Bath Cats and Dogs Home has launched a free will-writing service in partnership with Guardian Angel, as part of efforts to ensure legacies continue to be received by the charity.
Long term supporter and trustee Sarah O’ Neill | Photo courtesy of Bath Cats and Dogs Home
Legacies from supporters are a vital source of funds for Bath Cats and Dogs Home and help them provide for around 800 animals a year.
Last year the cost-of-living crisis meant that the charity saw the highest number of rescue cats and dogs arriving since 2019, with an intake of almost 800 vulnerable animals.
Bath Cats and Dogs Home saw a 121% increase in stray and abandoned dogs in 2022, with similar numbers expected this year.
The aim of the new free service is to help people organise or update their wills and take the headache out of will writing with a quick and easy online service.
It takes around fifteen minutes to draft a will before it is sent to Guardian Angel’s legal experts to be checked for accuracy.
Alternatively, Harris & Harris Solicitors in Frome have a discounted, in-person will writing service available to Bath Cats and Dogs Home supporters.
Gifts in wills received by Bath Cats and Dogs Home help the charity to plan ahead for the future as well as fund their ongoing animal welfare work to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome cats and dogs across Bath and North East Somerset and West Wiltshire.
There is no obligation for people using the service to make a gift to the charity, but anyone using the free will service can consider supporting Bath Cats and Dogs Home if they wish and help them care for future generations of rescue cats and dogs.
In the past, gifts in wills have helped Bath Cats and Dogs Home to fund the construction of vital new buildings to house rescue animals such as the Roy Hulbert kennel block.
Legacies also help the charity to fund expert staff such as animal carers, animal behaviourists, re-homers and veterinary specialists as well as the little things like new beds, blankets, toys and treats.
Speaking about why she left a gift in her will to Bath Cats and Dogs Home, long term supporter and trustee, Sarah O’ Neill said: “I’ve been a supporter of the Home for over five years now since we adopted our first cat, Teddy, from them in 2018 and Gimli, in 2020.
“I’m proud that I’ve left a gift to Bath Cats & Dogs Home in my will, knowing it will help vulnerable cats and dogs in the future.
“The difference that the Home makes in the lives of animals is outstanding, but for it to continue, they need funds. Even a small gift can make such an impact, and it’s something simple I can do to help animals have a second chance at love.”
Supporter and animal lover Dennis Lucioni added: “I’ve loved animals ever since I was able to, starting off very young I grew up with dogs and cats.
“Throughout my life I’ve adopted animals, and every dog I have ever had has been from a rescue, including some from the Home. I am very passionate about giving a dog a second chance at a good home.
“I’m now in a period of life when I’m unable to give the exercise they would need to be able to adopt, so have chosen to give a gift in my will to help animals.”
Rachel Jones, Chief Executive at Bath Cats and Dogs Home said: “We are so grateful for every gift we receive in wills, whatever the size, each gift makes such a difference to the rescue and rehoming of cats and dogs.
“Knowing in advance about gifts coming in, helps us plan and be prepared for rising demand for our rescue services such as we’ve seen in the last three years.
“If you’re thinking of leaving a gift in your will to a local charity, after taking care of your family, please consider Bath Cats and Dogs Home and help support future generations of rescue animals.”
To find out more, visit https://www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/a-gift-in-your-will or to apply for a free will call Guardian Angel on 0800 773 4014 and quote Bath Cats & Dogs Home.
To receive a Gifts in Wills brochure, call 01225 787 334 or email [email protected].
