National Estate Planning Week

National Estate Planning Awareness Week · October 19 to 25

How Your Estate Plan Can Protect Your Pets and Help Homeless Animals

One of the most important acts of love you can make is including your pets in your plans.

As devoted pet owners, we spend our days making sure our animals are happy, healthy, and loved. But have you ever stopped to think about what would happen to your pets if something unexpected happened to you?

It’s a difficult topic to consider, but it matters. Thoughtful planning not only protects your own furry family members, it can also extend your compassion to countless other animals in need.

Why Estate Planning Matters for Pet Owners

Unlike children, pets are legally considered property. Without specific instructions, your beloved dog, cat, or companion animal could end up in a shelter, or worse, after your passing. Estate planning ensures:

Your pets are placed with trusted caregivers

Funds are set aside for their continued care

Your wishes are clearly documented and legally protected

Setting up a pet trust or naming a caregiver in your will gives you peace of mind that your pets will be cared for just as you would want.

Continue Your Legacy of Compassion

For those who have supported The Haven’s mission of rescuing, healing, and rehoming homeless pets, there’s a meaningful way to continue that legacy: include The Haven for Animals in your estate plan.

By naming The Haven as a beneficiary of your will, trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy, you ensure your commitment to animals lives on long after you’re gone. Your legacy gift will help:

Provide food, shelter, and medical care for abandoned pets

Support lifesaving programs and adoptions

Give second chances to animals who have no one else

How to Get Started

Including your pets and The Haven in your estate plan doesn’t have to be complicated. We recommend:

1	Speak with an estate planning attorney about your wishes
2	Designate a pet guardian and set aside funds for their care
3	Name The Haven for Animals as a charitable beneficiary in your will or trust