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Pet Stewardship
Most of us assume that we will outlive our pets. But what if you are the one who becomes ill or incapacitated, or dies first? Do you have a plan that will ensure that your surviving companion animals receive the care, attention and accommodations they deserve?
The Ottawa Humane Society Pet Stewardship Program ensures that upon your death, your companion animals are adopted into loving homes that are best suited to their needs.
The program operates as follows:
- Owner signs an agreement with the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS)
- Owner completes care information on the animal
- Bequeaths animal to OHS
- Upon death of the owner, OHS takes immediate custody of the animal and places it in foster care, estate transfer funds to OHS
- OHS agrees not to euthanize except in cases of disease or severe behaviour problems
- Permanent caregiver is found
- Monitoring visits are arranged
- Medical care is arranged for the lifetime of animal
- OHS retains the right to remove the animal from the caregiver
How to Register
- Contact the manager of legacy giving at the Ottawa Humane Society at legacy@ottawahumane.ca.
- Review the Pet Stewardship Agreement with a legal professional and/or financial advisor.
- Sign the Pet Stewardship Agreement
- Bequeath your companion animal(s) to the Ottawa Humane Society in your will.
- Arrange for a future payment to the Ottawa Humane Society in your will (see below), or with a payment through a life insurance policy, a trust, or make an outright payment at the time you enroll your companion animal.
- Complete a Pet Stewardship Program cat information form or dog information form, as well as a medical consent form for each companion animal you own and return it to us, along with a digital photograph of the companion animal. We will also ask you to update this on an annual basis.
- Send a copy of the section in your will that refers to the Pet Stewardship Program to:
Ottawa Humane Society
Pet Stewardship Program
245 West Hunt Club Road
Ottawa Ontario, K2E 1A6
Pet Stewardship FAQ
What would you like to know?
If you are unable to find the answer to your question, please send us an email at legacy@ottawahumane,ca.
PAW Stewardship Volunteer
Not currently recruiting.
We are looking for positive and enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. Come help us call donors to thank them for supporting the animals, share the heartwarming animal stories we experience at the OHS, and ensure donors know the value in the difference they make each and every day! Volunteers will be responsible for various tasks that may range from phone calls, handwritten letters, handling mail/paperwork, and working in the Raiser’s Edge database. Apply today!
PAW Stewardship Volunteer Requirements:
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
- Volunteers must have strong communication skills and be able to make calls quickly and efficiently.
- Volunteers must be comfortable initiating and engaging in conversation with donors.
- Volunteers must be detail oriented.
- Volunteers must have strong computer skills and experience with data entry.
- Volunteers must be able to enter call records and notes in our database.
- Volunteers must have good customer service skills.
- Volunteers must be comfortable bringing any issues or complaints during calls immediately to Manager: Donor Relations to triage.
- Volunteers must be able to work with minimal supervision, once trained.
- Volunteers must commit to the same weekly shift of 3-4 hours per week, for a minimum of one year.
Sample Bequest Language
One of the most important parts of the Pet Stewardship Agreement is that the ownership of the companion animal must be transferred to the Ottawa Humane Society.
It is very important that the correct bequest language be inserted in your will to give ownership of your companion to the Ottawa Humane Society.
Sample when payment is made through your will
I give, devise and bequeath to the Ottawa Humane Society, 245 West Hunt Club Road Ottawa Ontario, K2E 1A6 (BN 123264715RR0001) (the amount of $) (or % of the residue of my estate). In the event that there is a companion animal in my home, in my possession or under my control at the time of my death, I give possession of my companion animal(s) to the Ottawa Humane Society. I direct my executor/executrix to make an advance payment to the Ottawa Humane Society, at the time the Ottawa Humane Society receives my companion animal(s), which amount should be sufficient to cover companion animal care costs for my companion animal(s) until such time as the bequest mentioned above can be distributed to the Ottawa Humane Society. The amount paid as an advance payment to the Ottawa Humane Society shall thereafter be credited against the amount I have bequeathed to the Ottawa Humane Society.
