What happens to my animals if I’m taken ill suddenly?

For many people living in rural communities, animals are not simply possessions. They may be working livestock, valuable breeding animals, horses, or much‑loved pets that have been part of daily life for years. It is therefore entirely natural to worry about what would happen to them if you were suddenly taken ill or became unable to make decisions for yourself.

This concern often arises after an unexpected hospital admission, a fall, or a serious illness: particularly where someone lives alone or manages animals independently. While these situations are never pleasant to consider, putting the right legal arrangements in place can provide reassurance that your animals will continue to be properly cared for.

The Legal Position Without a Lasting Power of Attorney

If you become unwell and lose mental capacity without having made a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), nobody automatically has the legal authority to manage your affairs. This includes making financial arrangements related to your animals.

In practical terms, this can cause delay and uncertainty. Family members or friends may want to step in, but banks, insurers, land agents, vets, or auctioneers may be unable to deal with them. In some cases, an application to the Court of Protection is required, which can be time‑consuming and costly. Precisely when quick decisions may be needed.

How a Property and Financial Affairs LPA Can Help

A Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows you to appoint one or more trusted people (known as attorneys) to manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so yourself. For those with animals, this can be particularly important.

Your attorney may be able to:

• Pay for veterinary treatment

• Purchase feed, bedding, or medication

• Employ temporary help if required

• Manage insurance claims

• Deal with land agents or breeders

• Arrange sale or re‑homing if necessary and appropriate

By appointing someone who understands your animals and rural way of life, you greatly increase the likelihood that decisions are made sensibly and promptly.

Planning for Day‑to‑Day Animal Care

While an LPA does not replace practical arrangements, it supports them.

Many clients also keep written notes setting out:

• Feeding routines

• Veterinary details

• Contact information for neighbours or helpers

• Instructions regarding breeding, selling, or retirement of animals

Combined with an LPA, this information can make an otherwise difficult situation far easier for those stepping in.

Health and Welfare Considerations

A Health and Welfare LPA deals with medical treatment and personal care decisions. While it does not directly govern animal care, it can still play an important role. For example, it ensures decisions about your own treatment and living arrangements are made by someone you trust, which may indirectly affect where you live and how your animals are managed.

Choosing the Right Attorney

When animals are involved, the choice of attorney is especially important. Ideally, this should be someone who:

• Understands rural life

• Is familiar with animal welfare

• Lives close enough to act quickly if needed

• Is confident dealing with professionals such as vets or agents

Some clients choose to appoint a family member alongside a second attorney with practical experience, or a professional as a reserve.

Peace of Mind for You and Others

Putting an LPA in place is not about expecting the worst. For many rural clients, it is about ensuring continuity that animals are cared for, affairs are managed properly, and loved ones are not left struggling without authority or guidance.

Taking advice early allows you to make these decisions calmly, on your own terms, and provides peace of mind that, whatever happens, your animals and your affairs are in safe hands.

Contact Us

If any of the situations outlined above feel familiar, or if you would simply like reassurance that your affairs are properly in order, we can help.

Taking advice early can prevent delays, disputes, and unnecessary stress for you and your family. Our team has experience guiding clients through the preparation of clear, effective Lasting Powers of Attorney that reflect their personal circumstances and priorities.

To speak with us confidentially about how we can help mitigate these issues, please contact us today:

Telephone: 0203 835 4964

Email: shardinglister@scomo.com

We would be pleased to discuss your situation and explain the next steps in clear, straightforward terms.