What will your legacy be?
A will is about more than deciding what happens to our possessions. It gives us an opportunity to make thoughtful plans for the future and to leave something meaningful behind.
For those who love animals, it can also be a way to continue making a difference to the lives of animals long after we are gone.
Why Have a Will?
None of us knows exactly what the future holds. Having a valid will allows you to make your wishes known and gives you greater control over what happens to your estate.
It can also help you make provision for the people, causes and animals that matter to you.
For pet owners, this can be especially important. If you were no longer able to care for your animals, having a plan in place can help ensure that their needs are considered and that your wishes for their care are known.
A will is ultimately about planning ahead for the things that matter most to you.
Why Leave a Gift to BarkingMad?
At BarkingMad, we believe every animal deserves the chance to live a safe, healthy and fulfilling life.
Across South Africa, countless people and organisations work every day to care for animals in need. But creating lasting change takes more than responding to individual emergencies. It requires ongoing support, collaboration, resources and a commitment to building a stronger future for animal welfare.
Through our national animal welfare network, we support people and organisations across South Africa to better care for their animals.
From connecting animals with potential adopters to supporting shelters, sharing resources and opportunities, developing minimum standards, and providing information and education, our work is about helping create a stronger future for animal welfare.
When you leave a gift to BarkingMad, you are helping support a wider network of people and organisations working to improve the lives of animals across the country.
Your gift can help BarkingMad continue developing initiatives that benefit animals and the organisations caring for them, while helping us respond to the changing needs of animal welfare in South Africa.
Whether your gift is large or small, it can become part of a legacy that continues beyond your lifetime.
By naming BarkingMad as a beneficiary in your will, you can help ensure that your love for animals continues to make a difference into the future.
How Do I Get a Will?
If you don't yet have a will, Wills Week is a great opportunity to put one in place.
The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) National Wills Week takes place from 14–18 September 2026. During Wills Week, participating attorneys offer members of the public assistance with drafting a basic will free of charge.
You can find more information about National Wills Week, including participating attorneys in your area, on the LSSA website.
If you already have a will, Wills Week is also a good reminder to review it and make sure it still reflects your wishes.
We recommend speaking to an attorney, financial adviser or other qualified professional when preparing or updating your will to ensure that your wishes are properly recorded.
How Can I Include BarkingMad in My Will?
There are different ways to leave a gift to a charitable organisation in your will. You may choose to leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate or another form of bequest.
The option that is right for you will depend on your personal circumstances and wishes, so it is important to discuss your plans with your professional adviser.
If you would like to name BarkingMad as a beneficiary in your will, please contact Tracy at tracy@barkingmadinc.org. Tracy can provide the information you need and help you finalise the relevant details to ensure your gift is directed to BarkingMad according to your wishes.
If you have already made provision for BarkingMad in your will, we would also be grateful if you let us know. This allows us to thank you for your generosity and, where appropriate, understand your wishes.
Leave a Legacy of Compassion
We may not know what the future holds, but we can make plans for the things that matter to us.
This Wills Week, consider making animal welfare part of your legacy.
By leaving a gift to BarkingMad in your will, you can help us continue working alongside animal welfare organisations across South Africa and create a better future for animals for years to come.
Let your love for animals live on. ❤️🐾
