News Release 2004
Remember Your Pet When Planning Your Estate
This press release is also available in PDF format.
November 15, 2004
For immediate release
On National Philanthropy Day (November 17), the Ottawa Humane Society is encouraging city residents to think about the role charities play in their lives, and to support their local humane society. "The OHS isn't just about lost and found animals," says Bruce Roney, the Society's Executive Director. "To care for all of the animals in our community, we have introduced programs that support animal owners through the lifespan of their pet."
The OHS's innovative Pet Stewardship Program, for example, addresses the needs of owners whose main concern is their pet's future should their own health decline. The program ensures that companion animals are placed into loving homes that are best suited to their individual needs in the event of their owner's death or inability to continue caring for them.
"Many people worry about what will become of their pet if they're no longer here," says Samantha Laprade, OHS Manager, Planned Giving. "The Pet Stewardship Program offers them peace of mind that their companion animal will be well loved and cared for," adds Ms. Laprade. "We encourage all local pet owners to think about their pet's future when they are planning their own estate."
"The Pet Stewardship Program is quite easy to become involved with," says Ms. Laprade. The pet owner and the Ottawa Humane Society enter into formal arrangements made for the future care of your surviving companion animals or for the care of your companion animals should you be unable to care for them due to illness or incapacity.
"The Ottawa Humane Society strongly recommends that pet owners seek legal advice when drawing up these arrangements," adds Ms. Laprade. A formal arrangement can be made for a companion animal through a Will, a Trust, a Power of Attorney or a Personal Representation Agreement. A legal professional can help pet owners decide what arrangement they should make.
To find out more about the Pet Stewardship Program, or to donate to the Ottawa Humane Society, contact Samantha Laprade at 725-3166, ext. 268.
For media enquiries, contact:
Samantha Laprade, Manager-Planned Giving
725-3166, Ext 268, or samanthal@ottawahumane.ca
