How will my bequest help animals in need? Without the generosity and forethought of those who have made a bequest, many animals would suffer needlessly. As Australia s leading animal welfare charity, the RSPCA is here to rescue, protect and rehome vulnerable, neglected and homeless animals. We educate the community about the importance of treating all living things with kindness and we actively prosecute those who cause them harm. A gift in your Will provides a legacy of care for all creatures great and small. A happy new home for your pet Patches, the Blue Heeler on the front cover, came into our care after her owner sadly passed away. After receiving medical treatment, Patches is now enjoying life in her new home. Making a plan for your pet s future can bring you comfort, and by leaving a bequest you are also helping other animals in need. Cupcake, all settled into his new furever home
Planning for your pet s future care Pets are family, so it s important to have peace of mind that they ll be cared for after you re gone. We understand that every pet s circumstances are different, which is why our A Home Forever program aims to provide a personalised approach to finding your pet a loving new home with someone who can give them everything they need. What is the A Home Forever Program? This program is designed to give you peace of mind that your pet will be well cared for after you pass away. It is a free service we offer to animal lovers who leave a gift in their Will to RSPCA WA. In addition to ensuring the future care of your pet, your gift supports vital work protecting vulnerable animals in need. When the time comes, we ll bring your pet into our care, assess their individual needs and care for them until they are ready to be rehomed in a loving forever home. Does it cost anything? The program is a free service offered to animal lovers who leave a gift in their Will to RSPCA WA. We rely on donations and community support to
generate more than 90% of the funding required to sustain our important animal protection work. So whatever the size of your gift, it makes a significant difference to the work we do for vulnerable animals. What happens when I pass away? Once your pet has been registered in the program, you should let your loved ones, the Executor of your Will and neighbours know of your plans. We provide a wallet card and a fridge magnet with our contact details in case of emergency and will collect your faithful companions when the time comes. Will my pet be given the same loving care as they have at home? We know how special your pet is to you and that they have their own likes, dislikes, traits and needs. So when they come into our care, each pet s health and personality will be assessed, and an individual plan will be made so they can be appropriately rehomed and cared for. If you wish your pets to stay together as a family unit, please mention this on your registration form. We will endeavour to do all we can to honour your wishes. Are potential carers interviewed before my pet is rehomed? Yes. It is our policy to conduct a thorough interview with potential carers to make sure they are a good fit for your pet. This includes ensuring your pet can be cared for in the way they are accustomed, and that any existing pets are
compatible with yours. We may also conduct follow-up home visits. What if my family offers to take care of my pet? If a family member or friend has offered to look after your pet, that s wonderful! But if not, this program is here for you. Is my pet s medical treatment covered? Whilst under our care, your pet s medical treatment will be covered. Once rehomed, this will become the responsibility of the new owners. They will receive your pet s complete medical history and we will follow up to ensure your pet is happy and healthy. Do I need to update my Will? If you would like to leave a gift in your Will to RSPCA WA and participate in the A Home Forever program, we recommend that you seek qualified legal advice to ensure your Will correctly reflects your wishes and is legally binding. Please contact us for sample Will wording.
Janet is pictured with her partner Graham and their two Griffon Bruxellois, Angus and Hamish. I ve loved animals my entire life, from keeping hamsters as a little girl in England, to working as a vet nurse in Australia. I know first-hand how special the bond is between owners and their pets. There s no guarantee that friends or family will be able to look after your pets once you ve gone, which is why our two dogs Hamish and Angus are registered in RSPCA WA s A Home Forever program. As a volunteer with the RSPCA, I fully appreciate the work they do and it gives us great peace of mind knowing our precious dogs will get the care they need and be rehomed into a loving family, after we are gone. Janet Ingham RSPCA WA Bequestor How do I register? For more information, please contact our Planned Giving Coordinator: (08) 9209 9332 plannedgiving@rspcawa.asn.au www.rspcawa.asn.au 108 Malaga Drive, Malaga WA 6090 PO Box 3147, Malaga WA 6945