20% for emergencies. For a middle-aged cat, this might be £5,000-£8,000.
Can my pet attend my funeral?
Yes, if arranged beforehand. Discuss with your funeral director and ensure someone is responsible for the pet during the service.
Taking Action: Your Pet Planning Checklist
Immediate Actions (Do Today):
Create emergency pet cards (if there is no one else regularly home)
Inform someone you have pets
Ensure pet is microchipped
Update microchip details
Short-term Actions (This Month):
Choose potential guardians
Have guardian conversations
Calculate care costs
Create pet care information sheet
Formal Planning (Next 3 Months):
Include pets in will (not essential but only legally binding if you you)
Set up financial provisions
Register with charity scheme (if applicable)
Add to your Letter of Wishes (especially if not included in will)
Ongoing Maintenance:
Annual plan review
Update after pet changes
Confirm guardian availability
Review financial provisions
FREE Resources and Downloads
Pet Care Information Template - Complete record for your pet's care after you die or are permanently unable to care for your pet
Emergency Wallet Card Template - Print and carry in case of serious illness, injury or death, so the emergency services know there is at least one pet in your home.
Pet Guardian Agreement Template - Informal agreement with chosen guardian to look after your pet following your death or permanent incapacitation
Pet Care Cost Calculator - Estimate lifetime costs for looking after your pet should you die or become permanently unable to look after your pet