“When I pass away… what will happen to you, my faithful friend?”

If you consider your dog or cat part of your family, you’ll want to make sure someone trustworthy will care for them when you can no longer do so. Leaving a beloved pet in an overcrowded or understaffed municipal kennel should never be the only option.

Endorsed by APAA, the ARA Legacy Pet Plan provides a responsible, loving solution.

By registering with us, you ensure that your pet will be welcomed into ARA, widely considered one of the best animal shelters in Portugal. Our centre is home to a dedicated team of live-in staff and volunteers, and we maintain a limited number of animals to ensure the highest standards of care.

Our facilities include 14 spacious park areas with pools, enrichment equipment, and sandpits. All dogs are walked twice daily, and we also have excellent housing for cats. Around 30% of our animals are rehomed each month to carefully vetted families.

The Legacy Pet Plan doesn’t come with a fixed cost — we simply ask you to consider making a charitable donation, a one-time gift, or leaving a legacy in your will. While this is not required, our work relies entirely on donations to continue providing top-tier veterinary care, shelter, and rehabilitation for animals in need.

📞 For more information, please contact us at:

📧 legacy@animalrescuealgarve.com

📞 +351 289 462 384

ARA Legacy Pet Plan

🐶 How to Register as an ARA Legacy Pet Cardholder

1. Choose Your Pet Guardian

This is the person who will contact ARA on your behalf if you become unable to care for your pet. Choose someone you trust — a friend, family member, or solicitor — and make sure they are aware of your wishes.

2. Provide Pet Information

We’ll need your pet’s health history, vaccination book, vet contact, behavioural notes, and what your pet likes and dislikes. The more we know, the better we can care for them.

3. Microchip Transfer

Your pet must be microchipped, and the chip must be updated with ARA as the new owner. Your Pet Guardian must handle this — ARA cannot take in a pet without being registered as the chip holder.

4. Add Instructions to Your Will

Include a clear statement in your will, such as:

“It is my wish that ARA will take care of my pet and/or rehome them when I am no longer able to.”

This ensures your intentions are legally recognised. While there’s no cost to join the plan, we hope you will consider supporting our mission through your will or a donation.

5. Fill In the Form

Fill in the form below or contact us, and we’ll send you the Legacy Pet Plan application. Once we receive your completed form, we’ll send you your personalised ARA Legacy Pet Card. Keep it with your other important cards so it’s easy to find in an emergency.

🐾 Once You Become a Cardholder…

You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your pet’s future is secure.

Even when you are no longer here, we will be ready to find your pet a loving new home and give them the life they deserve.

Thank you for your trust and generosity.

Together, we can continue providing love, safety, and second chances to animals in need.