Leave a gift in your Will

And let your love for dogs live on.

Snoop a tan crossbreed dog, on his on lead walks sitting by a reservoir near Darlington rehoming centre.

A gift in your Will lets more dogs find love

If you’ve had a dog in your life you’ll know there’s a love between you that’s hard to put into words. A love that can live on, in your Will.

A gift to Dogs Trust in your Will means more dogs and people will have the chance to find that beyond-special bond for themselves. It helps us care for every dog who comes through our doors, until that one-in-a-million moment when they meet the special someone who’ll love and care for them for the rest of their lives. You make it happen when you leave a gift to Dogs Trust in your Will. Every gift, regardless of size, helps us makes a difference. 

How to leave a gift in your Will

Discover how a small gesture can make a big difference for dogs in need. Sign up below and get your free guide straight to your inbox.

Content video

Did you know?

Gifts in wills help us pay for 40% of all our work

Illustration of a hand and paw

A gift in your Will can mean: 

  • A warm kennel, food, and bedding for our dogs as long as they need it
  • Dedicated professional team including carers, trainers and vets for every dog that comes into our care
  • Onsite specialised facilities such as our hydrotherapy training centres, veterinary suites and our training halls

Our Legacy Promise

  • Your privacy is important to us and any information you provide us with will be kept confidential
  • We will always treat your family and friends in a respectful and considerate way
  • Your gift will be used carefully and effectively, with dogs at the centre of everything we do
  • We will be very appreciative if you would like to tell us about your gift, and equally we respect your right if, at any point in the future, you decide to change your mind
  • We’re always here to help, if you ever have any questions in regards to making or amending a Will then please contact us at legacyinfo@dogstrust.org.uk
Write your free Will
Brown terrier running through a small tunnel amongst green bushes and purple and yellow flowers.

Write your Will for free with us

When you choose to make your free Will with us, you’ll know you’re in capable hands.
What you need to know
Flo the Lurcher cross Border Collie black and white puppy sitting in a field

Will making and codicils

Making a Will is the only way to ensure that those you love will be looked after and that your money benefits the people or causes that you really care about.

Find out more
border terrier sitting at home

Types of legacies and suggested wording

Leaving a gift in your will to support dogs in need is a very important and personal decision. We're here to answer any questions you might have. 

Contact our Legacy team

To speak to someone in confidence about leaving a gift in your will, get in touch with our friendly team:

Call us on 020 7837 0006

or

Email us

You can also write to us at Dogs Trust House, 2 Wakley Street, London, EC1V 7LT.

FAQs

What happens with the money I leave in my Will?

Your donations help us ensure that each of our 21 rehoming centres across the UK have the very best facilities for our dogs. This involves new cosy beds and kennels for each dog, as well as the opportunity to expand our centres to allow more room for additional dogs in need.

Is there a minimum gift amount?

No, every gift, regardless of size, helps us makes a difference.

Do you pay inheritance tax on gifts left to charity?

No, if you leave a gift to Dogs Trust in your Will, its value will be deducted from your estate (your money, possessions and property) before Inheritance Tax is worked out. You can find out more online at: https://www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax

Can I leave a gift for a specific centre?

Any donations to Dogs Trust are equally shared across each of the centres and we utilise every penny to protect and care for as many dogs as we can across the UK and beyond. Writing a Will is a very personal journey, and we hope that you trust us to use your gift where it is needed the most, but if it is your wish to dedicate your gift to a specific centre we will always try to facilitate your wishes as best as we can.

What details do I need to give to my solicitor when making a Will?

You can find all this information by visiting our Solicitors & Executors page here.

Can Scottish law affect my gift to Dogs Trust?

Yes, Scottish laws relating to wills do differ in some areas and we would strongly advise you to speak to your solicitor who will be able to advise you and ensure that your wishes are carried out. Discover more about Scottish law by visiting the HM Revenue and Customs website.

Can Dogs Trust look after my dog when I die?

Yes, by signing up to our Canine Care Card service. If your dog meets the requirements we guarantee that we will care for them and help them find their forever home, and you can be reassured as we promise that we will never put a healthy dog down.