Keep Pets with Their Families Forever
Your love for animals can live on long after today. By including HEALS in your estate plans, you ensure
that pets will never be torn from their families because of financial hardship. Your legacy gift will help
end economic euthanasia, prevent pet surrender, and save countless lives for years to come.
Why Leave a Legacy Gift?
- Protect pets beyond your lifetime — Your gift guarantees that HEALS will always be there to
save animals in crisis. - Make a lasting impact — Even a modest bequest can transform our ability to provide
emergency care and financial aid. - Honor your bond with animals — Show the world that pets are family, and families should
never be broken apart
Ways to Give
- You can include HEALS in your plans in several simple ways:
- Bequest in your will or trust – A specific dollar amount, percentage, or remainder of your
estate. - Retirement accounts (IRA, 401k) – Name HEALS as a beneficiary.
- Life insurance policies – Add HEALS as a beneficiary to an existing or new policy.
- Donor advised funds – Recommend HEALS for future distributions.
- Charitable trusts – Create a gift that provides for both loved ones and pets.
Suggested Language for Your Will
Here’s an example you can share with your attorney:
“I give [dollar amount or % of my estate] to Guardian HEALS, a nonprofit organization recognized as
tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN 834178756, with its principal
office at P.O.Box 5205, Greenwich, CT 06831, to be used for its charitable mission of keeping pets and
families together.”
Join the Forever Friends Society
When you make a legacy commitment, you’ll be welcomed into our Forever Friends Society, a special
group of supporters dedicated to ensuring pets and families stay together for generations to come.
Members receive:
- Recognition (with your permission) in our annual report and on our website.
- A keepsake certificate celebrating your commitment.
- Invitations to special updates and events
FAQ's
Q: Do I need to tell HEALS if I’ve included you in my will?
A: It’s not required, but letting us know allows us to honor you during your lifetime and ensure your
wishes are clear.
Q: What if I already have a will?
A: You can add HEALS with a simple amendment (codicil) without rewriting your entire will.
Q: Do I have to be wealthy to leave a legacy gift?
A: Not at all. Many gifts are a small percentage of an estate — but they make a big difference for pets in
need.
Next Steps
- Talk with your financial advisor or attorney.
- Contact us at 914-996-0001 for sample language or questions.
- Let us know if you’ve included HEALS so we can thank you and welcome you into the Forever
Friends Society
