If you have a question not answered below or need any further clarification please email us at jcurtis@rspca.org.uk

Q. What happens when I die – how does the RSPCA find out?

A. Once you sign up to 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. As well as providing you with a notification card, which can be kept at home, we also provide a wallet card, which can be kept with you at all times. These items have all the necessary contact details.

Q. What happens when I die – what is the procedure?

A. As soon as we are informed that someone who is registered with Home for Life has died, our Legacy administration department will get in touch with your regional RSPCA office, who will make arrangements for the collection of your pet or pets. The animals will be taken to the nearest RSPCA Animal Centre, or other suitable accommodation, and assessed for the purpose of finding them a loving new home. Every animal coming into our care gets a health check as well as vaccination, neutering and micro chipping as necessary.

Q. Can you rehome my animals together?

A. 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?

A. It is RSPCA policy that, before anyone can adopt an animal from the RSPCA, we interview them. This way, there are no impulsive decisions and the RSPCA can check 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)?

A. The RSPCA is the largest animal welfare charity in the UK, and has facilities to take on most pet breeds. Although spaces for larger animals such as horses may be limited, we do have some facilities for them. The only types of pet animal the RSPCA may have difficulty rehoming are fish or exotic animals.

Q. What happens if my family offer to take the pet?

A. 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?

A. 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, but always check with your solicitor.