Pet Guardianship - 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. Today, Californians can establish legally enforceable trusts to provide for the ongoing care of their pets in case of their incapacity or death. An attorney can help you create a Pet Trust as part of your Living Trust, Will or as a stand-alone legal document.
However, not everyone has a friend or family member who is able to assume responsibility for the care of their pet. Recognizing that companion animals are a vital part of our family, the Sonoma Humane Society established a Pet Guardianship program called Loving for Life. Under this program, members leave instructions in their Wills that their pets will be bequeathed to the Humane Society of Sonoma County. The Humane Society will provide for the pet’s unique needs, including medical care, and will find a loving lifetime home.
All we ask is that you maintain an annual donation of any amount to the Sonoma Humane Society, and include us in your will. In return, we’ll do everything in our power to ensure your beloved pet finds the perfect new home.
For understandable reasons, only healthy and temperamentally sound animals are eligible for the “Loving for Life” Adoption 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.
Sign Up
To sign up for the Loving for Life program, simply do the following:
- Maintain an annual donation to the Sonoma Humane Society.
- Fill out the Loving for Life Application and Pet Biography.
- Designate a friend, relative or neighbor to bring your pet to the Humane Society if necessary.
- Have your pet(s) examined at our Veterinary Hospital (or provide your veterinary records).
- Include the Humane Society and state your wishes in your Will using our legal name: Humane Society of Sonoma County, Tax ID # 94-6001315.
- 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 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 of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa, California to be placed in a loving home(s) pursuant to the Society’s pet guardianship program.
Questions?
Download the Loving for Life program flyer
Contact Cindy Roach at (707) 542-0882, ext. 212 or email croach@sonomahumane.org