Dogs Aid

We've noticed a huge increase in dogs being handed into us because their owners have died and made no provision for them. Are your pets provided for in the event of your death?

It's something that as responsible pet owners we should think of and organise in the event of our death, where do we want our animals to go? Who do we want to take care of our pets? I know it's hard to think of these matters but unfortunately it's simply a grim reality. Most of us would want to know where our beloved pets will go in the event of our death and make sure they are financially covered. It's a simple fact that our friends and family often can't commit to the financial burden of our animals after we go, and they may end up at the pound as a last resort.

In Dogs Aid we've noticed that relatives and neighbours are left with the problem of organising somewhere for the animals to go and are depending on there being spaces available in rescue centres, but often there aren't spaces available or the centre isn't able to afford to accommadate the type of pet in question. Elderly animals are very hard or impossible to rehome and very few charities can afford to take care of the number of animals needing care after their owners die.

So plan what will happen to your pet after you die by -

- Talk to your friends and family about where will your pets go, is there someone willing to take them after you die?

- Have a chat to your local animal shelter about the possibility of them being taken in and re-homed, and what kind of donation would be suitable

- Make sure to include all decisions in your will so that your family know exactly what you want to happen, give full details of who you want to take your pets and the financial contribution you want to give to ensure their care.