Who will be the most mentioned parties in your will or living trust? Your children are probably number one, alongside your spouse. Then comes other family members like siblings and uncles. But as the list winds down and all the beneficiaries have had their moment, will there be a familiar face sitting in the corner, clawing at the wall in disgust of their exclusion? No, we’re not talking about your crazy cousin Ronny. We’re talking about your beloved pet!

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Now, when it comes to your will, we’re not suggesting you leave your whole fortune to Fluffy, but as one of your most dear family members who is also the most dependent on your care, it’s important to not overlook their needs after you’re gone.

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Thankfully, including a pet in your will can take many forms. Of course, for some people, this includes a little nest egg earmarked for their care. But for most, this just means making sure that your pet ends up in the best home, because great care doesn’t necessarily come from money—it comes from love!

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Why is it important to specify who should take care of my pet?

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Unless indicated in a will or living trust, the state may intervene in deciding who to pass the care of your pet. Typically if the pet was living in a home with other adults, aside from the deceased, the state will try to keep the pet in the same home under the care of those who will continue to live there. As an added measure, the court will also consider close family members, and then reach out to others in your network if necessary.

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However, problems arise when it’s not clear who the best recipient would be. This usually happens when the deceased was living alone or those still living in that home do not want the pet.

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The options for placing the pet in a new home may also dwindle for a variety of reasons one may overlook, such as allergies to that type of pet, living restrictions against pets, the financial cost of their care, as well as the time and energy needed to give them attention. Sometimes, the person in mention just isn’t willing or interested in taking care of the pet.

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Sadly, if all the options are exhausted and the state can’t find the right match, it’s possible for your pet to end up in a shelter—or worse—euthanized. This article is all about making sure that doesn’t happen!

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What can I do now to make sure my pet ends up in the best home?

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Letting your wishes known in your will or living trust is a great way to give yourself peace of mind while you’re here, and a happier life for your pet after you’re gone. Talk to your family and friends and see who you think would be a best fit for your pet’s care. Ask them about allergies, or if they’re comfortable with the kind of time commitment that comes with your pet.

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Keep in mind, however, that even if your will includes someone to take care of your pet, the legal system has no right to force ownership of a pet onto anyone who is unwilling to care for it. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date and keep tabs on your beneficiary to see if their situation changes. As lives change, so may your beneficiary’s ability to care for your pet, which means you may need to find a replacement.

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Where does a KindredBox fit in when it comes to caring for my pet?

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While the best place to indicate who your pet should go to is in a will, the best place for all the details is in your KindredBox!

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As every pet owner surely knows, animals tend to be quite unique, with their own specific personality differences—just like us humans. A new owner would have to understand their preferred diet, favorite toys, choice of veterinarian, prescriptions, sleep times, preferred amount of attention, and so much more. It may take a while for a new owner to get acclimated to the lifestyle your pet has been living, and for your pet to get used to their new owner as well! Make that transition smooth with help from KindredBox, your secure online repository of life’s most important information, including your pet documents.

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KindredBox keeps everything safe and only accessible to you, then transfers these records to your trustees after you’re gone. If you’re still wondering what belongs in a will and what should go in your KindredBox, here’s a helpful table for comparison:

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Thankfully, KindredBox has an entire section dedicated just to your furry companions, where we make it easy to list all these things in one place so those who survive you know exactly where to find it all. Sign up today or log in to start protecting your pet’s needs!