How do I ensure that my pets are cared for if I were to pass away?

When writing your Will, you can include details as to who will look after your pet. Pet Legacies can relate to your current pet (who will be specifically named in your Will) or any pet who is living with you at the date of your death.

What stipulations can I make?

Who is to look after your pet. Should it be a friend or relative? Is it beneficial to speak to this person to ensure that they are able to do this? – What are their financial and domestic arrangements, allergies, etc?
To include a substitutional friend or relative to receive your pet should your first choice be unable to care for your pet for any reason.
Whether this person will receive a monetary gift for agreeing to look after your pet.
To leave a letter of wishes to include details of your pet. This can go into more detail, such as their likes/dislikes and all other relevant information for the new owner. These details can be updated as and when required, without the need to update your Will.

If your pet is to be rehomed you can suggest various charities, organisations or websites to be notified when looking for a new home. Your letter of wishes can be handed over to the new owner.

Trusts, and how do they work?

You will leave a sum of money or a share of your estate in trust. Please consider how much would be appropriate to cover your pet’s life. This will enable the new owner to have all costs in relation to the care of your pet to be paid from the Trust.

This will include:

Food
Vet bills
Medicines
Cattery/kennel costs
Insurance
Any other associated costs for your pet

You will need to appoint Trustees to deal with the administration of the Trust and decide who will receive the balance of the trust upon the death of your pet.

Can I leave monetary gifts to animal charities?

To leave a gift to an animal charity to rehome your pet – You may wish to speak with the charity before making a fixed decision as to their ability to rehome, and what their policy is with regard to how long they will keep your pet should they not be rehomed. It is beneficial to provide further instructions in your letter of wishes in the event that your pet cannot be accepted at the date of your death.
Whether to review the gift left in your Will on a regular basis – (Approx. every 3-5 years) to ensure the one-off gift is sufficient to meet with the needs of your pet or to add additional provisions for any new pets you may have gained over time.

Special Will-drafting discount for RSPCA Leeds and Wakefield charitable donations

If you are leaving a gift to RSPCA Leeds and Wakefield, you will be eligible for the special discount price of £50+VAT for a standard Will and £80+VAT for standard mirror Wills.

If there are any more complex issues to address within your Wills then we will provide you with details of our fees, in addition to the above for your approval before undertaking any work on your behalf.

Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd can assist you through this process and provide you with the necessary advice. Our team has gained an excellent reputation amongst local organisations and their client-base for delivering a personal and compassionate service.

As a firm, we pride ourselves on having a high standard of customer service and making all our current and potential clients feel at ease when making any decisions regarding their future wishes.

You will have a dedicated advisor who will work through the process with you from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have.

Your advisor will also continue to provide regular updates until your matter has been completed. We will ensure the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.

Charlotte Bandawe - Solicitor and Head of Department

Charlotte Bandawe is our Head of Wills and Probate department, leading a team of two other colleagues. Charlotte is also a member of Solicitors For the Elderly (SFE).

Pet Legacies

Providing for your beloved companions

How do I ensure that my pets are cared for if I were to pass away?

What stipulations can I make?

Trusts, and how do they work?

Can I leave monetary gifts to animal charities?

Charlotte Bandawe - Solicitor and Head of Department