One-third of pet owners include pets in wills

Almost one-third of pet owners in the UK have included their dogs or cats in their wills, according to new research. The study reveals that many people are opting to provide for their pets after they pass away. Around 25% of survey participants have formally named a guardian for their pets in their wills. This trend has been influenced by celebrities like Joan Rivers and Karl Lagerfeld, who ensured their pets would be taken care of financially. While not everyone has a fortune to leave behind, many set aside between £1,000 and £5,000 for their pets’ needs. Interestingly, 54% of pet owners would prefer to leave a legacy to their animals rather than to relatives. One in three would pass over a sibling, while 17% would choose pets over partners, and 15% over children. Despite this, 38% of those surveyed had not thought about their pets' future if they were no longer around. Adem Fehmi, a canine behaviorist with Rover.com, emphasized the importance of planning for pets' care. He suggested that pet owners should ensure their guardians understand their pets' unique needs and spend time with them. This helps create a smooth transition, making sure pets remain happy and secure after their owners are gone.