What will happen to my pet when I am gone? This is the question of many immigrants in Canada who own dogs, cats, among other household pets. The answer to it can be read more clearly in a well prepared will.
I know it seems strange to talk about wills and pets, but it turns out that these beings are also part of a family's life. In fact, it's amazing how they end up becoming loyal companions, loving friends and almost adopted children as we come to care for them. And how can you protect them after you pass away?
This is today's topic in a new article for the Immiland Law blog. This time, I will explain the importance of including decisions for pets in your will and how you can ensure their well-being even after your departure. Join me in reading to the end and, if you have questions, we can clear them up in a consultation. Let's get started!
Sadly, many people forget their pets when planning their estate. They focus on dividing the inheritance among siblings, children, spouses, etc., leaving aside these faithful animals who are also family and deserve to be considered in the will.
Pets are completely dependent on their owners for their care and well-being. By including provisions for them in the will, the owner can ensure that they continue to receive the necessary love and attention they enjoyed while the owner was alive.
It is necessary for the owner in charge of the pet to think about who would be able to guess the specific type of food their pet is eating if they do not write it down, who will know which veterinarian knows their pet's medical history, or who will speak to them with both tenderness and character after their departure. This is especially crucial if you do not have close family members in Canada or friends who can take care of them.
One of the most important decisions you can include in your will is the designation of a caretaker for your pets. It should be someone you trust or a person who is willing and able to provide a loving and suitable home.
I recommend that you discuss this possible designation with the person you have chosen beforehand to make sure that they are in agreement and willing to assume such a responsibility. One way to approach this conversation may be to invite her to a friendly meeting where she expresses her willingness to ensure the welfare of your pet in the event of your death.
In these cases, transparency of your intentions will be key, then you can clearly specify who will be the designated caregiver and provide detailed instructions about their feeding, medical care and any other special needs they have.
As much love as your designated caregiver has for you and your pets, it is natural that financial resources must be allocated to cover the expenses associated with your pets. This may include money for food, periodic visits to the veterinarian, medical care such as vaccinations, spaying and neutering, etc., and any other related expenses.
Here again, I recommend being fair and very specific about how much money will be allocated and how it should be used to ensure the continued well-being of your pets.
I have always stressed the usefulness of having a plan A, a plan B and even a plan C! So it is essential that you take the time to make an alternative judgement in case the designated caregiver is unable to assume responsibility for your pet or if circumstances change, for example, an illness occurs, or a change of province is made, new responsibilities are acquired such as having children. In short, the dynamics of human life that your designated caregiver may experience.
In these cases, I recommend that you name an optional successor or leave other instructions on how your pets should be relocated safely and responsibly.
In this guide, I am only mentioning four crucial decisions, but there are many more and these depend on the unique circumstances of each person and their pet. Therefore, any concerns you have in this regard should be handled with a lawyer who is thoroughly familiar with the laws in Canada, as each province has its own way of legislating.
To ensure that your pet dispositions are valid and effective, I recommend that your estate planning be timely and well-directed with the guidance of a probate specialist. Immiland Law can help you draft clear and legal clauses in your will that protect your pets and meet the legal requirements of your province.
If you have doubts about how to properly handle the appointment of a pet sitter and the most convenient allocation of money for your pet's safekeeping, please consult our succession service.
Serious illness or death is unpredictable, but prevention can resolve such an unexpected event more calmly and easily. So it is advisable to take action as soon as possible.
We are a full-service, specialized firm for new immigrants to Canada and we are here to inform you and help you understand what estate planning options you have and how to protect the future of your faithful pets.
Including decisions in your will is a demonstration of wisdom, love and responsibility to your loved ones. If you would like to request the preparation of a probate document, you can schedule an appointment with an attorney at Immiland Law.
I hope this topic will be useful and guide you in your doubts and reflections. Thanks for reading to the end, see you next blog!
With love,
Immiland Law
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