How to include pets in your Will

The short answer

Pets cannot inherit — in New Zealand they are treated as property, like furniture or a car. But you can absolutely provide for them in your will. The standard approach is to leave your pet to a person you trust, and to leave money to that person for the pet’s care, together with written instructions about how your pet should be looked after.

Why pets need planning

Your pet depends on you for everything. If you die without making arrangements, your pet may end up with someone who is not prepared, or in a shelter, or at the centre of a dispute between family members who disagree about who should take them. A few sentences in your will — and a little planning — avoid all of that.

The practical approach

Providing for a pet usually involves four steps:

• choose a caregiver — someone who genuinely wants your pet and can care for them long-term;
• ask them first, and confirm they are willing;
• name them in your will as the person who receives your pet; and
• leave money to them for the pet’s care, and record your wishes in writing.

Because a pet is property, the caregiver owns the pet once the gift takes effect. The care fund you leave is a gift to them — so the arrangement works on trust and clear communication, not on legal compulsion. A written care letter describing your pet’s needs makes it far more likely your wishes will be followed.

How much money to leave

Think about what your pet actually needs:

• food, vet bills and routine care;
• grooming, boarding or medication;
• one-off costs such as setting up a new home; and
• a cushion for unexpected health issues.

A realistic care fund depends on the animal and its age. Whatever amount you choose, tell the caregiver what it is for, so there are no surprises and no bad feeling later.

Write a care letter

Alongside the will, keep a simple letter covering:

• feeding routines and diet;
• veterinary care and any regular medication;
• daily needs, exercise and behaviour;
• your pet’s personality and what they need to feel safe; and
• who should step in if the first caregiver cannot keep them.

Keep the letter with your will, and make sure the caregiver knows it exists. Update it when your pet’s needs change.

Pets and trusts

Some people ask about setting up a trust for a pet. In New Zealand, a trust set up purely for a pet’s care may not be recognised, because the law generally does not allow trusts for non-charitable purposes. The practical alternative is the approach above: a trusted caregiver, a care fund, and clear written wishes. If you have a large amount of money or want binding arrangements, get legal advice about the options.

Common mistakes

Avoid these:

• assuming your pet will inherit — they cannot;
• naming a caregiver without asking them first;
• leaving the pet but no money for its care;
• leaving money but no instructions;
• forgetting to name a backup caregiver; and
• never telling anyone about the arrangements.

The bottom line

You cannot leave money to your cat, but you can make sure your cat is loved and cared for after you are gone. Choose a caregiver who has said yes, leave a realistic care fund, and write down exactly what your pet needs. It is a small part of the will that means everything to the animal who relies on you. Our guide on specific gifts covers how to leave individual items clearly.