What is Lifetime Care?
Most of us expect to outlive our animal companions, but what if due to medical incapacity or death, you’re no longer able to care for them? Our pets have given us so much—preparing for their safety and security in the event of our absence is a significant act in this lifelong friendship. The best choice is to place your animal with a family member or friend who is already familiar with them, but PAWS is also happy to help you plan for their welfare should they outlive you.
Through enrollment in PAWS Lifetime Care Program, you can make provisions for the care of your surviving cats(s) or dog(s) through your will. Then, should the need arise, PAWS will care for your companion until we find the best and most appropriate new home for your loved one. Potential new guardians will be carefully screened before placement, and PAWS will follow up with calls and visits to ensure the match is successful.
By enrolling in PAWS Lifetime Care Program and completing the appropriate Pet Profile form(s), you can tell us in advance about your cat or dog’s personality, likes and dislikes, typical home life, diet, and any medical needs. Enrollment not only guarantees a place for your companions in our shelter should the need arise but will allow us to better prepare for their arrival and care, as well as assist our matchmakers in selecting the perfect new home. If you adopt any cats or dogs in the future, simply contact us to request an additional Pet Profile Form.
How can I transfer guardianship of my animals to PAWS in my will?
You may indicate PAWS in your will either as a contingent guardian, in case a friend or family member cannot provide permanent care, or as your first-choice guardian. Specify your wishes as completely as possible in your will or in an attachment to your will and provide PAWS with a copy of this section of your will. The more detail PAWS has, the more fully we can provide the care you desire.
While your will should include a provision that PAWS is to have legal custody of your animal, it’s important that this not be the only record of your desires in this regard. Be sure that friends, family and designated personal representative(s) know your wishes regarding your animal. Also, make sure to designate a friend or relative to bring your pet to PAWS, if necessary, as we are not able to provide transport.
Keep your companion animals’ current veterinary records and any other information you may want their new guardian to have in a readily available location. Ensure that the person responsible for taking care of and transporting your animal to PAWS in the days immediately following your passing knows the location of these documents.
When mentioning PAWS in your will, please always refer to PAWS as “The Progressive Animal Welfare Society, Inc. of Lynnwood, Washington.” Our Federal Tax Identification number is 91-6073154
Is a planned gift required to enroll in Lifetime Care Program?
PAWS Lifetime Care Program will provide for your animals as you would wish. In return, we ask that you consider leaving a bequest to PAWS in your will or other planned gift to PAWS. Your gift will be used to care for your companion(s), as well as for other animals in need.
If you are interested in reducing your taxes now, you may consider speaking with an estate planner regarding setting up a trust or annuity to provide for all animals—yours as well as others—who are helped by PAWS.
We suggest you consult your attorney, estate planner, or tax advisor to determine which giving opportunities are best for your individual situation.
For more information on PAWS Lifetime Care Program, or if you would like to request the necessary forms to enroll in the program, please contact Larry Symonds at (541) 250-1893 or [email protected].
All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential and imply no obligation to make a gift.
Nothing on this website should be construed as legal advice. Please contact your attorney or financial adviser to determine what is best for your personal situation.