Ill, or deceased. What happens to Bello or Minoes then?

The Backer family is large. Grandma Cathrien and Grandpa Dirk are in their late seventies and recently married. They and the (grand)children from their respective families occasionally need the help of a notary. You can read about their recognisable situations here.

Ill, or deceased. What happens to Bello or Minoes then?

‘Who’s actually going to look after Max when you’re no longer here?’ Grandson Jaap (9) was staying over with Dirk and Cathrien. He adored their dog Max and was clearly worried about whether the animal would end up in good hands later. ‘I can ask Mum if we can have him, you know,’ the little fellow went on generously.
His grandparents laughed. Dirk said: ‘That’s a good question, Japie! But if one of us falls ill or dies, the other can still look after him. There is a problem, though, if that person also falls ill and can no longer take care of him. Now, we have agreed with our children – so your mother and your uncle and aunts – that they will sort that out among themselves. It’s also in our will. So Max will be just fine.’

Money for care
Grandpa Dirk then explained in plain language that it was indeed important to make sure your pet isn’t left to its fate if its owner falls ill or dies. ‘The owner can do a few things. If he knows that, for example, the neighbour or a family member would like to take over the animal, they can agree on that. Usually the new owner then receives money for the care. Another option is to have the animal placed in an animal shelter, also against payment. And rehoming with another family – for example via the breeder or a pedigree dog association – is also an option. What is important is that the agreement is put on paper at the notary’s; in a will or a “lifetime will”. The latter applies if you are still alive but, for example, become seriously ill, so that caring for an animal is no longer possible.’

He lives on happily
Jaap nodded. But he wasn’t entirely satisfied with the ‘the family will sort it out among themselves’ arrangement for Max. Confidently he said: ‘I think that if Max gets to choose, he’d really like to live with me. But I’ll sort that out with Mum when you’re no longer here.’
Dirk winked at his wife and said: ‘That’s a lovely idea, Jaap. Then we know for sure that our Max will live on happily!’