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.Similar Posts:

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Age Concern Legal Services offers legal advice and support through Irwin Mitchell‚  one of the UK’s leading law firms and 2007 National Law Firm of the Year. They realise life doesn’t always go to plan, so they offer an easy to access service to help you understand when legal help may be necessary. You can have a free consultation with one of their friendly advisers who will listen to your situation and explain how they can help you. They will also let you know how much it will cost to proceed with the advice you have been given.

Whatever your age‚ Irwin Mitchell can advise you on a range of legal issues including Will writing, one of the most important things you can do for your family.Similar Posts:

• Can I Use a DIY Will? – You don’t always need to have a solicitor to draw up a legally valid will. If you answer NO to any o …

What will happen is that the law of ‘intestacy’ will apply which in simple terms means that the bulk of your estate will go to your spouse or, if none, to your children and, if none, to other specified blood relatives. If this is not what you want to happen to your estate then make a Will today.

If you’re not married and have not made a Will, your partner may receive nothing. You must state in your Will if you wish your partner to inherit your estate.

If you already have a Will but have recently been divorced or married your current Will may be invalid. It is advisable to do a review of your circumstances on a regular basis and have a new Will drawn up if at all in doubt.

Making a will is not necessarily a complex or expensive business, particularly if your affairs are pretty straight forward. There are three ways you can draw up a will:

• Solicitor – this is the most expensive method but if your affairs are complicated this is the only safe way of ensuring your estate is dealt with in the way you wish. Don’t know where to begin? Then find a solicitor via the Law Society (UK only).
• Buy a Last Will & Testament Pack – these are available at most post offices and some bookshops. Amazon.co.uk also supply them, click here to see Amazon’s DIY Wills for use in the UK or here for those for use in the US. These wills have to be signed infront of witnesses before they become legally binding.
• Complete the details online – there are several companies available who offer this service. You fill in all the forms online then they send you a copy of the will via email you then just need to sign it infront of witnesses to make it legally binding. One such company is Global Wills.

If you’re not sure if you need to have a solicitor draw up your will take a look at our simple guide.Similar Posts:

• Can I Use a DIY Will? – You don’t always need to have a solicitor to draw up a legally valid will. If you answer NO to any o …