Your legacy can save homeless animals for generations to come
We also offer the ability to create a free Revocable Living Trust
Everybody needs a plan
Whether you’re 18 or 108, everyone should have a will in place. Wills provide peace of mind that your wishes are acknowledged, your assets remain in your control, your children and pets are cared for, and your loved ones have minimal stress after your passing. Wills are also a way for people to ensure they are remembered in ways that reflect their values and what they love. Leaving a charitable gift in a will allows you to continue to support the Humane Society of Huron Valley, and other organizations you give to now, long after you’re gone.
Through a will, many people also choose to leave a part of their estate to Humane Society of Huron Valley and make an impact on the causes they love, for years to come.
Why give to HSHV in your will?
Guardian Circle appreciation
As a Guardian Circle member, you’re making a difference for homeless animals long after your lifetime. We proudly share our appreciation for each Guardian Circle member with
- Eligibility for our Continuing Care program and an Emergency Pet Decal
- Exclusive HSHV Supporter license plate frame
- Recognition on the walls of our main entrance and on rotating information screens
- Access to exclusive news updates, seminars, virtual sessions, and events
- Invitation to our annual donor recognition reception
- A personal contact at HSHV to help with any questions
Ensure your pets are cared for with Continuing Care
It’s important to think about who would care for your pets in the event of your death, and to implement a plan to protect them. HSHV’s Continuing Care program is a free benefit for Guardian Circle members that ensures their pets will be lovingly rehomed by HSHV staff, ensuring a happy future.
Common gifted assets in wills and trusts
- Financial accounts
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Brokerage accounts
- Crypto and NFTs
- Personal property
Make your will online – for free!
Humane Society of Huron Valley has partnered with FreeWill to offer an online estate planning tool that makes it easy and cost-free to make your plan. In as little as 20 minutes, you can help support our mission for future generations.
We also offer the ability to create a free Revocable Living Trust
Popular resources
Guardian Circle & Continuing Care FAQs
FAQs on how to join HSHV’s Guardian Circle and enroll pets in Continuing Care
Sample bequest language for your will or trust
This language may help you and your attorney as you consider a gift that will meet your financial and personal goals.
Sample codicil
When it’s time to update your will, you can use a codicil—an addition or supplement that explains or modifies your existing will.
Legacy giving helps fuel HSHV’s mission
The act of generosity takes many forms, and each is so important. Supporting causes that matter to you is one of the most important decisions you can make. With your support to HSHV, you’ll leave a lasting legacy that provides the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.
Yes! Knowing in advance about your legacy intention is helpful to HSHV, and we’d love to express our gratitude for your gift. If you wish, we can keep your donation anonymous.
We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).
Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.
Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.
You can join the Guardian Circle by including a legacy gift to HSHV in your estate plans and notifying HSHV, marking your commitment to the future care of animals in our community. Join today by creating your free will or by letting us know that you have already included HSHV in your will or trust.
HSHV’s Continuing Care program is a free benefit for Guardian Circle members that ensures their beloved pets will be cared for if they predecease them. If you have completed a Declaration of Intent, please let us know so that we can provide you with a Continuing Care enrollment form, program agreement, and pet profiles to begin the process.
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know
Humane Society of Huron Valley
3100 Cherry Hill Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
EIN: 38-1474931
More ways to make an impact
Beneficiary designations
Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.
Popular tax-smart gifts
Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.
Gifts that pay you back
Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.