WHO GETS THE DOG? WHY YOUR PET NEEDS A PLAN FOR WHEN YOU’RE GONE

You’ve sorted the house, the money and who gets your prized possessions. But what happens to the dog?

Let's be honest: in some Australian households, the family pet is probably the favourite member

.

The dog gets the best spot on the couch, the cat runs the household, and everyone else is simply there to pay the bills.

But while most people spend plenty of time thinking about what happens to their money and belongings when they die, pets can be forgotten altogether.

That can leave grieving family members with a rather awkward question: who is actually taking the dog?

Family lawyer Michael Tiyce, of Tiyce & Lawyers, says pet owners should make arrangements for their animals as part of their estate planning.

“Over 60 per cent of Australian households have a pet, and yet so often they go completely unconsidered,” he says.

First, work out who gets custody

Unlike the family silver, your pet isn't something you can leave to someone and assume they'll happily take.

Start with someone you trust who is genuinely willing to take on your pet.

And that last part matters. Have the conversation before putting their name in your plans.

You might think your sister would love to inherit your spoilt cavoodle. She might have other ideas.

The person you choose should understand your pet's personality, routine and needs and be prepared to give them a home.

Don't leave the new owner with the vet bill

There is also the small matter of money.

Pets don't become free simply because their owner has died. There are still food bills, grooming,

veterinary appointments, medication and all the other expenses that come with keeping an animal happy and healthy.

Tiyce recommends considering financial support for your pet's ongoing care so the person taking them on isn't left footing the entire bill.

Leave the instruction manual

You know exactly how your pet likes their dinner, which treats are forbidden, which vet they see and what time they start demanding their evening walk.

Their new caregiver might not.

Leaving detailed instructions about their food, routine, medical history, and particular quirks can make the transition much easier.

And don't forget a back-up plan. If your first-choice caregiver can't take your pet when the time comes, someone else needs to be ready to step in.

Get your pet paperwork sorted

This is where things get a little less fluffy.

Including your pet in your estate planning can be more complicated than simply writing their name into your will.

Legal advice can help you understand the options available under Australian law and ensure your wishes are properly documented.

It can also spare your family from making difficult decisions while they're grieving.

Because while your dog may not understand the concept of a will, they will certainly notice if the person feeding them, walking them and giving them treats suddenly disappears.

And frankly, they deserve better than leaving their future to a family group chat argument.