Can Pets Inherit Money? How Some Of The World's Wealthiest Animals Got Their Millions

A German Shepherd named Gunther VI is supposedly worth hundreds of millions — more than most people will make in a lifetime — but how did he get so rich? While most pets are content with a warm bed and a bowl of kibble, some live in the proverbial lap of luxury, complete with mansions, private jets, and pet trust funds that rival Fortune 500 companies. In recent years, stories of the highest-earning celebrity pets like Gunther VI, Tommaso the cat, and Leona Helmsley's Maltese, Trouble, have captured headlines and public fascination. 

Can pets inherit money? The short answer is — sort of. It lies in a carefully structured legal mechanism called a pet trust designed to make sure that animals are cared for long after their owners are gone. These trusts not only secure lavish lifestyles for some lucky pets, but also raise questions about the ethics and practicality of leaving fortunes to animals.

Some pets aren't just pampered — they're some of the wealthiest pets in the world. Thanks to carefully planned trusts and generous owners, a select group of animals live in extraordinary luxury. Gunther VI, a German shepherd, is widely considered the wealthiest pet in the world. The story began when Countess Karlotta Liebenstein of Germany left $80 million to Gunther III, Gunther VI's ancestor. Over the years, this inheritance ballooned to $400 million through investments.

Tommaso the cat's journey from stray to millionaire is nothing short of remarkable. Rescued from the streets of Rome by Maria Assunta, an Italian widow, Tommaso became the heir to her $13 million estate when no suitable animal welfare organization could be found. Meanwhile, Leona Helmsley, infamously known as the "Queen of Mean," left $12 million to her Maltese, Trouble, in a trust designed to cover food, grooming, and security. Following legal disputes, the amount was reduced to $2 million, but Trouble's luxurious lifestyle was maintained until her death.

Not all wealthy pets are cats or dogs, either. Gigoo, a Scots Dumpy chicken, inherited $15 million from British publisher Miles Blackwell via his will.

Pets cannot legally inherit money or property, but owners can guarantee their care through legal tools like pet trusts. These arrangements specify how funds should be allocated for the pet's needs and appoint individuals to manage the money and provide care. A pet trust typically names a caregiver to attend to the pet's daily requirements. It may also include detailed instructions covering dietary needs, medical expenses, lifestyle preferences, and other potential hidden costs that come with owning a pet. Pet trusts are legally recognized in all U.S. states.

For those who choose not to establish a trust, there are alternative methods to secure a pet's care. Some owners leave conditional bequests, where money is left to a trusted individual under the stipulation that they provide care for the pet. Others include explicit instructions for pet care directly in their will, although these provisions are typically less enforceable than trusts. Pet trusts have gained popularity as more people consider their pets part of the family. By creating a pet trust, owners can rest assured that their beloved companions will be cared for according to their wishes, no matter what — an important consideration, especially for pets with longer lifespans.

The concept of leaving millions to pets might seem heartwarming to some and outrageous to others. Unsurprisingly, such extravagant gestures have sparked their fair share of controversies, skepticism, and even legal battles. One of the most infamous examples of pet inheritance is Gunther VI, the German Shepherd supposedly worth millions. However, the story behind Gunther's fortune has been largely debunked. Maurizio Mian, the manager of Gunther's estate, admitted that the tale was fabricated to evade taxes in Italy. This revelation raises questions about the credibility of certain high-profile pet inheritance stories and the ethics of using pets as financial tools.

The case of Gail Posner offers another glimpse into the controversies surrounding pet inheritances. Posner, a wealthy socialite, left a $3 million trust fund and an $8.3 million beachfront mansion to her three dogs while allocating relatively modest sums to her family members. This decision sparked a legal battle, with her son alleging that staff members manipulated Posner into leaving such a large fortune to her pets. The case highlights the potential for family disputes and accusations of undue influence when significant sums are left to animals.

The idea of leaving fortunes to pets sparks heated debates about wealth, priorities, and moral responsibility. Supporters of pet trusts view inheritances as deeply personal decisions reflecting the profound human-animal bond. This mindset aligns with evolving societal views of pets as cherished family members deserving care and protection rather than as mere property.

For many pet parents, the profound emotional connection to their animals creates a deep-seated need to ensure their welfare even after death. The statistics support this shift in perspective, with the Pew Research Center reporting in 2023 that 97% of U.S. pet owners considered their animals to be family members, driving a natural desire to guarantee their pet's comfort and security even in the owner's absence.

Pet trusts have emerged as a practical solution, addressing essential aspects of animal care including medical bills, dietary requirements, and living arrangements. The rise of such arrangements reflects broader cultural shifts, particularly among millennials, who increasingly view pets as full-fledged family members deserving of similar rights and considerations as humans — sometimes even prioritizing pet care over other financial objectives. While some cases, like Leona Helmsley's controversial bequest, have drawn significant public attention, the fundamental motivation remains consistent across socioeconomic boundaries: making sure beloved pets continue to thrive after their owner's passing.

The extraordinary stories of millionaire pets, while entertaining, also provide valuable insight into responsible estate planning. Through examples like Maria Assunta's $13 million trust for her cat Tommaso and cautionary tales like Gunther VI being used as a tax shield, it's important to plan carefully if you intend to leave money to your pet. A well-drafted pet trust, supported by adequate financial resources with the sole intent of providing for the pet, remains the most effective legal way to secure a pet's long-term care and well-being. However, it's also important to leave more than just money — leaving details on how exactly your pet should be cared for is important for ensuring their well-being after you're gone.

Whether leaving millions or modest sums, thoughtful estate planning for pets often extends beyond personal care to benefit the broader animal welfare community. Some pet trusts direct any remaining funds to animal-focused organizations like the AKC Canine Health Foundation, creating a lasting legacy that combines personal care with philanthropic impact. The message is clear: A well-structured plan can provide pets with care and comfort while preserving their owner's legacies for generations to come.