Home for Life is a free service from the RSPCA, giving pet owners peace of mind. It means the RSPCA will do all they can to find a new, loving home for your pet if you should die.

The RSPCA explain that many cats and dogs are left homeless after their owners pass away. With their Home for Life scheme you can ensure your pet is properly looked after and found a loving home should anything happen to you. You can get information on Home for Life by post from the RSPCA or by downloading the scheme information from the RSPCA’s website.

Fill in your details and request information on the scheme, in either format, by visiting https://donations.rspca.org.uk/HomeForLife/Request.aspx

Once you join the Home for Life service, the RSPCA recommend that you let your friends, family or neighbours know that you want the RSPCA to take in your animals in the event of your death. You will also be provided with a wallet card, which can be kept with you at all times. State your wishes in your Will and make sure you include the RSPCA charity name and registered charity number.

The RSPCA explain what happens when someone in the scheme dies:

“As soon as we are informed that someone who has used Home for Life has died, our Legacy administration department will get in touch with your regional RSPCA office, who will collect your pet or pets as a matter of urgency. The animals will be taken to the nearest RSPCA Animal Centre, or other suitable accommodation, while we set about doing all we can to find them a loving new home. In addition, every animal coming into our care gets a health check. For most pets that includes vaccination, neutering and microchipping.”

The RSPCA's Home for Life service can be used by anyone who has not made alternative provisions for their animal's care. If a family member or friend has offered to look after your animal then you do not need to join the scheme.

To view frequently asked questions visit https://donations.rspca.org.uk/HomeForLife/faq.aspx