Making provision for your pets in your will

We all love our pets and we do not really think about preparing our wills to look after our pets, should we pass on. There are ways that one can prepare for this unfortunate event and there are law firms that can assist in drawing up this aspect of your will.

Even though we view our four-legged friends as family members, in the eyes of the law they are viewed as our property.

Dog owners must prepare a detailed will and testament to specify what will happen to their pets if they should pass away suddenly. Will your dogs be transferred to another person’s name or will your heir inherit all your dogs too?

Here are a few options:

· Testamentary Trust – Should you have a trust set up, you would be able to transfer ownership of the pets to the trust. Money is aside to take care of the pets with instructions on specific care for the pets (Kennel Union of South Africa, 2016).

· Inter-vivos Trust – According to the Kennel Union of South Africa, a curator would be appointed should the owner become unable to care for the pets due to serious injury, illness or advanced age.

· Will Provision – A person can be left money and assets on the grounds they take care of your pets. Pets cannot be left money or property as they can not enforce their rights.

· Informal arrangement – A less complicated arrangement and at no cost, this agreement places a trusted family member or friend as caretaker to your pets, although it gives you no control over how your pets will be cared for after you have gone.

· Other things to consider – The Kennel Union of South Africa recommends carrying information on your person stating who will take care of your pets should you pass and you live alone.

Estate planning is nobody’s favourite pastime, but it’s vitally important to your dogs’ health and well-being.

Your furry friends love you unconditionally so let's not leave them scared and alone. Let's look after them even after we depart.