A Veterinarian's Guide to Choosing a Pet Guardian in Your Will

By Dr Aish, veterinarian at Vets at Home.

Dr Aish has also written about this topic on the Vets at Home blog.

As a vet, end-of-life care is an everyday conversation. Our faithful companions join us for such a short time on our life journeys. Before I moved to holistic-only care, I worked as a mobile veterinarian providing in-home palliative services for pets. It was both difficult and an honour to be invited into someone’s home to bear witness to one of their most heartbreaking days: saying goodbye to a cherished loved one.

We often think about saying goodbye to our pets. But what happens if our pets need to say goodbye to us? A reality of being born is that one day we will not be here anymore, and we cannot really predict when that day comes. I hope to live a life filled with pets until my final day. If I go first, I need to make sure my pets will be cared for in the manner they have become accustomed to.

Having a husband who works in the Will business, thinking about end-of-life provisions is also a regular topic in our household. I do not think we need to dwell on the subject, but we should not avoid it either. A plan helps ensure our pets will be looked after.

With some consideration and planning (which should be done at any age), you and your pet can enjoy the ongoing joys of shared, loving companionship.

Many pet owners assume a family member or friend will “step in” if something happens. That may not always be the case. Naming a pet guardian in your Will helps ensure your beloved companion continues to receive the care and attention they deserve. For more general tips, see 5 things to consider when choosing a pet guardian.

Here are the key things to consider before choosing someone to care for your pet after you are gone.

1. Choose someone who truly loves animals

The most obvious consideration is whether the person genuinely enjoys and understands animals. Caring for a pet is a long-term responsibility that involves time, patience, affection, and financial commitment.

A good pet guardian should:

• have experience caring for pets
• be comfortable handling your pet’s temperament and needs
• understand the emotional commitment involved
• be willing to provide a loving, stable home

Even if someone is close to you personally, they may not necessarily be the right fit for your pet.

2. Consider your pet’s specific needs

Every pet has unique requirements. Some animals need extensive grooming, regular medication, behavioural support, or specialised diets. Others may struggle with change or separation anxiety.

Ask yourself:

• Does this person have the time and lifestyle to care for my pet?
• Are they physically capable of handling the animal?
• Do they have suitable housing or outdoor space?
• Can they manage ongoing veterinary or medical needs?

For example, a young and energetic dog may thrive with an active family, while an elderly cat may be better suited to a quiet home.

3. Speak with your nominated pet guardian first

One of the biggest mistakes people make is naming a pet guardian in their Will without discussing it beforehand. Never assume someone is willing, or able, to take on the responsibility.

Have an honest conversation about:

• the level of care your pet requires
• your expectations for their ongoing care
• any financial assistance you plan to leave
• what would happen if circumstances change

Obtaining clear agreement in advance can help avoid confusion, stress, or disputes later.

4. Name a backup pet guardian in your Will

Life circumstances can change unexpectedly. The person you originally nominate may relocate, develop health issues, or no longer be in a position to care for your pet when the time comes.

For this reason, it is wise to nominate:

• a primary pet guardian
• one or more backup guardians

This provides additional security and flexibility if your first choice is unavailable. When you document this in a Will, a visual plan can help you see primary and backup pet carers alongside your other appointments at a glance.

5. Leave detailed pet care instructions

Your Will can name who should care for your pet, but it usually does not include day-to-day care details.

Consider creating a separate document that includes:

• feeding schedules and dietary needs
• veterinary information
• medications and medical history
• behavioural quirks or anxieties
• exercise routines
• favourite toys, treats, or sleeping habits

The more information you provide, the easier the transition will be for both your pet and their new caregiver. Store that sheet with your Will or tell your executor where to find it, so it is available when needed.

6. Think about financial support

Pets can be expensive, especially when you factor in food, grooming, veterinary bills, medications, and boarding.

Some people choose to leave:

• a lump sum to assist with ongoing care
• instructions for how funds should be used

Providing financial support can reduce the burden on the guardian and help ensure your pet maintains the quality of life you intended. How gifts and trusts are worded in a Will can be legally sensitive, so seek advice if your plan is more than straightforward.

7. Review your choice regularly

Estate planning is not a “set and forget” exercise. Relationships, living arrangements, and financial circumstances can change over time.

Review your Will and pet care arrangements:

• after major life events
• if you adopt a new pet
• if your nominated guardian’s situation changes
• every few years as part of general estate planning

Keeping your documents current helps ensure your wishes remain practical and enforceable.

Final thoughts

Planning for your pet’s future is one of the most compassionate steps you can take as a pet owner. Choosing the right guardian involves more than simply selecting a trusted friend or family member. It requires thoughtful consideration of your pet’s personality, needs, and long-term wellbeing.

By having open conversations, documenting your wishes clearly, and reviewing your arrangements regularly, you can gain peace of mind knowing your furry family member will continue to be cared for if the unexpected happens.

Pet guardian options in Australia

Under Australian law, pets are generally treated as property, so your Will usually appoints a carer (often called a pet guardian) rather than leaving money directly to the animal. You can still record who should take your pet, who is the backup if they cannot, and whether you want to leave a gift to help fund ongoing care.

When you are ready to put this in a Will, Will Hero is the Australian platform my family uses and the one I most often walk pet owners through. You can name a primary pet carer, add unlimited backup carers if your first choice cannot take your pet, and record care directions in the guided flow. That matters because section 4 above only helps if your Will can actually capture a backup—not just a single name.

Will Hero is the only online Will platform I know of in Australia that offers backup pet carers in this way. It sits alongside the separate care sheet described above, so your guardian has both a legal appointment and practical day-to-day detail. For complex estates, speak to a solicitor; Will Hero is document preparation, not veterinary or legal advice.

Dr Aish Ryan, BVSc (Hons), BAnSc, GradDipABM, CVA, CVNN, CertIVTAE