[Volunteer Claudia]

Making a will is something no one wants to think about. At the same time, no one wants their assets to go to the State or to get tied up in court. Unfortunately, life can change in an instant. A prepared will or trust can provide peace of mind, having your assets distributed exactly as you instructed, including to those people or local charities that mean something significant to you.

A local supporter and happy adopter, Sandra, a Sumter County resident, recently mentioned why she prepared her estate planning with YOUR Humane Society SPCA as a beneficiary. “I included YOUR Humane Society SPCA in my will because, having adopted my dog from them, I have witnessed their compassion and dedication first hand. I support their mission to provide a no-kill shelter and other vital services. I also recognize the urgent need for those services in our community. I can give donations now to help and by giving through my will, I can help assure that those services continue into the future.”

YOUR Humane Society SPCA offers a printable guideline of valuable information on their website, hsspca.org/estate-planning, to those interested in not only assisting the local no-kill shelter in their lifesaving work but also to ensure the future welfare of their surviving pets. Interested donors should take this guideline with them when meeting with their independent financial and legal counsel to execute wills, trusts, contracts or other agreements.

Also, Florida Statute §736.0408 allows a PET TRUST as part of an individual’s estate planning, which is enforceable in court, and allows part of said estate to go towards care of a pet(s). Pet owners are encouraged to include a PET TRUST. It is best to assign a pet caregiver, provide funding for the pet’s lifetime care and have the trustee maintain asset control according to the owner’s wishes. In the case of a will, a temporary pet caretaker should be selected for the time between the owner's death and the admission of the will to probate. A charitable organization can be considered to care for and/or place your furry companion if no friend or relative can take on your pet.

If you want to help save lives by “Leaving a Legacy of Compassion,” please contact YOUR Humane Society SPCA at 352-793-9117 to request a mailed copy, or go to www.hsspca.org/estate-planning to print a copy.

YOUR Humane Society SPCA, formerly known as the Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill organization helping animals in need throughout their community. Donations directly help to cover the cost of saving, treating and caring for neglected, abused and abandoned animals. Learn more about them at hsspca.org, 352-793-9117, on Facebook or visit them at 994 CR 529A, in Lake Panasoffkee, FL. Office open: Mon.-Sat. 8am-4:00pm. Kennel Pet Viewing: Mon.-Sat. 9:00am-3:30pm. Visitors are always welcome!

[Martian]

Another aspect of pets and wills, what happens to your pets locked up back at your house if a drunk hits your car and kills you while you are headed to the golf course or shopping or dining.

Who can get into your house and rescue and feed them.
Who will take care of you pets if you are unconscious or dead?

Have you provided for access and funds?
Does your designated care provider know of any necessary medications or diet?

Pets are family for most of us and deserve to be cared for if we aren’t able

[Volunteer Claudia]

Very good point! YOUR Humane Society SPCA provides FREE Wallet Emergency cards with basic info the pet owner is to include on it and keep on them should something happen to them. Authorities will go through their ID and contact the listed individual(s) who have been listed who are willing to care for the pet(s) until further notice.

I attached just the images which you can print on paper but won't likely be as durable as the ones printed on card stock. However you can try. Plus print one to keep on your refrigerator.
We would be happy to mail a few to you, just email us at info@hsspca.org to request them or you can come by our shelter or pick them up at any of our upcoming events.

[Martian]

Originally Posted by Volunteer Claudia

Very good point! YOUR Humane Society SPCA provides FREE Wallet Emergency cards with basic info the pet owner is to include on it and keep on them should something happen to them. Authorities will go through their ID and contact the listed individual(s) who have been listed who are willing to care for the pet(s) until further notice.

I attached just the images which you can print on paper but won't likely be as durable as the ones printed on card stock. However you can try. Plus print one to keep on your refrigerator.
We would be happy to mail a few to you, just email us at info@hsspca.org to request them or you can come by our shelter or pick them up at any of our upcoming events.