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Advice

What will happen to my pet when I die?

• Published 29/07/2021

I don’t need to tell you again how important our pets can be to us as a nation of animal lovers, in our previous blogs we have already looked at having a funeral for your pet, and even if it’s possible to leave money or property to your pet when you die.

So what about the care and responsibility of your pet should you pass away? Where will they go and who will look after them? In today’s blog we’ll take a look at your options should the worst happen.

Who will get custody of my pet when I die?

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Technically if you pass away with no next of kin and nobody named in your will, then your pet will actually become property of the Queen! You can read more about that legal loophole in this interesting article on Mirror.co.uk.

The good news is that is an extremely rare occurrence, and normally your pet will go to someone you actually know. If you and your pet already live with someone else and you have joint ownership of the pet, then they will normally stay together after your passing. When you don’t live with someone or have joint ownership, then the best thing to do is to name someone in your will who is going to take care of your pet; after all, your pet is classed as a personal belonging in the eyes of the law.

What if there’s nobody to take care of my pet after I die?

In the unfortunate instance of there being nobody appropriate to leave your pet with when you die, then the RSPCA are able to step in and find a new loving home for them. The RSPCA’s Home For Life scheme means that a pet who outlives their owner can find a brand new forever home, and means that you have peace of mind that your beloved furry companion will be well looked after. An information pack can be found on the link below:

Click to download: Home For Life Booklet

Hopefully this information can give you some comfort knowing that there are options available for you to take good care of your pet, even when you can’t be there for them yourself.