01/03/2026

ON SUNDAY March 1, 2026 theSunday Special XII

When the leash is left behind They don’t understand death, but they do understand absence. In Malaysia, abandoned pets are a growing issue that starts with good intentions but ends in silence Th un pe in

BY SIMON VELLA

A forgotten clause in legacy planning Under Malaysian law, pets are still considered property – which means they’re typically left out of formal estate plans. But for those who live with pets, they are far more than property. They are companions, family members, sometimes the only source of joy in a lonely house. When an owner passes, it’s not just routines that break – it’s bonds. The silence left behind is deafening. Fortu nately, planning can prevent a great deal of heartbreak. I Q RXU ¿QDO PRPHQWV ZH RIWHQ WKLQN about the people we’ll leave behind. But if you’ve ever had a pet, you’ll know: They are part of your life’s daily rhythm. The quiet morning greetings. The wagging

The best goodbye is the one that comes with a plan.”

W E prepare wills, divide assets and make funeral arrangements – but one quiet omission often goes unnoticed: What hap pens to our pets when we’re gone? It’s not the most comfortable thought. But it’s an essential one. Because while pets don’t understand probate or inheritance, they do understand loss. And when the front door shuts for the last time, they’re often the ones left waiting. In Malaysia, where families tend to assume someone else will “handle it”, shelters are increasingly dealing with pets who were once part of someone’s everyday life – now confused, grieving and alone. Stories like these surface often. A woman passes away and the extended family turns away her senior Shih Tzu. A man emigrates to a condo overseas that doesn’t allow dogs and his pet ends up in a cage. A cat is left to roam outside a locked home in Ipoh – the owner gone, the family not returning. For shelter workers, these aren’t rare cases. They’re daily heartbreaks. Older pets, in particular, have slim chances of being rehomed. Some do find new families. Many don’t. Animals may not grasp death Animals understand absence. Routine. Energy. The scent of their person. When that’s suddenly gone, pets can fall into grief-like states – not unlike ours.

tail at the door. The weight beside you on the sofa. They deserve more than a fading memory or a locked house. They deserve continuity. Care. A future that honours the bond you shared. We don’t always get to choose how we leave this world. But we can choose how we leave it for those who’ve loved us without question. Because the best goodbyes come with a promise: You will still be safe. You will still be loved.

When the front door shuts for the last time, they’re the ones left waiting.”

Cats may go into hiding. Dogs may wait at the door or stop eating. Some show signs of anxiety, howling or pacing. Others fall into quiet withdrawal – a kind of soft despair that doesn’t make headlines, but weighs heavily on those who care for them. Many pet owners believe someone in the family will “take care of it” if something happens. “My sister will take the dog.” ³0\ VRQ ZLOO ¿JXUH LW RXW ´ %XW OLIH GRHVQ¶W always go to plan. Loved ones may be allergic, live in a no-pets condo or have pets of their own. Or, perhaps hardest to admit, they simply may not want the responsibility. And without a clear plan, pets are often brought to shelters or worse, left behind. Abandonment is not rehoming. It’s trauma by neglect. Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services estimates there are more than two million stray dogs and cats in the country. A large portion were once pets.

How to future-proof your pet’s life

IF something happens to you, your pet will need more than memories – they’ll need a plan. These simple steps can make a big difference in how their lives continue without you. • Name a pet guardian: Choose someone who knows your pet and is capable of taking over care. Don’t just think about affection – consider their lifestyle, housing situation, existing pets and long-term availability. Have the conversation early and check in occasionally to make sure they’re still on board. • Add them to your will, properly: In Malaysia, pets are considered property, but that doesn’t mean they should be treated like furniture. Work with a lawyer to include a clause that clearly states who should care for your pet. You can also set aside a modest sum to cover food, vet visits or grooming. It’s not about extravagance – it’s about responsibility. • Build a care dossier: Gather all the essentials someone new would need. Include your pet’s daily routine, vet’s name and contact, dietary needs, medications, fears (like thunderstorms or fireworks) and how they behave around strangers, children or other animals. Store it in a location that’s accessible and update it every six months. • Carry a “pet-at-home” card: This small card in your wallet or phone case should alert emergency responders that animals are depending on you. Include basic information and one or two emergency contacts who can act immediately if you’re hospitalised or worse. • Rehome responsibly, not reactively: If you’re relocating, downsizing or unable to care for your pet anymore, act early. Reach out to reputable shelters or online adoption platforms with proper screening processes. Avoid last-minute drop-offs or “free to good home” posts that can result in neglect or exploitation. • Consider a pet trust or care agreement: For those with multiple pets or complex needs, a lawyer can help draft a simple care agreement – outlining expectations, preferences and backup plans. It’s not just for the wealthy; it’s a thoughtful step for anyone who treats their pet as family. • Don’t rely on “they’ll figure it out”: The most painful cases arise when families are left guessing. Your pet’s future should never be a mystery. Writing down your wishes, even in a handwritten letter, offers clarity and reassurance.

Abandonment is not rehoming. It’s trauma by neglect.