Sample when payment is made through your insurance policy
In the event that there is a companion animal in my home, in my possession or under my control at the time of my death, I give possession of my companion animal(s) to the Ottawa Humane Society. To cover the costs associated with caring for my companion animal(s), I declare that I have designated the Ottawa Humane Society as the beneficiary of an insurance policy on my life with [name of company], policy number *. I direct my executor/executrix to make a payment to the Ottawa Humane Society at the time the Ottawa Humane Society receives my companion animal(s), which amount should be sufficient to cover companion animal care costs for my companion animal(s) until such time as the proceeds of the said policy can be distributed to the Ottawa Humane Society. The amount paid to the Ottawa Humane Society shall be treated as a debt which is repayable to my estate if and when the Ottawa Humane Society receives the proceeds of the said policy.
Resources for Professional Advisors
We value our close partnership with our professional advisors, including financial advisors, lawyers, trusts officers and funeral directors. We are grateful for the impact of your work.
Here are a few resources that will help you meet the needs of your clients who want to support the Ottawa Humane Society.
If you have any questions or concerns or would like to discuss legacy giving, please send an email.
Legal name and charitable registration
Legal Name: Ottawa Humane Society
Charitable Registration Number: 12326 4715 RR0001
Our mailing address is:
245 West Hunt Club Road
Ottawa, ON K2E 1A6
Legacy Giving
Leave a lasting gift for the future of Ottawa’s animals and the future of our community.
Throughout its history, the Ottawa Humane Society has been the recipient of many bequests from generous donors. Bequests have been instrumental in building the new shelter and purchasing life-saving medical equipment. These gifts help the OHS to rescue, treat and ensure a safe future for all the animals in our community.
When our supporters talk to us about leaving bequests to the OHS, they are often concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the size of their estates when they pass on. No one knows exactly when they’ll pass on, let alone what the value of their estate will be when the time comes.
Here are two ways to make a bequest that ease the worry around estate size and gift amount.
- Many people choose to make what are known as residual gifts. This type of donation is the leftovers after all of a person’s fixed obligations are met. For example, someone could leave a certain amount of money to each child and grandchild – and then leave the remainder to the Ottawa Humane Society.
- Others prefer to leave a percentage of their estate to the OHS. For example, someone with children and grandchildren might divide their estate into equal portions. Each child and grandchild will receive an equal portion – and the final portion might be split between that person’s local hospital and the OHS.
Planning for the future doesn’t need to deprive your loved ones in order to fit in your beloved charities, nor does it need to put a strain on you as you work to put your affairs in order.
Below you will find links to our many resources to help you find the best fit for leaving a lasting legacy for the future of Ottawa’s animals.
Volunteer Opportunities
OHS volunteers help give Ottawa’s animals a brighter future and make our community a more humane place for all. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, and making a difference for Ottawa’s animals, please review the volunteer opportunities and follow the application instructions.
Please note: Applications will not be processed for programs that are not open for recruitment. We have a limited number of available openings, and applicants must meet the volunteer requirements to be considered for an interview. We thank all applicants for applying, however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Making a Gift of Life Insurance
A gift of life insurance is a convenient and affordable way to make a substantial future donation to the Ottawa Humane Society.
A gift of life insurance is a convenient and affordable way to make a substantial future donation to the Ottawa Humane Society.
The following option are available:
- Transfer an existing policy to the Ottawa Humane Society
- Transfer a new policy to the Ottawa Humane Society
- Name the Ottawa Humane Society as a direct beneficiary
For details on each of these options, please see below.
Transfer an existing policy to the Ottawa Humane Society
You can name the Ottawa Humane Society as the owner and beneficiary of a policy you already own. You will be eligible for a donation receipt for the cash value of the policy and for any premiums you continue to pay.
