What Will Happen to Your Pet if You Become Ill or Die in the Algarve?

Taking Care of Your Pets Should Something Happen to You

The Pet Legacy Plan could be your best option. Created by like-minded Algarve residents and animal lovers Sid Richardson, creator of Animal Rescue Algarve and Woof Charity Shops, along with Jenny Clarke and Anita Wright from the Association for Protection of Animals Algarve. The plan aims to take care of your pets should unforeseen circumstances arise.

‘Legacy’ can have different meanings depending on how you look at it. For some, it may be seen as a boring legal term, while for others, it represents an inheritance.

However, for Jenny Clarke, the President of APAA, it brings about some challenges. Anita Wright, the head of ‘Pop-Up’ Shops, shares Jenny’s concerns as they both have many abandoned animals to take care of.

It’s a bittersweet situation because these animals come and go, following the natural order of things. But of course, they will be missed, just as you would be missed if you were to ‘Pop-Off’. So, what can be done?

Fortunately, Sid Richardson from ARA came up with a solution to their dilemma. What can people do for their pets in case of unexpected or expected demise? We had a couple of meetings with ARA to see if we could find a lasting solution.

Legacy Pet Plan

Anita and I had been discussing our dogs, and after we are gone, who will take care of them? It is after all a valid question.” Sid and João Ferreira, the Manager of ‘Cabanita,’ the ARA animal shelter, agreed that the best possible way to ensure the well-being of your adored pet if you truly care for them is to plan for their future while you are still alive and capable of making such decisions.

“The shelter was built because I prioritise animal welfare and believe in their well-being.” Sid Richardson

Sid takes pride in his accomplishments, and rightfully so.

“Pet Legacy” was an idea Jenny had some time ago, but it was put on hold due to the shelter project, which consumed a lot of time. They needed to find the right people to manage and run things daily. Jenny’s idea was to create a “Home for Life” for her animals, a concept they discussed together.

“People often talk about giving pets’ a ‘forever home,’ however, owners rarely plan ahead and think about what that truly entails.”

After rescuing an abandoned animal from a shelter and providing it with a home, food, care, and medical attention, Jenny thought it would be great if they could discuss the animal’s future during the joyful process of re-homing.

They should consider what would happen if the owner became unable to care for the animal due to unforeseen circumstances like a long illness or the loss of a partner. “We have unfortunately witnessed many situations like this firsthand.”

Taking Care of Your Pets Should Something Happen to You

Unfortunately, pets are often overlooked when wills or “wish lists” are being discussed and legalised. Inheritors may be far away, residing in different countries or continents, and caring for a dog or cat may not be on their agenda.

That’s why ARA’s first-class shelter, located in a beautiful countryside setting, aims to find every animal the proper and loving home they deserve. João, who has several pets of his own, some of which are disabled, never gives up on them.

His motto is to treat animals with respect, as they are precious gifts. The solution is simple: register your pet(s) with ARA, and when you pass away, your Legacy will come into play, ensuring that your wishes for your pets are fulfilled.

Contact: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com or info@animalrescuealgarve.com. Use Pet Legacy or Home For Life in your message. Go for it now!