Executor questions regarding pets

What if the testator has pets?

If the testator has pets hopefully they have elected new guardians for the pets in their will. As the executor you must contact the new guardians, inform them of the wishes in the testator's will and arrange for the pets to be delivered to or picked up by the new guardians. Until they are with the new guardians you should care for the pets.

Can a pet be left assets in a will??

Yes pets can be left assets in a will. They can also be given tenant rights to the testators property while still alive. For example a testator may leave a house to a family member however that family member may be required to allow the pet to live their for the remained of it’s life otherwise the family member may not inherit the house.

What if I can't care for the pets?

If your personal circumstances mean you are unable to care for pets you have new guardianship for first speak with family and friends to see if they can care for the pets. If not find someone on your local community who can or search facebook for appropriate pet related groups to find a new owner. Your very last resort is to take the pet to a shelter but this should be the very very last option after you have tried family, friends, local community groups and facebook groups.