Many of us consider our pets to be members of our family. Some have taken this idea even further, actually left their entire fortune to their pets on their death. An example of this is Karlotta Leibenstein. Ms. Leibenstein was a German countess and multi-millionaire who left $80 million to her dog, Gunther III. This fortune was inherited by Gunther III’s son, Gunther IV, who is now worth over $400 million. You can read more about Gunther IV and his luxurious lifestyle here (he owns a property in Miami that once belonged to Madonna). While you might not be able to leave your pet millions of dollars, you can set up a pet trust for them in your will.
Under Ontario law, pets are considered as property. As such, your executor will have the right to decide what happens to your pets. Your executor would have the power to choose where your pets go and can even decide to take them to a shelter or put them to sleep.
If you do not have a will, you will not be able to decide who will care for your pets after your death. The courts will appoint an executor for you. This person will be chosen from the members of your family who step forward to act as executor. The person that the court chooses might not be the person you would have chosen to act as your executor.
One way to protect your pets is to put a pet trust into your will. A pet trust will arrange for any pets to be cared for after their owner’s death. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your furry family members are cared for after your death.
