It’s one of those questions that can stop you in your tracks: What would happen to my dog if I died tomorrow? As a dedicated dog owner, you probably already have a bag packed for emergencies, a trusted vet on speed dial, and more dog gear than human furniture. But do you have a solid plan for your dog’s future if you’re suddenly not around?
It’s not a fun topic, but it’s a necessary one.
Just as we plan for our loved ones through wills, life insurance, and end-of-life documents, our animals deserve the same forethought. They depend on us for everything, and in the event of our unexpected death or incapacitation, they need a clear and safe path forward. Here’s how to make sure they have one.
Before we even talk about wills and legal language, let’s start at the moment something happens. Say you’re in a car accident and don’t come home. Who will know you have a dog, or two, or five, waiting at home?
You need an “In Case of Emergency” plan for your pets. Think about how many hours could pass before someone realizes your dog is alone. Now imagine it’s a summer day, and the air conditioning goes out. Or your dog needs meds. It’s terrifying, and preventable.
Give them a key or access code and make sure they know where to find your dogs’ food, medications, leashes, and vet info.
That’s your first line of defense: making sure your dogs aren’t stranded.
Now let’s talk about your will. If you already have one, great—but does it mention your dogs? Most don’t.
Dogs are legally considered property, which is exactly how they should be viewed from a legal standpoint. This classification protects ownership rights and ensures that we, as responsible owners, can make decisions on their behalf. Without this framework, we risk ceding control to outside forces that don’t always understand or respect the human–animal bond in the same way we do.
Because of this, if you don’t legally assign their care in your will or set up a trust, your dog’s future could be determined by strangers or default intestate laws. Even well-meaning relatives may not be prepared—or willing—to take your dogs, which is why planning matters.
This is someone you trust to take full custody of your dog. You can specify who should care for each animal and outline basic wishes—such as “keep siblings together” or “never rehome unless absolutely necessary.”
Always talk to the person beforehand. Don’t surprise them with a 90-pound dog and a clause in your will.
You can’t legally leave money to your dog, but you can leave money for their care. One option is to name your chosen person as the beneficiary of a designated amount with instructions that the funds are to be used for your pet. Be clear: this isn’t enforceable unless it’s set up as a legal pet trust.
If you want to ensure oversight, a pet trust is the way to go. It allows you to:
A trust is especially valuable if you have multiple dogs, rare breeds, animals with health conditions, or if you suspect disputes among family members.
Even your most devoted dog-loving friend might face a life change: a divorce, a new baby, a move, an allergy. That’s why it’s smart to name alternates in your will or trust. These backup caregivers can step in if your first choice can’t follow through.
You might also want to create a care plan that outlines what you want—your dog’s favorite toy, their quirks, how they get along with other dogs, or whether they’re crate trained. This guide can go in your estate file, or even be emailed to your trusted circle.
It’s especially helpful if your dogs come from a breeder with rehoming clauses or you have specific requests about keeping them within your breed community.
Most preservation breeders include a “return to breeder” clause in their contracts, taking back dogs no matter how long it’s been. If your dog came from a responsible breeder, reach out now and ask what their policy is if something should happen to you. Document it.
If your dog came from a rescue, read the fine print. Some rescues claim ownership forever, and they might step in if they find out you’ve passed away—even if your will says otherwise. Yes, it’s messy. That’s why it’s crucial to align your legal documents with your dog’s origin and your intentions.
It happens. Maybe your family isn’t dog-savvy. Maybe your friends travel too much. That’s when your planning becomes even more essential.
Reach out to breed clubs, trainers, or rescues you trust—now. Ask if they can be part of a rehoming plan. Some offer formal legacy programs; others may be open to an informal agreement. But nothing happens unless you start the conversation.
You can also work with estate planning attorneys who specialize in pet trusts or companion animal clauses. Don’t just let a lawyer say, “We’ll mention the dog.” Be detailed.
Life changes. People move. Dogs age. You need to revisit your plan every year, just like you should with home and auto insurance, or your health proxy. (If you haven’t done that either, it’s time.)
Let your emergency contacts know if your dogs change, if someone new joins your household, or if your preferred vet changes. Update your files, wallet card, and digital notes accordingly.
We pour so much of ourselves into our dogs. We train them, feed them, walk them in all weather, take selfies with them, and build our routines around their needs. The thought of them ending up scared, alone, or in a shelter because we didn’t plan? Unthinkable.
But it happens. Every day. Shelters are filled with dogs whose owners passed away and didn’t leave a roadmap.
Don’t leave your dog’s future to chance.
Put a plan in writing. Tell your people. Keep it updated. Whether your dog lives another year or another decade, you’ll rest easier knowing that no matter what happens to you, they’ll be loved, protected, and in a safe and loving home.
