Who it's for
- Pet owners making or updating a will in England and Wales
- Owners of long-lived animals who want to plan ahead
- Anyone who wants their wishes for a pet written down
What's included
- About this template — pets as property, gifts with money for care, and trusts for long-lived animals
- What your pet guardian will need to know table
- Pet guardian clause: gift of pet and care fund, non-binding wishes, backup guardian and rescue fallback
- Pet details record for reference
Please note: the clause must be included in a properly signed and witnessed will — it does not work on its own.
Save with a bundle: get this plus 9 more documents in the Wills and Legal Bundle for £49.99.
See what's in the bundle →Key points covered
- Pets are property and cannot inherit, but you can leave them and money to a guardian
- Your wishes about care are expressed as wishes, not binding conditions
- Name a backup guardian and a rescue organisation as a fallback
- For very long-lived animals, consider a trust and take advice
- Keep pet details and a letter of wishes with your will and update them yearly
DocPilot templates are drafted from current legislation and official guidance (GOV.UK, legislation.gov.uk and the relevant regulators), checked against those sources and fully re-reviewed every six months. They are not legal advice. How we make our documents →
Read the guide
Related documents
Standard Will Template£19.99 · See what's included →Letter of Wishes£9.99 · See what's included →Mirror Wills Pack£24.99 · See what's included →
Questions
Can I leave money to my pet?
Not directly — pets are property. You leave the pet and a sum of money to a guardian for its care.
Can I make the guardian keep the pet?
The clause states your wishes, but they cannot be enforced as binding conditions. Choose someone you trust and name a backup.
Does it work on its own?
No. It must be included in a valid will, such as our Standard Will Template.
Is it in the Wills and Legal Bundle?
Yes. The Pet Guardian Will Clause is one of the documents in the bundle.
Pet Guardian Will Clause
£9.99 · Word + PDF · instant download
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