TUFCAT believes that saving the lives of animals requires a multi-faceted and holistic approach.
Mass sterilisation programmes will ultimately reduce the number of animals needing homes and adoption efforts will find new homes for those who can adapt. But, there will always be cats and dogs, already born, who are not good candidates for adoption.
What becomes of the old, those with medical issues, disabilities or behavioural problems?
Those of us committed to and involved in animal welfare cannot hope to end the euthanasia of millions of unwanted pets without attempting to create another option for these ‘special needs’ dogs and cats.
TUFCAT has thus set up a Home for Life sanctuary to this end…
To read more about our Home for Life sanctuary, click here or to meet some of our resident animals, click here.
Who will care for your pet if you die before them?
We will…
TUFCAT introduces a surviving pet programme
Most people make no provision for their pets in their will. So, when they die, family members or friends (who have not been approached or who are often not willing or able to take in the animals for various reasons) hand them over to the SPCA or other over-crowded and under-resourced welfare societies to rehome or put to sleep. Or they are simply abandoned and left to fend for themselves. We know this as we have witnessed it dozens of times and we currently have several animals in our sanctuary whose owners have died. It is up to you to consider your pet’s welfare, should you not be around to care for them. It is thus absolutely crucial that you do the right thing, and make proper arrangements for your pets while you are still alive.
Surely, your beloved pets deserve better than being left homeless and being handed over to an unknown fate?
What you can do:
- Make plans to include them in your will, set up a Trust or take out a life-insurance policy that nominates their future caretaker as your beneficiary. (Although South African law doesn’t allow you to leave money or assets to your pets in your will, you can still do estate planning for them. Find a human trustee or an organisation to manage things on your behalf.)
- Spell out your wishes regarding your pet’s future in a detailed will or set up a Trust. Be specific and arrange things beforehand with the people concerned, to ensure that your wishes are carried out.
- Don’t try do it yourself, a clause like I leave RXXXX to my dog, Fluffy will be contested as animals are not legal persons. Rather find an animal friendly lawyer and do everything legally and put arrangements in writing once all parties agree.
- Bear in mind that although you may leave part of your estate to a friend or family member with the proviso that they care for your pet/s, this is not binding and they could simply just have your pet euthanased after receiving the money!
- Nominate one or two emergency care-givers who will step in and look after your animals until a more permanent plan is made. If you live alone, they should have keys to your home, your veterinarian’s details, and information about the long-term arrangements you have made for your pet/s.
- Bear in mind that it is stressful for animals to have to adjust to a radical change of scenery, so try to nominate someone familiar to take care of them (like your neighbours, family or friends), so they can remain in familiar surroundings. Leave money for their upkeep (put away monthly or take out a small policy if necessary).
- If there is no trusted individual you can ask, then nominate a sanctuary or organisation like TUFCAT that specialises in the Lifetime Care of the pets of deceased owners (negotiate this beforehand, register your pets with us and come and visit the sanctuary).
- You can also arrange for your pets to stay in their home (with a screened and vetted animal-focussed caretaker) under our supervision.
- Specify the amount from your estate that is to go with the adoption to the person or organisation responsible for keeping your pets and/or putting them to sleep.
- Be sure to leave detailed instructions on how you want your pet to be cared for and encourage surviving relative or friends to visit your pets to ensure they are being properly taken care of as per your instructions.
Please do not let your pets end up at a welfare or shelter, or get handed out to a bad home, or simply be abandoned, when you are no longer around to care for them.