When pet owners die What happens to my pet when I die? 04/23/2026 from Mascha Dinter

Many people make provisions for the event of their death. They regulate their inheritance matters in a will, draw up a living will and issue a health care proxy. Pet owners should also ask themselves the question: What happens to my pet when I die? Because as unpleasant as it is to deal with your own death, it is reassuring to know that your pet is in good and caring hands even in this case.

Legally speaking, an animal is part of the estate of the deceased person. Unless otherwise stipulated in the will, it passes to the heirs in accordance with intestate succession. This means that they assume responsibility for the animal and must ensure that it is cared for and looked after appropriately. If they cannot or do not want to look after it themselves, they can also pass it on to suitable hands. If there are no relatives or they waive their inheritance, the animals are usually placed in animal shelters via the authorities until a probate court decides on the estate. This can often take several months. During this time, the animal shelters bear the care costs without knowing whether and by whom they will later be reimbursed.

Katharina Schneider, Head of the Legal Department at the German Animal Welfare Association, advises pet owners to consider the question of who can offer the animal a new home after its death at an early stage. For example, friends, relatives or neighbors - preferably people who already know the animal and to whom it has a connection. "Before I ask someone to adopt my pet, I should think about the same things I did when I bought it," says Schneider. This includes, for example, the question of the living situation: Is there enough space? Do the landlords even allow pets to be kept? The time component should also not be underestimated. "A dog needs at least two walks a day, cats need daily exercise and small animals such as guinea pigs or rabbits also need regular care." The costs should not be ignored either. "Food, veterinary treatment, insurance and any medication add up. Owners should clarify all of this early on," advises Schneider.

It is also important to ask about any health issues in advance: does the animal need regular medication, special food or special care? Especially in the case of chronically ill or old animals, this is a crucial point that owners should discuss with their future owners. According to Schneider, this also applies in particular to animals with very demanding husbandry conditions and those that are difficult for an animal shelter to place, such as exotic animals or larger animals like horses.

To relieve the burden on the bereaved and ensure that all important information about the animal is available, it is advisable to record this in writing and create an emergency folder. In addition to contact details for the veterinary practice and instructions for feeding or administering medication, this should also contain important documents such as veterinary records or the EU pet passport.

As nice as this idea may be for some owners, and even if we occasionally hear of deceased celebrities who have bequeathed everything to their dogs: Legally, animals cannot be used as heirs. "However, if you want to ensure that your pet is well looked after for the rest of your life, you can make provisions in your will," says Schneider. In a will, pet owners can oblige their heirs to use a fixed amount of money exclusively for the animal, for example for veterinary treatment, dog tax or food. "If a third person is to take over the animal, this amount can also be paid directly to this person as a legacy." Important to know: A will must be handwritten and signed. It should also be dated. Alternatively, it can also be drawn up by a notary, but this is not obligatory.

Another option: Owners can also set up a separate savings account exclusively for the care of the animal. The sum should be generous so that the animal is guaranteed to be looked after for the rest of its life. To ensure that the money actually benefits the animal, you can include control mechanisms in the will, such as an annual payment against proof of regular veterinary examinations.

In addition to a will, a power of attorney for pet care is a good way to regulate the practical care of the animal. "In it, pet owners can specifically stipulate that a certain person is authorized, for example, to go into the home and take the animal and its accessories in the event of their death," explains Schneider. This means that the selected persons can take action and take possession of the animals even before the will is opened, which usually only takes place one to six months after death. There is no specific form for this. However, the content should be recorded in writing and the person concerned should be in possession of the document so that they can act quickly in an emergency.

It is not always possible to find a suitable person in your personal environment who can take over the animal. In such cases, owners can involve animal welfare organizations or animal shelters in their estate planning and inquire about support options. Many of these facilities offer to take in animals, care for them and place them in a suitable new home - but usually only if financial security is agreed in the will, such as a certain amount, a legacy or even a bequest to the animal welfare organization. "In this case too, you should agree in advance to what extent the associations can actually take on an animal," advises Schneider.

It should also not be forgotten that the death of a loved one is not only painful for family and friends. Pets that had a close bond with their owners also grieve. This can manifest itself in anxious, frightened or apathetic behavior, for example. Some animals even refuse to eat. This makes it all the more important that the new caregiver treats the animal sensitively, gives it time to get used to the new situation and makes it feel safe and secure. Familiar rituals and familiar objects such as the basket or favorite toy can help.

Provision is not only important in the event of death. Sudden hospitalization, accidents or health restrictions can also mean that owners are temporarily unable to look after their pet themselves. It is therefore advisable to plan ahead for such situations and clarify who can step in. Ideally, owners should have built up a network of pet sitters who already know the animal and can step in in an emergency. They should then be informed about the animal's special characteristics, illnesses and necessary medication so that they can continue to care for the animal accordingly. It can also be useful to carry an emergency note with you. In the event of an accident, for example, this will tell you who to contact and that the animal needs to be cared for.

Basically, if you are thinking about buying an animal, it is best to consider both its life expectancy and your own stage of life. Cats, for example, can live up to 20 years. Tortoises live much longer and can outlive their owners by decades. Older people in particular should choose animal companions whose needs match their everyday life and living situation. Instead of an energetic puppy, a calm, mature dog from an animal shelter may be a better choice. Many dogs and cats whose owners have passed away live in animal shelters. These are often older animalswhich are not always easy to place - but it is particularly worthwhile giving a home to an animal that is no longer very young. The Sonnenhof of the German Animal Welfare Association for example, specifically places senior dogs and gives them a suitable "forever home". Many animal shelters also provide targeted advice and make sure that the animals to be placed, their temperament and lifestyle requirements are a good match for their future owners - thus forming a harmonious team that will hopefully be able to spend a wonderful time together.