Leaving a legacy in your Will

Thank you for thinking of leaving BSAVA PetSavers a gift in your Will. Our mission to improve the health and wellbeing of companion animals extends long into the future, and your gift will ensure we keep funding research that puts innovative technologies and treatments into the hands of veterinary professionals.

Every gift makes a difference, so even a small percentage of your estate could create a lasting impact on practising veterinary professionals and the small animals in their care. Read on to find out more about what it means to leave a legacy and how we can support you to set it up, or explore your wishes with a member of our team by emailing petsaversadmin@bsava.com.

What is a legacy?

Also known as a legacy, a gift in a Will is a way of leaving something to a person, group or charity upon your passing. There are many ways this can be done such as leaving money, gifts, or a portion of your estate. Gifts to charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax and, accordingly, they can reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax due on your estate. Visit the HM Revenue & Customs website for more information.

We encourage gifts to be left to BSAVA PetSavers’ ‘general charitable purposes’ to give us the flexibility to apply your donation to the pet care research area of greatest need. If you would like to donate to a specific health area, or if you have any questions about leaving PetSavers a gift in your will, email us at petsaversadmin@bsava.com to discuss.

We understand that arranging your Will is incredibly personal, and you do not need to let us know that you are leaving PetSavers a gift in your Will. However, if you are willing to share your wishes with us, it helps our team to plan for the future. You can let us know of your plans by filling out our notification form and sending it to us via email at petsaversadmin@bsava.com.

Terry’s legacy

Teresa Heath, known as Terry, left a legacy that reflected her life-long love of animals. After becoming smitten with English Bull Terriers, which she later bred and showed, Terry went on to investigate diseases the breed was predisposed to. She engaged with vets to set up free health screening at dog shows and became interested in epidermal, cardiovascular, neurological and behavioural problems associated with the breed. Upon her passing at age 72, Terry gifted PetSavers a generous legacy for research into canine diseases. We are honoured to be carrying out Terry’s wishes.

Practical advice for preparing your Will

Free advice for writing your will

We have partnered with HT Wills to offer a free Will-writing service to BSAVA members and our supporters. There is no requirement to leave us a gift in order to use this service, but your support is always appreciated! For more information on how to take advantage of this offer, please email a.selby@bsava.com.

For more information about writing or updating your Will, please visit Remember A Charity’s guide on making a Will.

Updating an existing Will

If you already have a Will but would like to make a change such as increasing a cash legacy or adding BSAVA PetSavers as a new beneficiary, you can prepare a codicil. A codicil is a legal document that modifies, revokes, or adds to an existing Will, allowing you to make changes without having to rewrite your original Will document. The document can be prepared by a legal professional or you can complete the form provided here.

Please note that BSAVA PetSavers was formerly known as the Clinical Studies Trust Fund (CSTF). If you have already named CSTF as a beneficiary in your Will, you may wish to consider updating our name and details, if and when you make a codicil.

The details you need to include in your Will

When leaving a gift to PetSavers in your Will, you will need to include the following information:

Our contact details: BSAVA PetSavers, Woodrow House, 1 Telford Way, Waterwells Business Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AB
Our charity number: 1024811