Estate Planning

It’s hard to think about not being there for your furry companion, but it’s important to have a plan for their future. 

Every year, it’s estimated that tens of thousands of pets enter rescues and shelters due to their owner’s health or passing away. Including clear instructions in a will or living trust, and setting aside funds for the care of your companion, ensures they will have a safe and loving home in the event you cannot care for them.

If you plan to leave your pet with a friend or family member, make sure you discuss your pet’s health and social needs in-depth and any funds you’ll be leaving for their care. Consider creating a list of what your pet likes and dislikes, what they eat, and their veterinary information, which can help ensure a smooth transition. 

Animal Aid has a Gift of Life program where guardians can bequeath a cat to Animal Aid, learn more here https://www.animalaidpdx.org/gift-of-life/

Already have a will or living trust?

Adding Animal Aid to your will or living trust is a wonderful way to extend your love, support, and generosity for animals in need. Creating a gift or bequest to Animal Aid can be as simple as a single sentence in your will or living trust. 

Here is an example to discuss with your attorney:

 “I give to Animal Aid of Portland (EIN# 23-7448353), 5335 SW 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97221, (the sum of $___ or ___ percent of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate/trust) for its general purposes.”

“General purposes” language gives Animal Aid’s board a lot of flexibility to allocate donations where they are most needed. Some donors prefer to specify a bequest to the Animal Aid Endowment Fund to help ensure long term financial stability for the organization. Learn more about the Fund at https://www.animalaidpdx.org/endowment-fund/

Estate Planning Resources

There are a lot of estate planning resources available online. Everyone has a different situation so it is important to discuss your situation with an attorney, financial planner, etc. Animal Aid does not endorse any particular estate planning resource, please do your own research to find the best resources to fit your needs.  Here are a few to get you started:

 

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