Adopting a new rescue dog is an emotional experience. After all, you’ve likely been waiting a while to find the perfect match. Plus, they’ve been through so much and you want nothing more than to shower them with love and the best that life has to offer. From top-of-the-line pet food, to purchasing a soft new doggie bed, to the endless toys and bully sticks, you are determined that your new fur baby will live like the king or queen they are.
These luxuries of life are all well and good but the number one (and often most overlooked) thing that should be on your list is to update or make your Last Will & Testament to include your new furry family member. It’s the only way to legally ensure your pet is cared for the way you would want, no matter what happens in life.
Including a pet in your Will lets you do some very important things.
A Will lets you appoint a guardian for your dog
Despite thinking of (and treating) our dogs as a family member, the majority of pet parents aren’t prepared for the unexpected when it comes to their furry friends. Only 7% have made formal arrangements for what happens to their pets if they die. Stats like this are shocking (but true) and can lead to very undesirable outcomes for your beloved furbabies.
For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to “hope for the best, but plan for the worst” to ensure that your dog is safe and well cared for should the unthinkable ever happen. Creating a Will is a great place to start—and thanks to technology like online Will platforms, it can be super easy too!
46% of pet owners believe a surviving family member will take care of their pet, but unfortunately, the sad reality is that often no one steps up, and the pet ends up in a local shelter. Especially considering what your rescue pup has already gone through, it’s best to put measures in place to avoid this outcome.
Taking on dog ownership is a huge financial responsibility, and there’s no guarantee that a close friend or family member will be able to take that on at any given time.
Tips on how to choose the best pet guardian
Having a Will allows you to formally and legally appoint someone to care for your dog. When choosing a pet guardian, ask yourself questions like:
Is this person physically and financially able to handle pet ownership?
Is this person able to provide the standard of living I’ve created for my pet?
Does their lifestyle fit my pet’s needs? (For example, if your dog isn’t kid-friendly, your pet guardian shouldn’t have kids or be planning to have kids.)
Does this person already have a relationship with your pup?
It’s essential to have an honest and upfront conversation with the person you select as pet guardian before including them in your Will, to make sure they are committed to the role should the need arise.
A Will allows you to leave a monetary legacy for your dog
Since pets are technically considered property in your Will, you can’t leave them any inheritance. But what you can do is leave a monetary gift to your pet’s guardian to help them manage the cost of caring for a dog.
Don’t worry if you haven’t thought of doing this before—you’re not alone. Of people who did make arrangements for their pets in their Will, only 2 in 5 left a monetary legacy for them.
When thinking about the sum of money you might want to leave your pet guardian, consider things like their favourite toys and bed, as well as a lump sum of money to cover costs like dog walkers and vet bills.
A Will is the only legal way to document a monetary legacy for your dog. Only you know the quality of life they are used to, and only you can make sure they can maintain it whether you’re around or not.
Now, show them who’s a good dog and include them in your Will!
A new rescue dog makes for a great companion and will bring a lot of joy into your life. But they are also a huge responsibility, and a Will is the only legal way to protect them fully.
Whether you see a lawyer or take advantage of an online service, consider making or updating your Will to include your fur babies. The peace of mind of knowing they will be cared for (no matter what) is better than a belly rub.
For anyone in need of a basic Will, an online platform is an affordable and convenient option. You can create a comprehensive and legal Will online in minutes and for a fraction of the cost of seeing a lawyer.
We’ve partnered with Epilogue, Canada’s only online estate planning platform founded by lawyers, to offer all Coveted Canines dog pawrents a fast and simple way to include their rescue pets in their estate planning. With Epilogue, you can go online and complete your Will in as little as 20 minutes and for a fraction of the cost of seeing a lawyer. Plus, all Coveted Canines adopters will receive a discount code in their “Congratulations” email!
If you have or are planning on rescuing a new doggo, we highly encourage you to add ‘make or update a Will’ to your to do list!