RSPCA’s Home for Life
Many people worry about what will happen to their pets when they die. Now the RSPCA has launched Home for Life which is a free service where they will do all they can to find a new, loving home for your pet if you should die.
Too many cats and dogs are left homeless after their owners pass away. Now you can ensure they’re properly looked after should anything happen.
Click here to find out more or take a look at the questions which are frequently asked about Home for Life:
Q What happens when I die – how does the RSPCA find out?
Once you use our Home for Life service you should let your friends, family or neighbours know that you want the RSPCA to take in your animals in the event of your death. We also provide a wallet card, which can be kept with you at all times – it has a telephone number to call.
Q What happens when I die – what is the procedure?
As soon as we are informed that someone who has used Home for Life has died, our Legacy administration department will get in touch with your regional RSPCA office, who will collect your pet or pets as a matter of urgency. The animals will be taken to the nearest RSPCA Animal Centre, or other suitable accommodation, while we set about doing all we can to find them a loving new home. In addition, every animal coming into our care gets a health check. For most pets that includes vaccination, neutering and microchipping.
Q Can you rehome my animals together?
If you want your animals to be re-homed together, you should mention this in your Will. Although we cannot guarantee that this will be possible, we will do everything we can to honour your wishes. In every event, we will do what we feel is best for your pets. If trying to find a new owner for more than one animal together involved them spending longer than necessary in an Animal Centre, we would need to review the situation.
Q Do you vet new owners?
Usually, before anyone can adopt an animal from the RSPCA, we interview them. This way, there are no impulsive decisions and the RSPCA is certain the animal is going to the right home. In addition, a home visit may be required, and this is often followed up with a post-adoption check.
Q Are there any animals you won’t take (i.e. not just cats and dogs)?
The RSPCA is the largest animal welfare charity in the UK, and has facilities to take on most animals. Although spaces for larger animals such as horses may be limited, we do have some facilities for them. The only types of animal the RSPCA may have difficulty rehoming are fish or exotic animals. If you are thinking of using Home for Life for fish, exotic or large animals, please call Jo Curtis to discuss on 0300 123 0239.
Q What happens if my family offer to take the pet?
The RSPCA’s Home for Life service is to be used in the event that you have not made alternative provisions for your animal’s care, so if a family member or friend has offered to look after your animal that’s fine.
Q I have included this in my Will but not used your wording. Is that okay?
As long as your wishes are clearly stated in your Will and you have included our charity name and registered charity number this should not be a problem.
Pet Cemeteries and Crematoriums
To help the passing of a beloved pet a little easier here are a number of pet crematoriums available in the UK:
Cheshire
Cornwall
Cumbria
Doncaster
Flintshire
Isle of Wight
Manchester
Newbury
Northampton
Sussex
If you wish to have your cemetery or crematorium added to this page send your details via the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is a quick and painless way of ending the suffering of a beloved pet.
It is an emotional time for everyone involved, including the vet, but your veterinary surgeon will help you decide when the time is right. If you are considering letting go of your pet you can ask yourself a number of questions to help you reach your decision:
Is your pet suffering in pain, distress or discomfort? Is he/she having difficulty walking or finding it difficult to eat and drink enough without vomiting? Does he/she have tumours which are causing pain or discomfort which are inoperable or untreatable? Is he/she finding is difficult to breath? Is he/she incontinent or having difficulty urinating or defecating? Are you unable to cope physically and emotionally with any nursing or medication that may be required?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then euthanasia may be the best option for your pet, call you vet and talk it over with them.
Coping with the sudden loss of a pet
The death of a pet is a dreadful thing but when that death is sudden it can be devastating for adults and children alike. It can take several days for the fact to sink in and feelings of guilt or anger are common.
The sudden death of a pet can make children think about the death of their siblings and parents, lots of reassurance is needed at this time.
It is often a good thing if you and your family get the opportunity to say goodbye. The sight of your dead pet can be upsetting but in the longer term it can help you come to terms with the loss and start the grieving process. Most Vets are sensitive to owners needs in these circumstances so don’t be afraid to ask.
