Plan For Your Pets

Nobody likes to think about future planning for our pets, we want to be with them forever, but it really is essential to make plans that will protect your pets when you can no longer care for them. You write wills to protect property and investments, and it is equally as important to make provision for your furry family too!

So what should you do?

First and foremost, check your will. Think about who your would like to take on the responsibility for your pet or pets when you are no longer there. Can they provide a stable and loving home? Do they have appropriate space and plenty of time to accommodate the pet? What financial provision would be appropriate? Make sure you consider the impact that taking responsibility for the pet or pets would have on them, and have a conversation with them to consider all the variables. Once you have agreed a guardian, finances and arrangements, clearly state your instructions in your will.

For the majority of us pets are a beloved member of our family, and we want to ensure that plans for their future care cover all eventualities. Circumstances change, so there will always be the possibility that the person you hope to leave your pet with may not be able to honour the agreement through no fault of their own. There are a number of organisations who can be on standby to assist should that scenario present itself.

These organisations give peace of mind to pet owners that their pet will be in safe hands, and there are various services that you can register with, offering differing levels of care and provision. This means that you should be able to find exactly what works for you.

Here are some options:

The Cinnamon Trust - The national charity for older people and their pet. www.cinnamon.org.uk

RSPCA Home For Life Scheme - The national pet care charity, for all types of pet. https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/care/homeforlife/howtoapply

Dogs Trust - Dog guardian service https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/

Cats Protection League - Cat guardian service https://www.cats.org.uk

So, make a robust plan for your pet or pets, and then carry on enjoying those fluffy cuddles, safe in the knowledge that your pet will continue to thrive and enjoy those cuddles after you are no longer there to give them.