1.5 million plan to bequeath assets to their pets

A new study has shown that the welfare of our pets is of great concern to pet-loving Brits, with many pet owners opting to take out pet insurance policies to cover the cost of treating pet health problems and 1.5 million pet owners said to be planning to leave assets to their pets when they die.

A poll conducted by Unbiased.co.uk has shown that many pet insurance policy holders hope to continue to care for their pets, long after their own death, by bequeathing them assets which have a high monetary value.

While 87 per cent of people plan to leave their inheritance to family members, especially their children, the survey found that family pets listed as the sixth most popular beneficiaries - ahead of the church, a secret lover or the deceased's local community.

Noting that will-makers seemed keen to bequeath assets to those "closest to their hearts", Unbiased.co.uk claims that the survey has illustrated that "the nation's nearest and dearest also include their furry friends."

However, the website has urged people planning to leave their assets to anyone other than their spouse, to make a will. Revealing that 30 million people in Britain are currently without a will, Karen Barrett of Unbiased.co.uk added, "it has never been more important to clearly state your wishes in a will. This will give you peace of mind that your money will go where you want it to after you die."

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:36:00 GMT