In June 2025, a 52-year-old resident of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, made headlines when she drafted a will that bestowed her primary assets to her son and earmarked more than 100,000 yuan as a dedicated trust fund for her four beloved pet dogs. Her son was appointed as the estate administrator, tasked with overseeing the pets' subsequent living expenses. This unconventional move has ignited a fierce public debate.

Legal experts clarify that while China's Civil Code does not accord inheritance rights to pets, it does permit the designation of an estate administrator with the authority to utilize specific funds for designated purposes, thereby ensuring the welfare of the pets. Should the estate administrator fail to fulfill their responsibilities, interested parties have the right to hold them accountable or petition for a change in administrator. It is advisable to appoint a trustworthy estate administrator and establish a robust supervision mechanism to oversee the fund's usage.