It's common knowledge that preparing a will is an important task to attend to while you're still fit and able. Making sure that your assets and money are left to the people you love is the prime function of a will, but for elderly people who have pets that may survive them, a will can also ensure that their pet receives continued love and care. If you have a pet that you'd like to include in your will, there are two main things to consider.
Who will care for your pet?
Taking on an animal is a big responsibility so it's important to seriously consider who the carer will be. Think about the animal's needs. Will it need to be walked daily, or require a large fenced garden? Or is it a small animal that will be happy in an apartment or townhouse?
Once you have a few candidates in mind, it's vital that you have a detailed conversation with them so that they can make an informed decision. Once you've reached an agreement with the chosen friend or loved one then you should make sure that they spend time with your pet regularly. This way, your pet will be familiar and comfortable with them in the unfortunate event of your passing.
How much money should you allocate for the care of your pet?
When calculating this cost you will need to factor in several things. Food, parasite treatments, vaccinations, vet health checks, and council registration should all be accounted for. The amount should be largely determined by the life expectancy of your pet after the time of your passing.
You should also include allowances for any unexpected emergency vet treatment that your pet may need in the case of serious illness or an accident. Vet care in these circumstances can be very costly, so it's a good idea to take out pet insurance that can be transferred to your pet's caregiver if you pass away.
It's a good idea to enlist the services of a lawyer who specialises in animal law to make sure that your wishes are fully included in your will and are legally binding. They can also make sure that your wishes are followed correctly after you have passed on.
For many people, pets are more than just animals—they are loved and valued family members. This is especially true of elderly people whose family has moved out or whose spouse has passed away. Making sure that your pet will be in good hands will offer you tremendous peace of mind. For more information, contact a law firm like Melke Legal.
Share27 March 2015
My name is Jeanette Kennan. I have been a high school legal studies teacher for many years. As such, I am fascinated by legal cases I come across in the media. Family and friends often consult me about minor matters related to the law and although no expert, I can often point them in the right direction. It occurred to me that there may be other people out there who are not aware of basic legal issues. After all, you probably don't think about legal matters related to death, accidents or crimes until you find yourself in a crisis situation. This blog is designed to give you some introductory information about a range of legal topics. Hopefully, it will help you to be prepared and informed should a legal concern arise. I really appreciate you breaking in to my humble little site. Please enjoy.