Planning for your pets when you pass away is a must, animal experts say
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We go above and beyond for our pets every day, putting so much care into their routines, comfort and happiness, but often overlook what happens if we’re not there.
Nearly half of adult New Zealanders don’t have a will, leaving uncertainty for your loved ones, and the animals that depend on you. Qualified pet behaviour experts Lisa Fern, owner of Kiwi Canine, and Maria Alomajan, owner of Canine by Nature, support future planning and offer their expert guidance.
Plan for your pets this Wills Week
This Wills Week (13-19 July), Public Trust is raising greater awareness about planning for our pets after we pass away. In New Zealand, pets are treated as property under the law. That means you cannot leave money or assets directly to your pet. But you can leave your pet to someone you trust in your will, along with funds to support their care*, and set out how you’d like them looked after in a statement of wishes.
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.
Keeping instructions in your will simple and clear can make things a lot easier when your estate is being administered after you die.
Think of meaningful instructions
Maria says don’t forget the little things when you’re writing instructions for your pet’s care.
“These are the gems that bring joy to their world,” she says.
“Like how you share that apple just before bed, how you give them that treat when they come in at night, how you let them lick your takeaway coffee cup, how they like a tummy rub during Country Calendar, and how they communicate their needs to you even though you speak different languages.”
Lisa says it’s important to remember you’re not just passing on information, you’re helping someone understand who your pet is as an individual.
“Details about routines, preferences, fears, social relationships and behaviour can make the transition much smoother. Focus on providing information that helps a future caregiver understand your pet's needs and welfare, rather than prescribing every detail of their daily life,” Lisa says.
Make the transition as easy as you can
Maria and Lisa both agree it’s important to introduce your pet to their future guardian before it might be needed, as this can make the transition a lot easier.
“Ensure your pet is familiar with and has a positive relationship with their future caregiver. You want your pet and the new caregiver to have built a strong history of fun, positive interactions before they have to live together,” Maria says.
Keep a close eye on the pet for how they’re coping, and don’t be afraid to reach out to experts if you need to.
“It's common to see behavioural changes following a major disruption,” Lisa says.
The pet might become withdrawn, unsettled or anxious, or show other signs of adjusting to a new guardian, routine and home.
“Most of these changes will be temporary, and your pet will need comfort, support, care and love. But if the new caregiver isn’t sure what to do, speak to your vet or a qualified behaviour consultant,” Maria says.
Think about their best interests
Sometimes, the best person to inherit your pet isn't necessarily the person who will keep them permanently, Lisa says.
“In some situations, appointing a trusted person to oversee your pet's care and find the most suitable long-term home can be a better welfare outcome than placing them with someone who may not be able to meet their needs. The key is choosing someone who will advocate for your pet's best interests.”
*This type of gift is not legally binding. That means the caregiver is not obligated to use the funds for pet-related expenses.
Make a will
Find out everything you need to know about making a will with Public Trust or download our pet planning guide below.
A bit about our experts...
Maria Alomajan
With two decades of experience as an animal expert, Maria is a qualified dog behaviour consultant and dog trainer through IAABC and CANZ. She won the 2025 Te Tohu Maimoa award.
She has worked with dogs around the world in all sorts of situations, from puppy classes to street dogs in Asia, from dogs in commercials and live theatre to tracking in Africa. The owner of Canine by Nature, Maria, is a firm believer in three things: Do no harm to the animal; Agency for all animals; and Dialogue - listen to what the animal is telling you.
Lisa Fern
Lisa Fern is the founder of Kiwi Canine, a New Zealand-based dog enrichment and welfare store dedicated to ethical, science-based canine care. She is an IAABC Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (CDBC) and a CANZ Animal Behaviour Consultant (ABC), with a passion for helping people create happy, fulfilling lives with their dogs through positive, force-free practices. Through Kiwi Canine, Lisa carefully curates products and resources that support canine wellbeing, enrichment and responsible pet guardianship.