Whether it’s begging you for their morning breakfast, or curled up beside you in the evening, pets are part of our daily lives. But while many of us plan for their wellbeing today, have we thought about who will care for them if we're no longer able to?
We could lose capacity and no longer be able to take care of their needs or even pass away.
You might have made a will already, but is it up to date and does it include your precious pet?
Not everyone can take on a pet
“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,” explains Glenys Talivai, Public Trust Chief Executive.
“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,” Talivai says.
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, leave funds for their care in a will and set out how they’d like them looked after through a statement of wishes.
The importance of wills and EPAs
Having a will helps make your wishes clear for who you’d like to become the new guardian of your pet when you die, Talivai says.
But there’s another aspect that is often overlooked. What might happen if you end up unable to make decisions for yourself? Say you were to have a serious accident or illness, or develop dementia. Or even if you find yourself no longer able to take care of a pet in the way you might want to, due to health or mobility limitations. Who would make decisions for you and your pet?
That’s where enduring powers of attorney (EPAs) come in. EPAs allow you to choose a trusted person (your attorney) to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types of EPAs: one that covers management of your financial affairs and assets, and one that covers decisions about your health and welfare.
Your attorney would likely be the person making any important decisions about your pet’s care and where they might live in the future, so it’s important you trust them to make decisions in your best interests.
“A little planning now can help ensure your pet is looked after in the way you would want, giving you peace of mind for their future, as well as making things a lot easier for loved ones left behind,” Talivai says.
Make a will
Find out everything you need to know about making a will with Public Trust or download our pet planning guide below.