Leaving a gift in your Will for animals

Having a Will helps ensure your wishes are honoured and can be a meaningful way to continue protecting animals for years to come.

For many supporters, leaving a gift in their Will is not simply a financial decision it is a reflection of the compassion and values that have guided their lives. It is a way to create lasting change and help build a better world for future generations.

Why include a gift to charity in your Will?

After providing for loved ones, many people choose to leave a gift to charity as a way of expressing what matters most to them.

In the UK, gifts left to registered charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT). If you choose to leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity, the rate of IHT on the remaining estate can be reduced from 40% to 36%. While tax benefits are rarely the reason people decide to give, they can provide reassurance that more of your estate supports the people and causes you care about.

Types of gifts you can leave

There are several ways to include a charity in your Will, and every gift no matter the size  can help create a brighter future for animals.

• A residuary gift – a percentage of your estate once other gifts and expenses have been paid. Many people prefer this option because it keeps pace with changes in the value of their estate over time.
• A pecuniary gift – a fixed sum of money.
• A specific gift – such as property, shares, or treasured possessions.

A solicitor or qualified Will writer can help you decide what feels right for your circumstances and priorities.

Can pensions and savings be gifted?

Many UK pensions currently sit outside your estate, meaning they are not usually subject to Inheritance Tax, and you can often nominate a charity as a beneficiary directly through your pension provider.

However, the government has announced that from 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds and death benefits are expected to be included within the value of a person’s estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. While this represents a change to how pensions are treated, gifts left to registered charities will continue to be exempt helping ensure more of your gift goes towards the causes you care about.

It is also worth noting that some benefits, such as death-in-service payments from a registered pension scheme, are expected to remain outside the estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.

Because pension rules can be complex and individual circumstances vary, you may wish to speak with a financial adviser if you are considering this option.

Similarly, savings held in an ISA usually form part of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes, but leaving them to charity means they pass tax-free.

If you already have a pension, reviewing your beneficiary nominations from time to time can help ensure they continue to reflect your wishes.

The importance of having a Will

If you die without a valid Will in England or Wales, your estate is distributed according to intestacy rules which may not reflect what you would have wanted and rarely include gifts to charities.

Having an up-to-date Will helps ensure the future is shaped by your choices, while making things simpler for those closest to you.

Talking to family about your plans

You are not legally required to share the contents of your Will, but many people find that having an open conversation helps loved ones understand the decisions they have made. These conversations can offer reassurance and often reflect the values families share.

Review your Will regularly

Life changes and your Will should be able to change with it. Moments such as marriage, divorce, welcoming grandchildren, or moving home are good opportunities to review your plans and ensure they continue to reflect what matters most to you.

A lasting kindness

By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help create a world where animals are treated with the compassion they deserve not just today, but for generations to come.