A gift to last a lifetime

Why you should make a Will and how a legacy in your Will can help Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Apply today for our new Legacy Pack which tells you all you need to know.

Legacies of all types have formed an important part of our income since the Home first took in stray and starving dogs in 1860, and they continue to help us look after all the dogs and cats that we have here today.

Why legacy income is important to us

Legacies are very valuable to the Home and provide the majority of our funds which enable us to continue our work. The redevelopment of the Battersea site and the building of the new Kent Kennels in 1997 was funded mainly through legacy income. Legacy income will also be used to fund the Home's plans to expand our facilities and offer more space outside the London area for our dogs and cats. Legacies help us plan our future with confidence.

Why put your affairs in order?

It's not always easy to think about making your Will but it is the only way you can be absolutely sure that your estate will pass to those you wish to benefit. By leaving clear and precise instructions about the disposal of your estate, you also save your loved ones from unnecessary distress at a time when they are least able to cope with it.

If you do not leave a valid Will ...

your estate will be dealt with under the statutory intestacy rules. This means that your property and possessions may pass to people you did not wish to benefit, or even to the Crown. Whatever you may have said or thought about who you'd like to leave your estate to, the law will only recognise a valid Will.

How to go about making your Will

When you decide to make your Will, it is advisable to go to a solicitor for help. He or she will help you to leave clear and unambiguous instructions about your Estate, including any charity bequests you wish to make. Thank you for supporting Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. If you are considering leaving a bequest to the Home, or you would like us to send you our new Legacy pack, which provides you with lots more information about the Home and how to leave us a bequest in your Will, please contact our Legacy Department or call us on 020 7627 9209. Thank you.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has recently joined Remember a Charity, a consortium of over 140 charities that campaigns to raise awareness of charitable legacies. For more information on the campaign, visit their website: www.rememberacharity.org.uk