Media release
24 June 2026
This Wills Week (13-19 July), Public Trust is encouraging Kiwi to take a fresh look at how they plan for the future – including what happens to their pets.
New research reveals just how strong the bond is with our furry, scaly and fluffy friends. New Zealanders say they’re more emotionally invested in their pets than their love life, career and friends. Yet despite how much pets depend on us, our planning for them is confined to our own lifetime.
Public Trust Chief Executive Glenys Talivai says this gap shows up in how few Kiwi include their pets in their wills.
“We love our pets like family. We buy them organic food, heated blankets, special shampoo and toys. But while we invest in their day-to-day wellbeing, most people still haven’t made clear plans for what would happen to their pets when they die.”
“Nearly half of adult Kiwi don’t have a will, leaving uncertainty not just for your loved ones, but for the animals that depend on you,” says Talivai.
“Wills don’t go unwritten because people don’t care. For a lot of people, it’s the opposite. We care deeply about our families, including pets, and that’s why it gets put off. It can feel overwhelming.
“Many people think they’ll outlive their pets. But with around half of over-65 households owning a companion animal, it’s something we shouldn’t overlook.
“There’s also a common assumption a friend or family member will take on the pet when the owner dies. But who is that person? Are they able to provide the care your pet needs? It’s best to check. One of our customers has planned this carefully, finding the right home for each of her pets – with her axolotl going to one sister and her cat to another.”
In New Zealand, pets are treated as property under the law. While they can’t inherit directly, owners can nominate a trusted person to care for them and leave funds for their care in a will and set out how they’d like them looked after through a statement of wishes.
“Even small details, like noting down their diet, medication, the treats they love, and daily routines can make a big difference to an animal’s wellbeing. A little planning goes a long way in making sure your pet is looked after as you would want,” says Talivai.
Public Trust has released a practical guide to help families plan for their pet’s future after they’re gone. This Wills Week it is encouraging New Zealanders to:
· Choose someone willing and able to care for your pet and talk it through with them.
· Make or update your will, naming your pet guardian.
· With or without a pet, start the conversation about what you want to happen when you’re gone.
A statement of wishes can be used to share practical details that make it easier for others to step in to care for your pet. It’s a non-legally binding document that accompanies a will.
Download Public Trust’s pet planning guide.
Latest NZ wills trends from Public Trust
· Pets are prioritised over property: In a new survey of over 1,000 New Zealanders, pet owners told Public Trust they are more emotionally invested in their pets than their love life, finances, career, friends and extended family. Pets are only behind children, grandchildren and a significant other.*
· Planning gap: The common reasons people don’t plan for pets are: “I’ll outlive them” (39%), “haven’t thought about it” (31%), and assuming family or friends will step in (23%).*
· Pet planning skews younger and female: 1 in 20 Public Trust wills include pets, rising to 1 in 10 among millennials aged 30-39. Women are significantly more likely to make these plans.**
· Going digital: 75% of new wills with Public Trust are completed online.**
· Pet cause: Around 8% of Public Trust wills include a charitable gift, with strong support for animal welfare alongside health and medical research, and faith-based causes.**
· Will uptake: Around half of adult New Zealanders have a will in place.***
Sources:
TRA for Public Trust, nationally representative survey (n=1,007), 2026
* Public Trust wills data
*** Public Trust market research
New Zealand’s rates of pet ownership: 2024 NZ Pet Data Report - Companion Animals New Zealand
ENDS
Interviews: Public Trust experts – accompanied by their pets – are available.
We also have wills customers with pets ranging from cats and dogs, to guinea pigs and axolotls, who are willing to share their personal stories.
Media please contact: Georgie Hills, [email protected], 0212593016
About Public Trust: When most people think of making a will, they often think of Public Trust. Public Trust is an autonomous Crown entity and New Zealand’s largest provider of trustee and estate administration services. From writing wills and managing estates, to caring for trusts and protecting vulnerable people, we help individuals and families work through some of life’s most emotionally charged moments. We’re 100% owned by New Zealand. www.publictrust.co.nz