What Happens to The Dog If I Don’t Come Home?

Most of us see our pets as part of the family. For some, they are their family, and, in rare cases, they might be the only family. But in the eyes of the law, they’re considered property – which might seem a harsh way of looking at our pets, especially for us Brits!

Around 17.2 million households in the UK have pets. Every year, thousands of them are rehomed because their owners can no longer care for them, whether due to death, illness, or sudden life changes. While not all of these cases are related to bereavement, many could be prevented with a clear legal plan in place.

It’s a tough thought to even contemplate, but the good news is, you can prevent anything bad happening to your furry friends, even if the worst should happen to you.

That’s why more and more families across the UK are now including pet clauses or setting up Pet Trusts as part of their Will. Recent figures suggest that around 37% of people are now taking steps to ensure their pets are properly protected after they’ve gone.

It's not just something that celebrities or the super-wealthy do either.

Whether you have a rescue cat or a pedigree prize-winner, there’s a simple way to make sure your animals are loved and looked after, no matter what the future holds.

What Actually Happens to Pets When There’s No Will?

If you die without a Will (or don’t mention your pet in it), what happens next depends entirely on your family and their circumstances.

Your pet could be:

• Rehomed or given to a shelter
• Passed between relatives with no clear care plan
• Left to someone who doesn’t want the responsibility
• Or caught in legal limbo if there’s a dispute

None of this is ideal, especially when the solution is so simple.

What is a Pet Trust?

A Pet Trust is a legal arrangement written into your Will which sets aside money for the care of your animal and names a trusted person (or people) to look after them.

You can:

✅ Choose who you want to care for your pet

✅ Allocate a specific amount of money for their food, vet bills, grooming, etc.

✅ Appoint someone to oversee that the money is used responsibly (known as a Trustee)

You can also write clear instructions about:

• Daily routines
• Medical needs
• Favourite foods or treats

And we all know that pets can be very particular. Especially cats…

What To Do If That Person Can No Longer Care for Them

A verbal promise isn’t enough. That’s the simple truth, even if a promise feels like it will be honoured.

You might have already spoken to a friend or family member who’s happy to take your pet if anything happens to you. But unless it’s legally documented in your Will, there’s no obligation for them to follow through (not that you would know about it – but that’s not the point).

Worse still, if someone else contests your Will, or your Estate gets tied up in probate, your pet’s future can be delayed or derailed entirely.

How To Include Your Pet in Your Will

There are two ways we help our clients do this at Secure Inheritance:

1. Pet Provision Clause

A simple clause in your Will that names a carer and outlines basic wishes (best for low-maintenance pets or when finances aren’t a concern).

2. Full Pet Trust

A more detailed legal structure that ring-fences money for their care, names a carer and a trustee to oversee the fund. This offers added legal protection and is ideal for long-living pets (like horses, parrots or tortoises) or those with ongoing health needs.

What If I Don’t Have Anyone I Trust?

You’re not alone. Many clients worry they don’t have a clear choice, or don’t want to “burden” family members.

That’s where we can help. We’ll guide you through the right questions, give you practical options, and help you write a Will that gives you real peace of mind, even if your situation feels complicated now.

The bottom line with all of this is that your pet can’t speak for themselves. But your Will can.

And including them isn’t difficult. It’s one of the kindest, simplest things you can do for the animals who’ve given you so much love.

If you want to make sure your pets are protected, then you can.

It really is as simple as making a call. 

Message us to set up your Will (it’s quicker than you think). Or ask about a Pet Trusts as part of your next Estate review.

After all, your legacy includes them too.