A comprehensive study conducted by Willful, Canada's premier online estate planning platform, has uncovered a significant trend among Canadians: they are increasingly making legal and financial provisions for their beloved pets in their wills. The research, which analyzed more than 44,000 wills from 2019 to 2025, reveals that approximately one in three Canadians (36%) are setting aside money specifically for the care of their pets after they pass away.
Financial Commitments to Furry Family Members
The average cash gift designated for pet guardians across the country stands at an impressive $11,121. This substantial amount underscores the deep emotional and financial investment Canadians have in ensuring their pets' well-being. The study highlights that cash gifts vary depending on the number of pets, with averages of $10,017 for one pet, $11,967 for two pets, $16,343 for four pets, and $20,059 for six pets.
Preferences Among Pet Owners
Dog owners are at the forefront of this estate planning movement, with dogs representing 57% of pets named in wills, while cats account for 38%. Interestingly, the size of the animal correlates with the amount of money left behind. Horse owners allocate the highest average sum at $21,876, followed by bird owners at $12,133 and dog owners at $11,705.
Regional Variations in Pet Planning
The study also examined regional differences in pet-related estate planning. Vancouver leads major cities with the highest average amount left to a pet guardian at $6,070, compared to Toronto ($4,892) and Calgary ($4,714). At the provincial level, British Columbia tops the list with an average of $4,619, followed by Alberta at $4,293 and Ontario at $4,018, which aligns closely with the national average.
Choosing Guardians for Pets
When it comes to selecting guardians for their pets, Canadians predominantly turn to family members. Children are the most frequently appointed guardians at 38%, followed by siblings at 13%, parents at 11%, friends at 11%, and siblings-in-law at 7.4%. This preference for family underscores the trust and responsibility placed in close relatives to care for pets after the owner's passing.
Impact on Estate Planning Completion
The study found that pet ownership significantly influences the completion of estate plans. Nearly half of pet owners (50%) who start an estate plan finish it, which is almost three times the rate of non-pet owners (18%). Furthermore, the total number of pet owners finalizing their plans has grown dramatically, increasing tenfold from 950 completions in 2019 to 9,552 in 2025.
Broader Implications and Trends
This trend reflects a growing recognition of pets as integral members of the family, deserving of long-term care and financial security. The data, released in anticipation of National Pet Day, highlights how Canadians are proactively addressing the future needs of their pets through formal legal channels. As estate planning becomes more accessible through platforms like Willful, it is likely that this trend will continue to expand, ensuring that more pets are provided for in the years to come.
