Hello, Since the death of my wife I have thought what would become of my cat after my death or hospitalisation. I have attempted to contact the SPA several times via their website. The contact form does not seem to be working, not sending. From what I have read a document is required to be written by my Notaire to legalise any sums of money given for the care of the cat. If you know of an organisation that can care for and rehome an animal under these circumstances I would like to hear from you. Thank you.
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Have you tried talking to your vet?
Do you think about asking neighbours or friends? I know several pets have been rehomed like that.
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In the wills we are currently preparing we specify a sum of money (index linked) for the care of any pets we have. By OH’s daughter is named as the person to oversee this. If she takes the pets she gets the money, but she can also (eg ) hand them on to the SPA with a generous donation.
Phone your local SPA to discuss if that’s your preferred route.
Hello Jane , I tried the website option as my French is not great, especially on the phone!
I will have to bite the bullet.
Apparently any money gifted to a person to care for an animal is taxed, probably 60%
Hello Piet, thank you. I don’t think that is going to be an option for me;
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Have you considered creating a pet trust through your notaire? It’s a good formal solution, but I also agree with others about talking to your vet and close friends first. They often know of reliable people looking to adopt. The key is having both informal and formal plans in place.
I had exactly the same thoughts after the death of my wife about the fate of my 2 dogs if I was to die suddenly. The solution has been to, with the agreement of a local pension (kennels), agree with a close friend for him to collect them and deliver them.
Easier for me as the dogs are lifetime residents here but actually belong to 2 different rescue associations who both have regular animals in residence awaiting adoption at that pension, but the principle is valid if you can find such a place.
Hello Jameshop thanks for your reply. This is for the future, hopefully. A person wishing to adopt would I imagine want to do it now.
This is for future insurance to know she is being cared for.
This is what has stopped me from taking on any more pets. When you get to 60, anything can happen and in some cases, cats can live a good 20 years sometimes and dogs a bit less but I decided it would not be fair now to lumber the family with a pet especially as DIL has allergies to fur.
Thank you David, my condolences. It is actually finding a place for her. All my family is in the UK and if called on would help short term but I need a solution long term with a legally binding contract.
Trusts are not advised in France.
Yes, since she is a daughter this would be part of her legacy allowance. And if she hands the animal on to SPA then a charity ao no tax.
The SPA has a specific scheme called passport animal that is activated on your death. Not sure what sort of donation would be required. But there is a number for a specific person so maybe easier to phone if you know that this is what they deal with
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Thanks for your reply Shiba. Yes, I fully understand. I would love another rescue dog but the practicalities outweigh the desire.
I just want to ensure a good life for my cat, even only in the event of hospitalisation. All my relatives are in the UK so even if they agreed to take her the time between me being unfit and them arriving in France would be too long.
I would add that I am a good bit older than 60. I wish.
There is a problem with their messaging on the app. The passport sounds a good idea.
I have a letter with my vet that if I snuff it, they are to euthanise my dog. Many of you will cry out in anguish, but sorry - there is no way I want her to live in an SPA! And speaking on her behalf, she will not want to live in an SPA 
But chances are if a nice donation accompanies her that she won’t live in a SPA for more than a day or two. We have no idea what dog we might have on day zero - but our vet would not euthanise a healthy dog with years to live, only if a very senior dog with limited life span left.
I am surprised your vet agreed to do this.
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Tell me if you’d like me to call and ask for details.
I hope the dog has a similar instruction lodged with your doctor.
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