Immediate welfare, ownership under a will or intestacy, gifts and trusts, current charity schemes, microchip changes, costs and estate records.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Probate Process guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 9 min.
The person who has possession or control should make sure the animal's welfare needs are met while ownership and a suitable long-term arrangement are checked. Contact a vet, family member or animal welfare organisation if safe care cannot be provided.
No. An animal cannot own money. A will can give the pet to a person and make a separate gift of money to that person, or a solicitor can advise on a suitable trust or other structure.
No. The executor or administrator may need to protect and deal with an estate animal, but beneficial ownership depends on the facts, any co-ownership, the will and the estate entitlement. Do not assume possession settles ownership.
No. Schemes have eligibility, prior-registration, capacity and welfare conditions. Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and Cinnamon Trust publish current arrangements; RSPCA Home for Life no longer accepts new pets.
In England, the Microchipping of Cats and Dogs (England) Regulations 2023 require a new keeper to record the change with the database within the regulatory period. Different rules apply elsewhere in the UK.
Reasonable welfare and preservation costs may be estate administration expenses where the animal is an estate responsibility, but the facts and will matter. Keep invoices and distinguish temporary care from an informal long-term promise.