Think about this way – you’re on your sofa, chilling with your family, and your dog/cat curls up on your side. Doesn’t it feel warm, cosying up with your family? Sure, it does. And these are the moments to realise that your pet is more than just a pet. They’re family.

So if you’re going to plan a secure future for your family, would you leave your pet out? Of course not. Who will feed them? Who’d pay for their vet rounds? Who’d look after them once you’re gone?

We’re here to say that you can plan for your pets in your will. However, there’s a kick. Pet estate planning in India doesn’t allow you to directly leave money for your pet. The law views pets as property. But you can surely create a plan to ensure their safety, they’re loved, and cared for. And your furry friend will forever be grateful!

Let’s find out how to do that.

Name your pet in your estate plan

Avoid being vague and keep it precise. Mention the name of your pet, their species, and description. For example, you can say, “I leave my German Shepherd, Maxx (microchip no. xxxx), to my sister Anita Devi.”

This will avoid confusion and ensure which Max you’re referring to.

Select and name the guardian

Just like you may have chosen a godparent for your kid, you can select a pet guardian. Ideally, it can be someone who loves animals, is financially stable, responsible, and has time and space in their life for a pet.

Here’s a pro tip: Talk to the pet guardian before assigning them such a responsibility, as it can be a big commitment.

Set aside some funds

Your pet can’t walk into a bank and withdraw money, but they’ll need funds to eat and live. Set aside some money that can take care of their food and grooming costs, vet rounds, vaccinations, and emergencies. This ensures peace of mind and avoids any financial struggle for the guardian.

Appoint a trustee or executor

If you’re to leave money for your pet’s expenses, you’ll have to appoint a trustee/executor to ensure that the money is used for the right purpose.

This trustee or executor need not be the guardian themselves (or they can be). However, having two separate people ensures accountability.

Register your will

Technically, a handwritten will signed by the owner and two witnesses is valid. However, as per the Registration Act, 1908 in India, registering your will adds a legal shield, protecting it against disputes, temperament, or mysterious disappearances. It’s a small security measure with huge benefits.

Final thoughts

Before concluding, hear us out when we say it’s good to have a care letter for your pet along with your will. It can talk about the feeding schedule and food habits of your pet. Their regular vet’s details and other quirks, etc., can be included in the care letter. This isn’t legally necessary, but it can be of big help to the next pet guardian.

Your pet can’t speak for themselves. But a Will can speak for them forever. Including them in your legacy is more than just estate planning. It’s love. In legal form.

So, next time you’re playing fetch or scratching their chin, make sure to think about pet estate planning for them.

Need help to get started? Talk to us.