When most people think about writing a Will, they think about their home, their money… maybe a cottage. But increasingly, people are thinking about something fuzzier: their pets! From millionaire mutts to cats with condos, pet inheritance is very real, and in Ontario, it can actually be part of a valid estate plan. 

Famous Pets with Deep Pockets 

• Gunther VI, a German Shepherd in Italy, reportedly inherited over $400 million from his owner (with a little help from a savvy investment team). 

• Grumpy Cat, the internet’s most unimpressed feline, left behind an estate reportedly worth millions (though details are fuzzy....like her ears). 

• And Leona Helmsley, a hotel heiress, made headlines when she left $12 million to her Maltese dog, Trouble, while leaving some human family members out entirely. 

These examples are extreme—but they raise a good question: what happens to your pet when you die? 

In Ontario, Pets Can’t Inherit… But You Can Plan for Them 

Legally, pets are considered property in Ontario (we know, it feels cold). They can’t inherit directly, but you can absolutely provide for them in your Will: 

• Name a caregiver: Choose someone you trust to take your pet after you pass. 

• Leave a cash gift: You can leave money to that caregiver to help cover food, vet bills, and treats. 

• Include conditions: Want to make sure Fluffy only eats organic? You can add instructions to the Will or set up a trust with conditions. 

Things to Keep in Mind 

• Talk to the person you’re naming: it’s a big responsibility. 

• Be realistic with the amount: enough to care for the pet, but not so much it raises eyebrows (or court challenges)! 

• Review your plan regularly, especially if your pet’s needs change. 

At ETP Canada, we’ve helped families plan for everything from dogs to donkeys. If your four-legged (or feathered) friend is part of your family, they can be part of your estate plan too. Because love doesn’t stop at the rainbow bridge—and neither should your planning!