Multiple surveys conclude that the majority of adults in the UK own a pet, and yet when I speak with people about their life and what their death would look like for their loved ones, very few mention their pets without prompting. However, pets hold huge importance in our lives and when we start planning ahead, most people definitely know who they would not want to look after their beloved animals if anything happened to them.
From dogs and cats to snakes and fish, considering their care in the event that you are unable to look after them is a must. Not only do pets require a person’s time to care for them, but there are insurances, vets bills and food costs that someone else will need to take on. You need to think about allergies, fears and your desired person’s ability to look after your pet to prevent the unfortunate reality of them ending up in shelters. I have 2 dogs (pictured). I have had conversations with the relevant people to get their consent and money has been allocated out of my estate to pay for the dogs’ needs for several years, so as not to burden them financially. Do you need to add your pets to your will?
Pets are also known to grieve and wait for, or search for, someone who does not return. When my Mum was taken into hospital unexpectedly and went onto end of life care, it was obvious that she was not going to leave the hospital again. I felt it was very important for the dogs, who loved her so much, to see her and realise how ill she was. The hospital agreed for them to be taken in. They kissed her, smelt her and lay with her (pictured). I believe this allowed them to understand why she didn’t come back, which is why they didn’t look for her. Would you want your pets to spend time with you?
Pets are part of our family and it is important to consider them, where possible, in end of life plans. Who will look after them, how will that care be paid for and how can you help them understand where their human has gone so as not to feel abandoned? It is never too early to consider the options available to you. It is imperative to plan ahead of time in order to make informed choices, so that your wishes will be known and respected when you reach the end of life.
Dayle Adams