Your benefits: Annual premiums qualify for as charitable gifts, possibility a receipt for the cash value upon surrender of policy
OHS benefits: OHS will benefit upon the payment of the life insurance policy
Transfer a new policy to the Ottawa Humane Society
You can buy a new policy and name the Ottawa Humane Society the owner and beneficiary. You will receive a tax receipt for the premiums paid each year. Upon your death the Ottawa Humane Society will benefit from proceed of the life insurance policy.
Your benefits: Annual premiums qualify for as charitable gifts
OHS benefits: OHS will benefit upon the payment of the life insurance policy
Name the Ottawa Humane Society as a direct beneficiary
You may retain ownership of your policy and name the Ottawa Humane Society as the direct beneficiary.
Upon your death, your estate will be eligible for a donation equal to the proceeds of the insurance. You do not receive a tax credit for current premium payments.
Your benefits: Your estate receives a charitable tax receipt for the value of the life insurance policy. This can significantly reduce or eliminate taxes owed by the estate.
OHS’s benefits: OHS will benefit from the lump sum payment of the life insurance policy.
We strongly recommend you consult with your financial advisor if you are considering a donation of life insurance to the Ottawa Humane Society.
Donations of Stock and Securities
Donating Publicly Traded Securities
The Ottawa Humane Society can accept different types of securities, including publicly listed shares, bonds or mutual fund units.
How to give
1. Contact the OHS at legacy@ottawahumane.ca, and let us know of your intent to make such a gift.
2. Contact your financial advisor or broker. You will need to provide them with written authorization stating your intent to transfer securities from your account to the Ottawa Humane Society’s account. Please tell your advisor:
- The name, number and type (i.e. common or preferred) of securities you wish to donate;
- The approximate value of the securities;
- The date you wish to make your donation; and,
- Any other relevant information concerning your donation.
3. Once the transfer is complete, the Ottawa Humane Society will provide you with an official income tax receipt, as well as our grateful thanks. The receipt issued by the Ottawa Humane Society will be based on the value of the securities as at the close of business on the day they are received by the Ottawa Humane Society.
For more information
The Ottawa Humane Society always recommends that you consult with your own financial advisor(s) before initiating any type of donation of securities.
Planning for Your Pet’s Future
It’s a possibility none of us wants to consider: what if we pass away before our pets? What will their lives be like in a future without you?
Most of us consider our pets to be members of our family. After all, they are living, sentient companions who reside in our homes and our hearts, and who are dependent upon us for their own survival. It is imperative to their well-being and our own peace of mind, that we have a plan for our pet’s futures if the unthinkable were to happen: if we weren’t here to care for them.
For many of us, planning for our pet’s futures means talking with friends and family members to find a fitting home and a caretaker who is able and willing to take on the responsibility of having, and loving, our pets. Often, this is arranged formally and included in a will to ensure our wishes will be carried out. Within a will, pet owners can make additional arrangements, such as specific provisions for their pets. It’s important to know what legally can and can’t be done in these situations.
For anyone who doesn’t have an easy solution to this difficult problem, the Ottawa Humane Society’s Pet Stewardship Program may be the right place to turn. This program provides peace of mind by allowing pet owners to entrust their pets to the OHS, ensures that their pets will be placed in a loving home, that veterinary care will be provided for the rest of their pet’s lives, and that their wishes for their pets will be carried out.
If you are interested in learning more about your options for planning for your pet’s future, you are invited to attend our free Planning for Your Pet’s Future seminar at the Ottawa Humane Society on Tuesday, May 8 from 6 – 8 p.m. This seminar will be co-presented by the OHS and D. Bradley Evans, of Grandmaitre Virgo Evans Law Office. Bring your questions and allow us to help you find peace of mind by understanding your options in including your pets in your Will.
If you have questions, or wish to RSVP for this free event, please contact our manager: legacy giving at 613-725-3166 ext. 268, or e-mail legacy@ottawahumane.ca.
Andrea Boone
Manager: Legacy Giving