pet trusts

As much as we love our furry friends, leaving everything to your dog in British Columbia in your will is not legally possible.

Under British Columbia’s Wills, Estates, and Succession Act (WESA), pets are considered as property and cannot inherit property or hold legal ownership. This means that you cannot name your dog or cat as a beneficiary in your will or leave any assets solely to your pet.

So, what are your options?

A Pet Trust

There are still legal options available to ensure that your beloved pet is taken care of after you pass away. One option is to create a pet trust, which is a legal agreement that appoints a trustee to manage the funds set aside for the care of your pet. The trustee will be responsible for ensuring that the funds are used for the pet’s care and can make decisions regarding the pet’s health, living arrangements, and other needs.

To create a pet trust, you can specify in your will how much money you want to set aside for your pet’s care, name a trustee to manage the funds, and provide detailed instructions on how your pet should be cared for. It is important to choose a trustee who is reliable and trustworthy and who will be able to carry out your wishes and, most of all, is an animal lover through and through.

Guardianship for Pets

Another option is to appoint a guardian for your pet in your will. You can name a person or organization to take care of your pet after you pass away and provide them with instructions on how to care for your pet. This can include information on your pet’s diet, medical history, and preferences. You can also appoint secondary guardians to ensure you have left options for someone to look after your fuzzy friend.

While it is not possible to leave everything to your dog in British Columbia in your will, there are legal options available to ensure that your pet is taken care of after you pass away. By creating a pet trust or appointing a guardian, you can have peace of mind knowing that your furry friend will be taken care of even after you are gone.

This article is intended to be informative and does not replace or constitute legal advice. No lawyer-client, advisory, or fiduciary or other relationship is created by viewing this article.

If you have questions about the estate process as it pertains to your pet(s), or questions about another legal matter, contact Zachary Dallman for a complimentary consultation. You can book a consult through www.macushlaw.ca using our booking system or contact Zachary at [email protected] or 778.653.6163.