Loving for Life
Providing for your Pet after You're Gone
Have you ever asked, “Who would be there for my pet after I’m gone?” Up until recently, pet owners had few alternatives in providing for their companion animal, should they – the owner – pass away. Under current California law, owners are prohibited from leaving their estate to a pet, and unless an adoption to a suitable home had been prearranged through a Will, the ongoing care of a pet could not be assured.
Recognizing that companion animals are a vital part of our family, the Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County started a program called Loving for Life. Under this program, members leave instructions in their Wills that their pets will be bequeathed to the Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County. The Humane Society will provide for the pet’s unique needs, including medical care, and will find a loving lifetime home.
For understandable reasons, only healthy and temperamentally sound animals are eligible for the “Loving for Life” Program. Upon approval, you will receive a Pet Alert ID card that you should carry next to your driver’s license. This will alert the appropriate person(s) about where to take your pet in the event of an emergency or your death. The cost to enroll your pet in the program is $75 per pet.
Sign Up
To sign up for the Loving for Life program, simply do the following:
- Become a current Member of the Humane Society of Sonoma County if you are not already.
- Fill out the Loving for Life Application & send in with your payment of $75 per pet.
- Have each pet examined at our Veterinary Hospital.
- State your wish in your Will using our legal name: Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County.
- Let someone you trust, besides your attorney, know your wishes.
- Once enrolled in the program, carry the Pet Alert ID card with you at all times.
The language below is a suggestion to use in your will to designate the Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County as the beneficiary of your pet(s).
IN A WILL
At the time of my death I give my pet(s) ________________________________ [name of pet, type & breed] owned by me to the Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, California to be placed in a loving home(s) pursuant to the Society’s pet bequest program.
Questions?
Contact Janice Nicholson at (707) 542-0882, ext. 203 or email jnicholson@sonomahumane.org