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With an ever-increasing number of people in Australia living alone either by their own choice or through circumstances not of their choosing, it is not uncommon for pets to be left on their own when their owner dies.
A report commissioned by the Australian Seniors Insurance Agency showed nearly half of the surveyed seniors who owned pets (46.5 per cent) had not planned who would take care of their animal if they or their partner were to pass away.
More than half (53.5 per cent) of seniors who own pets have some sort of plan in place on who would take care of their pets if they were to pass away before them, although more than one in four (27.4 per cent) say it is only a vague one.
Given an abundance of research highlighting the physical, social and psychological benefits of pet ownership for people of all ages, the ideal situation is for people to be able to enjoy their pets secure in the knowledge their animals ill be taken care of in the unfortunate event that they happen to outlive their owners.
Ideally, a trusted family member or friend will be able to take care of your furry friend when you are gone.
Where this is not possible, programs such as RSPCA’s Home Ever After Service (NSW) or A Home Forever (WA) program are designed to care for cats and dogs before suitable pets are rehomed with potential owners who have undergone a thorough interview to ensure the animal and its new family are a good match.
Those wishing to use the service are asked to consider leaving the RSPCA a gift in their will. As a non-government, not-for-profit charity, a significant proportion of the RSPCA’s funding comes from people kind enough to bequeath donations.
Visit your state’s RSPCA website for advice on wording your will to reflect your wishes to leave a gift for the organisation.
Pet owners seeking peace of mind may wish to visit a solicitor to have their will updated so clear plans are place to ensure the ongoing welfare of their beloved pets in the event that they outlive their owners.