Planning for Their Future: Why A Legacy Plan Matters for Your Pet 🐾

What would happen to your beloved pet if something were to happen to you?

It’s a difficult question—one that many pet owners don’t want to face. But for those who truly love and care for their animals, planning for their future is one of the most important and compassionate decisions we can make.

At Animal Rescue Algarve (ARA), we’ve created a solution: the ARA Legacy Pet Plan — an initiative designed to give pet owners peace of mind, knowing their animals will be cared for with love and dignity, no matter what.

🐶 A Visit That Changed Everything

Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jenny Clark, President of APAA (Association for Protection of Animals Algarve), and her colleague Anita White to our shelter. After decades of rescue work, these two women have seen it all. But even they were surprised by what they found at ARA.

“There was no comparison,” said Anita. “I was absolutely amazed. The shelter is spectacular—just what we’d want for our animals if we had to leave them behind.”

🏡 A Shelter Unlike Any Other

When Jenny and Anita visited ARA, they saw firsthand what makes our shelter one of the best in Europe:

Spacious, eco-friendly kennels (only 2 dogs per kennel)
14 exercise parks with pools, sand pits, and shaded areas
A cat house that can accommodate 30–35 cats
On-site veterinary clinic, laundry, and housing for volunteers
A well-organised, loving environment focused on rehoming pets quickly and ethically

We currently rehome 30 to 40 animals every month, and every animal here is treated like family.

📜 How the Legacy Pet Plan Works

The process is simple, free, and vital:

Register your pet by filling out a form with medical info, behaviour notes, and a designated emergency contact (guardian).
Include ARA in your will or legacy donation to support the care of your pet.
In the event of your passing, your guardian will notify ARA, and we’ll step in to care for or rehome your pet.

Everyone who signed up for the Legacy Plan is given priority placement—your pet will never be left behind.

“You couldn’t find a better place,” said Jenny. “ARA knocks the hats off many pet hotels here.”

❤️ Why This Matters

Too often, expats or elderly residents in Portugal assume a friend or neighbour will look after their pet, only to discover that no plans were ever made. Many animals are left in overcrowded municipal kennels or situations of neglect.

The Legacy Pet Plan offers a humane, reliable, and loving solution, and you don’t even need to be a current pet owner to get involved. You can still support the plan, or even consider adopting one of ARA’s many rescues.

🐾 ARA is Here for the Long Term

ARA isn’t just a shelter—it’s a vision backed by strong foundations, expert staff, and dedicated supporters. As Jenny puts it:

“I’m happy to leave a legacy in my will because I know ARA will be there in the future—for all of us.”

🐕

Make a Plan. Leave a Legacy. Give Them a Future.

To learn more about ARA’s Legacy Pet Plan or to register your pet, visit:

👉 ARA Pet Legacy Plan

📽️ Watch the full video and see why ARA is the place where your pet would be loved, protected, and rehomed if needed.

Please share this message—someone you know may need it.

Author: Mark McLoughlin