Recording Your Wishes for Pets and Their Care

For many of us, a pet is not just an animal — it is a daily companion, a source of comfort, and in many ways, a member of the family. Dogs that wait by the door. Cats that know exactly when it is time to be fed. The quiet presence of a creature who loves without condition.

When we think about putting our affairs in order, we spend a great deal of time on the big things: finances, property, letters to our children. And yet the care of a beloved pet is one of the most overlooked items in any personal plan — and one of the most practically important.

Who will look after your dog or cat or bird if something happens to you? Do they know the routines? The name of the vet? The little habits and preferences that make your pet feel at home?

Recording this information — clearly and lovingly — is a quiet act of care that benefits everyone, including your pet.

Choosing Someone to Trust With Their Care

The first and most important step is deciding who could take on the care of your pet, and talking with them about it. Not everyone can commit to a dog or a cat, especially if they travel, have allergies, or live in a smaller home. An honest conversation early on prevents distress later.

It is also worth having a backup — a second person who could step in if your first choice is not available at the time they are needed.

Once you have spoken with your chosen carer, write down their name and contact details somewhere your family will easily find them. Make sure they know where to find that information too.

Recording the Daily Routines

Pets are creatures of habit. A new carer who does not know the routine may find a confused or anxious animal on their hands — not because anything is wrong, but simply because everything feels unfamiliar.

Think about documenting:

• Feeding schedule — how much, how often, and what brand or type of food they prefer
• Exercise and outdoor habits — walks, garden access, or time outdoors
• Sleep and comfort — where they sleep, favourite spots, blankets or toys they find reassuring
• Any quirks — doors they need to be kept away from, sounds that frighten them, the way they signal that they want attention

This is not about being overly detailed. It is about giving a caring person enough to go on so that your pet's world remains as calm and familiar as possible during an uncertain time.

Veterinary and Medical Information

The name and contact details of your regular vet are essential — and easy to forget to write down. Note these clearly, along with:

• Your pet's name, age, breed, and any microchip or registration number
• Any existing medical conditions or ongoing treatments
• Current medications, doses, and where they are kept
• Any known allergies or food sensitivities
• When they are next due for vaccinations or check-ups

If your vet has a patient file under your name, let your trusted carer know to mention your name when they bring your pet in for the first time. A good vet will do everything they can to support continuity of care.

What Your Pet Means to You

Beyond the practical details, you might consider writing a few lines about who your pet is — their personality, the things that make them happy, the ways they have brought joy to your life.

This is not a requirement. But many people find it a meaningful thing to do. A new carer who understands that this dog was walked every morning at seven, or that this cat always sits in the sunny spot by the kitchen window, will care for them with more understanding and more love.

It is a way of introducing the animal you love to the person who will look after them.

Financial Provisions

Some people choose to leave a specific amount of money to cover the ongoing care of a pet, either as a direct gift to the carer or as part of a formal arrangement. If this is something you would like to consider, speaking with a solicitor or estate planner about the options available in your area is worth doing.

Even a simple note in your personal records — "I would like a sum set aside for [pet's name]'s care" — signals your intention clearly and gives your executor guidance to follow.

A Small Thing That Matters Enormously

Your pet does not understand wills or finances or plans. What they understand is routine, care, and a familiar voice. Recording your wishes for them is a way of ensuring that those things continue — and sparing the people you love from having to figure it out in the middle of an already difficult time.

Final Wishes includes a section where you can record all of your pet's care details, your trusted carer's information, and any notes you want to leave behind. Take a look at what you can record.