Planned Giving

Estate Planning and Pets—Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle Humane’s Pet Guardian Program

1. The lifetime enrollment fee for a household is $1,000. Will this cover only the animals I have now, and will I need to pay again if I get additional pets?

Answer: This enrollment fee will cover up to five companion animals in your household at the time of your death. This includes dogs, cats and small critters. If you have farm animals, horses or other livestock, please be sure to make other arrangements for them since they are not included in our adoption program.

2. If I name the Seattle Humane Society (SHS) Pet Guardian Program (PGP) as the secondary name in case the first person I identify in my will or trust is unable or unwilling to care for my animals, do I need to pay the enrollment fee up front?

Answer: No, you may include conditional language in your will or trust that states that if the person/people you have identified to provide care are unable to do so, the animals in your household are to be enrolled in the Seattle Humane Society Pet Guardian Program upon your death. The enrollment fee will need to be paid by your estate or your heirs.

3. I would like to enroll in the program, but I cannot pay the $1,000 in one lump sum. Is there a way to pay over time?

Answer: Yes, our staff can work with you to come up with a payment plan over time.

4. If I enroll in the program but do not end up needing it, can I get a refund?

Answer: No. We will still offer you microchipping and services at the time of your enrollment. Because we are not offering substantial material benefits at the time of your enrollment, the $1,000 fee will be considered a charitable contribution (minus any microchipping fees).

5. If the Seattle Humane Society Pet Guardian Program is named as the secondary caretaker of a Pet Trust, and becomes the caretaker in the case that the primary caretaker is unable to serve, what happens to the funds in the trust?

Answer: We will work with your legal counsel to ensure your wishes are followed. If you would like the funds to go to the Seattle Humane Society to benefit companion animals, please be sure to use our legal name and tax identification number in your documents (The Humane Society for Seattle/King County, Tax ID# 91-0282060). If you wish for the funds from the trust to be distributed from your estate to the person who adopts your pet(s), please indicate that in your trust documents. Please note that you should also designate a remainder beneficiary for your trust. This beneficiary may be any person or charitable organization you name.

6. Can I designate that my pet will go straight into foster care instead of going through the shelter?

Answer: All animals who go through the Pet Guardian Program will be evaluated at the Seattle Humane Society by the veterinary staff and behavior team to determine immediate steps. If medical care is needed, the animal will be provided care. If the animal is healthy and adoptable, it will be placed for adoption. Since most animals will experience some stress as they leave their home, many will be placed in foster care for some period of time.

7. If I die and my heirs who will care for my pet or pet caretaker as determined by the will are unable to take the pet immediately, can the Seattle Humane Society help in the interim?

Answer: The Seattle Humane Society no longer offers boarding services for dogs. In the event that temporary care of the pet is needed, please contact your preferred pet sitter or boarding facility and make sure your will designates your wishes. Your estate and heirs will be responsible for the charges incurred. If you wish for the animal to be irrevocably transferred to the Seattle Humane Society's Pet Guardian Program, the animal will be placed for adoption.

8. What if I change my mind and decide to leave my animal to someone else?

Answer: Membership in the Seattle Humane Society Pet Guardian Program entitles you to the program services but does not require that you use these services. However, the membership fee is not refundable should you change your plans.

The information in this website is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to income tax apply to federal taxes only. Federal estate tax, state income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.