Who will look after my pet when I pass away?

For many Australians, pets are far more than just companions – they’re part of the family. They’re there for the everyday routines and rituals that shape our lives; from quiet nights on the couch to early mornings in the kitchen or in front of your laptop as you work from home. Over time, they become woven into our homes, our habits, and our sense of belonging.

Because of this, it’s only natural to think about their wellbeing – not just today, but in the future too. Yet one question many pet owners put off is: ‘What would happen if I was no longer around to care for my fur-babies?’

This concern reflects a deeper reality – the bond between people and their pets is often as meaningful as the relationships we share with other humans. Research has shown that companion animals can form part of our closest emotional networks, providing comfort, support and a sense of connection in everyday life.

Many pet lovers, however, aren’t certain about the best way to ensure their beloved pet would be safely provided for, particularly if they don’t have any trusted family or friends able or willing to step in as a guardian. Which is why planning for their future care isn’t just practical but an important part of looking after the family members who depend on us most.

Here are some ways you can consider to help future-proof your pet’s care.

Why planning for your pet’s future matters

If you were to pass away or become otherwise suddenly unable to care for your pet, and there was no documented plan in place nor any family member or friend ready to take on your pet, they may be taken to a local shelter or even euthanised. There may also be a period of delay where your pet would be left at home by themselves until further arrangements are made.

That’s why putting a clear plan in place can matter. Legal guidance highlights the importance of making arrangements for pets in advance, as they may otherwise need to be rehomed or cared for by authorities.

Having a clear guardianship plan in place can help your pet be taken under someone’s wing during an unstable and upsetting time so they can continue to receive the care they need in the long term.

How to choose a carer for your pet

If there’s no close family member or friend who already has a good relationship with your pet and could easily take over their guardianship if required, it’s recommended to choose another prospective carer who:

• Is familiar with your pet and their general care requirements
• Offers a suitable environment for your pet’s physical and mental needs. For example, rehoming a boisterous young working dog to an elderly family member, or a shy, sensitive dog to a busy household full of children may not work out well for anyone
• Has the means to provide for your pet’s day-to-day care expenses and medical needs
• Is not planning any big moves in the foreseeable future where they would be unable to take your pet
• Is willing to offer your pet the love and care they deserve

Circumstances can change, so it’s safest to plan at least one alternative in case your preferred carer can no longer fulfil the role.

Legal tools: Wills and pet guardianship

While many pets are informally passed between family members or friends when their original owner dies, this arrangement can potentially place a significant burden on the prospective carer.

To help ensure the wellbeing of their pet, some owners elect to make provisions for their pet in their will. Since pets are still regarded as property belonging to their owner, however, they can’t hold title to property or inherit money.

To support a pet’s future care financially, options can include leaving a legacy to a trusted person or setting up a trust fund with a nominated trustee. Seeking legal advice can help clarify how these arrangements work.

If you don’t have a family member or friend who you can trust with the care of your pet or you just want a backup plan, another option is to pre-emptively register your pet in a legacy program run by an animal welfare charity, such as those run by Animal Welfare League.

Once your pet is enrolled in the program, it can help ensure that in the event of your death, your pet is cared for and then adopted or fostered in a loving home in the longer term, often with veterinary check-ups and routine care included.

Pet care planning: Documenting your pet’s routine and needs

Unless your pet’s future carer already knows them very well, you should document a care plan for them, so that your animal companion continues to receive all the TLC and general health maintenance that they are used to receiving from you.

A good pet care plan should include instructions on:

• Your pet’s usual diet, including any special dietary requirements
• Their usual parasite control and vaccination routines, ideally with their up-to-date vaccination certificate/card included
• Their microchip paperwork, as ownership of your pet will need to be transferred to their new carer on the relevant microchip registry
• Any medications they are on
• Any known health issues they have
• A rough outline of their day-to-day routine
• Their usual veterinarian
• Any quirks your pet has, such as a specific toileting habit, preference for particular cat food or litter brands, bedtime routines or barking for a dental treat at a certain time of day

Supporting your family and pet through the transition

While it’s a confronting and potentially upsetting subject to broach, having a pragmatic conversation with your pet’s prospective future carer is imperative for ensuring that they know the plan, and they’re willing and able to step in quickly if required and give your beloved furry friend the TLC they deserve.

It’s also important to leave clear written instructions and any relevant documents in a place your family or friends can easily find.

If you enrol in a legacy program, you’ll usually receive guidance on what to do in an emergency – this may include carrying a card in your wallet to alert responders that you have a pet at home.

When it comes to your pet’s future, careful planning helps ensure they continue to live a life of comfort, safety and love.

Here are more articles you may be interested in as a pet parent:

• How to help your dog live a long and healthy life
• How to keep your indoor cat active, healthy and happy
• How pets can boost your mood: A caring, practical guide
• Here’s why you should adopt a pet

Discover more articles and insights on The Dish.

29 May 2026