For many people, a pet is an important buddy. For some, perhaps the most important buddy to whom everything is granted. Yet in the Netherlands it is not possible to include a pet as an heir or legatee in a will. So how can you make sure that your pet does not lack anything after your death?
When settling an estate, animals are included in the assets and in principle belong to the heirs. This is only different if the animals have been bequeathed to certain persons. If you are sufficiently confident that your heirs will take care of your animals, you do not need to arrange anything. Otherwise, it is important to bequeath the animals to a person or institution to take good care of them. You can also choose to place a burden on the executor to find a good home for the animals. If the animals represent a financial value (for example, an expensive horse), inheritance tax does have to be paid on the value of the animals in the latter case.
To accommodate your pet's carer, you can choose to leave that person a sum of money, whereby you impose the burden that he has to use this amount for the care of your pet. This does not allow the carer to simply sell the pet or take it to the shelter and run off with the money himself. If the amount is large, it may pay to pay particular attention to inheritance tax. This is because inheritance tax has to be paid on the amount to be acquired and the value of the animals. However, there are ways to avoid this.
It is also possible to appoint a supervisor to check whether the animals are well taken care of.
To make sure your wishes regarding the care of your pet are respected, you can record these wishes in a will or living will.
For more information, please contact us. We will be happy to advise you.
pkooijman@kooijmanautar.nl
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