So often we, at BV Humane, receive older pets that are surrendered by the relative of a deceased person. Sometimes this may be the wish of the deceased, but often it is not. Although we try everything in our power and experience to place all of the animals we receive, the reality is that we are not able to find homes for all the animals we receive.

That is why we have established the Guardian Angel Program—to ensure that pet owners who provide for their pets in estate planning will absolutely be guaranteed a loving, warm, and safe home for their pet(s). We select new homes—using your criteria—and monitor your pet(s) throughout their entire lifetime.

Only you can make the proper decisions concerning your pet's needs. Failing to plan may put your animal friend at grave risk in the future—they not only lose you—but your pet may lose the opportunity to live out its natural life in a loving and caring home.

Since you cannot legally leave money directly to your pet, you need to designate a caretaker in a trust or will and request that the funds be used for food, shelter and veterinary care as needed. BV Humane, unlike an individual, will be here far into the foreseeable future, pursuing its mission of animal welfare. As such, you may rest assured that your pet will be secure, loved and cared for, no matter what may happen.

Whether you decide that it is best for your pet to stay in your home for its natural life, or be placed into a new loving home, the BV Humane can help you. We guarantee that your wishes for your pet(s) are met.

Guardian Angel Program: How It Works

The pet owner arranges a gift to BV Humane in an estate plan that takes effect upon death.

The Pet Owner selects the following life care options:

1. An estate gift such as an endowment, trust fund, or gift annuity to BV Humane with a minimum amount of $2,500 per pet assures that the pet will be placed with a loving family.
2. An estate gift to the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society of $10,000 assures pet placement with a loving family, monitoring by BV Humane animal care specialists for life, plus pet health insurance—ensuring that your pet will receive quality medical care regardless of expense.
3. Other options may be so specified—an estate gift to BV Humane may include a variety of special terms, such as mandating that your pet(s) will stay in your home for their natural lifetime, all medical needs will be met, and other requests as you so desire.

Note: An irrevocable gift or endowed fund also ensures that your pet will be cared for during your temporary disability or confinement to a nursing home.

A Review of the Benefits:

By naming BV Humane as a beneficiary in your estate plan you are guaranteed loving, attentive care for your pet when you are no longer here to provide care yourself. You have the peace of mind of knowing that your pet won't become an innocent victim of someone's inability, unwillingness, negligence or abuse.

You and your pet receive:

• Security
• Dependability
• Stability
• Peace of Mind

Your pet receives:

• Loving Care
• Individual Attention
• Warm and Cozy Sleeping Quarters
• Special Diets as Needed
• Healthcare
• Socialization
• Permanent Home
• A Home as close to the one you provided as we can possibly create