Data highlights surge in pet-in-will planning across Canada
More Canadians are now including pets in their wills and allocating funds for their care, highlighting a trend in long-term planning.
More Canadians are making long-term care plans for their pets by including them in their wills—a trend that is gaining traction across the country.
According to CP24, pet owners are increasingly setting aside funds and naming caregivers to ensure their pets are cared for after their death. Data from Willful, an online estate-planning platform, shows the shift is significant: an analysis of more than 44,000 wills found that 36 per cent of Canadians set aside money for their pets. Some also formally appoint caregivers, with average financial gifts to pet guardians reaching $11,121.
Since pets are legally considered property in Canada, they cannot inherit assets directly. Instead, owners must designate a person to take custody of the animal, often alongside financial support intended to cover veterinary care, food, and other expenses.
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