The RSPCA is Australia’s leading and most trusted animal welfare organisation, with RSPCA Australia, the federal body, having member Societies operating in every state and territory of Australia. With a mission to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection, the RSPCA is a not-for-profit charity that is firmly based in the Australian community and depends on the support of individuals, businesses and organisations to survive and continue its vital work.

Each year in Australia the RSPCA accepts around 150,000 injured, homeless and unwanted animals from the public and investigates more than 50,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. The RSPCA also advocates for humane treatment of farm animals, wildlife and animals used in research and in sport and entertainment.

One of the most valuable ways you can help the RSPCA continue to care for and protect animals in need is by leaving a gift in your will.

How to leave a gift to the RSPCA in your will

In making a gift to the RSPCA, please consider these options:

1. If you would like to make a gift in your Will directly to support the work of the RSPCA, please click here for details.
2. If your will nominates RSPCA Australia as the beneficiary, as a general rule, RSPCA Australia will provide the bequest to the RSPCA member Society which you have a connection to (through, for example, any previous donations you’ve made, or news and information you’ve subscribed to.). If no connection is identified, it will be distributed to all eight state and territory RSPCA member Societies, according to a formula which is based on population.
3. If however, you wish your bequest to directly fund the work of RSPCA Australia, and not be distributed to its members, regardless of whether you have a connection to a particular RSPCA member Society, we recommend you include the following in your will:

“I give devise and bequeath to RSPCA Australia:
(a) the whole of my Estate of whatsoever kind and wheresoever situate
(b) ............ % of my Estate
(c) and/or the sum of $ ..... free of all duties and taxes payable at my death and I declare that the receipt of the CEO or other Proper Officer for the time being of RSPCA Australia shall be sufficient discharge for my trustees. It is my wish and intention that these funds be retained and used in full by RSPCA Australia and not distributed to any state or territory RSPCA member Society”

Note: choices (a), (b) and (c) should be followed by the statement, “after the payment of all my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses and all duties, taxes and charges payable on my Estate at my death.”

How will your gift be used?

1. For bequests directed or distributed to RSPCA member Societies (the state and territory RSPCA bodies):
   
   State and territory RSPCA member Societies are responsible for the operation of animal shelters, adoption centres, veterinary clinics, Inspectorate services, as well as community education programs and advocacy on state based laws, regulations and standards which improve animal welfare.
2. For bequests directed to be retained by RSPCA Australia, that is, not directed or distributed to RSPCA member Societies:
   
   RSPCA Australia is the national body of the RSPCA. Its areas of work include improving legislation and standards of animal welfare, government and industry liaison, promoting high-quality science, community education, national marketing and partnerships, and promoting the development of more humane farming systems.

By the Wills Act, all Wills and Codicils must be in writing, signed by the Testator, and attested by two witnesses in the presence of the Testator and of each other.

The RSPCA recommends you seek professional advice or the assistance of a solicitor when preparing your will, and thank you for considering supporting the RSPCA with a bequest.