1893 Legacy Society

Give Animals a Brighter Future

Your love for animals can make a difference for generations to come.

By including the Guelph Humane Society (GHS) in your Will, you can create a lasting legacy for animals in our community, often with a gift that may be larger than what’s possible during your lifetime.

A gift in your Will is a meaningful way to ensure animals continue to have access to the care, compassion, and second chances they deserve, today and in the future.

A black and white border collie sits and looks up at the camera with its mouth open, photographed from above.
A young girl lies on a bed with her arm around a tabby cat, both with their eyes closed.

Leave a Legacy That Lasts

There are many ways to leave a gift to GHS. You can choose an option that works for you and your loved ones, including:

  • A percentage of your estate
  • Cash
  • Property
  • Securities
  • A beneficiary designation on an insurance policy
  • A beneficiary designation on an RRSP or similar financial product

Your estate may also be eligible for a charitable tax receipt, which could help reduce or even eliminate taxes owing on your estate. Because every situation is different, we encourage you to speak with your lawyer, financial advisor, or other trusted professional about creating or updating your Will and exploring the legacy-giving option that’s right for you.

Giving Stocks and Securities

You can make a meaningful gift to the Guelph Humane Society by donating publicly traded stocks, bonds, or other eligible securities.

Whether you choose to give securities during your lifetime or include them in your estate plans, your gift can help provide compassionate care and a brighter future for animals in our care.

Because tax rules and individual circumstances vary, we recommend speaking with your financial advisor or tax professional to determine whether a gift of stocks or securities is right for you.

Photos Credit: Adrianne Arnold

Plan for the Pets You Love

For many pet owners, one of the most important parts of planning for the future is knowing their beloved companion will be cared for if they are no longer able to provide that care themselves.

Through thoughtful estate planning, you can plan for your pet’s future while also leaving a legacy of compassion for animals in need.

Consider including instructions in your Will and Life Insurance Policy for the care of your pet, and speak with your lawyer about appointing a trusted person to take responsibility for your animal. You may also wish to make a financial provision for your pet’s ongoing care.

Become a Member of the 1893 Legacy Society

If you’ve already included GHS in your Will, we’d love to hear from you.

By letting us know about your gift, you give us the opportunity to thank you and welcome you as a valued member of the 1893 Legacy Society during your lifetime.

Prefer to remain anonymous? We completely understand and will always respect your wishes.

A woman lies on a bed laughing as a siamese cat stretches a paw toward her face.

Is Your Legacy in Honour of a Beloved Pet?

For many of us, pets are family. If your legacy gift is inspired by a beloved animal who has touched your life, we’d be honoured to know their story. Your gift can be a beautiful way to celebrate their memory and help provide a brighter future for animals in need.

Your Legacy Can Begin Today

Every gift makes a difference—not only for animals who need us today, but for the animals who will need us in the years and decades ahead.

Thank you for helping ensure that animals in our community always have hope for a healthier, happier future.

Interested in learning more about the 1893 Legacy Society or letting us know about your gift? Contact Kim Robinson, Director of Development at krobinson@guelphhumane.ca or 519-824-3091.