by Raye Hodgson

Created on: November 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 23, 2008

One of the greatest acts of love for your family and your pets is to provide for your pets in your will.

It is an act of love for your family, because a well drawn-up will answers questions and relieves grieving family from so many of the decisions that must be made. As one who has lost family members both with and without wills, I can tell you that having that document makes some of the necessary tasks much more manageable, leaving more time for the important matter of caring for survivors.

It is an act of love for your pets, because it provides a way for your heirs to care properly for the animals. Those with the most time, space and affection for pets may not have the money to care for them. Providing funds to cover food, medical and other expenses can make the difference between a transition to a new home and a disastrous end for your pets.

The strain of decision-making in the wake of the death of a loved one is so much greater when animals are involved. They cannot be put away in storage until someone knows what to do with them. They are living beings, whose lives have drastically changed, who are grieving and frightened, who need proper care and attention.

Often they themselves are older, with special dietary and medical needs. Sadly, many of them end up in animal shelters, with little likelihood of finding a new loving home. Young animals are much more "adoptable" than older animals, with or without special needs.

Once you recognize that you need to include provision for your animals in your will, how do you decide on the details? Here are some aspects of their care to consider:

What does it cost to care for them? Track all the costs to care for your pets. Include food, medicine, toys, bedding, waste management tools (litter, clean-up kits for urban dogs, absorbent materials for cages, etc.), travel items, grooming equipment, and so on. Include indirect expenses, such as shipping fees for specialty items like food for an exotic pet.

How old are they? Younger animals will probably live longer and so more money will be needed for food and annual visits to the vet for them for the rest of their lives. Older animals will not live as long but may begin to incur more veterinary expenses sooner, if they haven't already. You will need to make your best guess.

How likely are they to have offspring? You may breed your pet. Will your heir want to do the same? This is where clear communication will avoid difficulties. If you anticipate that they will reproduce, include

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