Wills and Bequests

Planned Giving

The Michigan Humane Society has been serving homeless, abused, abandoned, and injured animals since 1877. It is through the kindness of our supporters that we are able to provide compassionate care and lifesaving services for tens of thousands of animals each year. By leaving MHS in your estate plan, you help save animal lives through sheltering and adoption, veterinary care, cruelty investigation, emergency rescue, and humane education. Your kindness to animals will make our community a better place and create a lasting legacy.

How do I make a legacy gift to MHS?
Naming the Michigan Humane Society in your will or living trust can be done by designating a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residual remaining after other bequest wishes have been fulfilled.

You may also name MHS as the primary or secondary beneficiary of all or a portion of your personal or employer-provided life insurance policy.

Another popular gift method is to name MHS as the primary or secondary beneficiary of all or a portion of the proceeds from your retirement plans: IRA, 401(k) or 403(b). When you meet with your financial and legal counsel, they may suggest the following language:

“I give, devise and bequeath ________(indicate sum, percentage or describe the gift) to the Michigan Humane Society, located at 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.”

Our tax ID number is: 38-1358206

You may also wish to consider a pet trust. Michigan law allows for the establishment of pet trusts to provide for the ongoing care of a pet in the event of your death or disability. Please consult your attorney for specific legal advice.

I have included MHS in my estate plan. Why should I let MHS know?

Designating MHS as a beneficiary in your estate plan makes you eligible for membership in the MHS Legacy Society. The Legacy Society is a group of individuals who are dedicated to helping animals in need now and into the future. By sharing your intentions we are able to keep you informed on MHS’s progress.

By becoming a member, you will receive the following:

  • Annual Report to the Community
  • MHS newsletters
  • Complimentary MHS Pet Calendar
  • Invitations to attend MHS events with our President/CEO
  • Opportunity to enroll in the exclusive MHS Pet Guardianship Program

What is the MHS Pet Guardianship Program?

As a member of the MHS Legacy Society, you can enroll in our Pet Guardianship Program. In the event of your death, members of the MHS Legacy Society can rely on MHS to provide transitional care and find a permanent, loving home for your pets.

MHS provides this program knowing that not all families are equipped to care for a loved ones pet. We recommend discussing your wishes for your pet’s future care with your family before enrolling.

Who can I talk to about estate giving to benefit MHS?

Please contact 1-866-MHUMANE and request to speak to Paula Durant or Kristy Mitchell.

Take $10 OFF your next dog or cat adoption from MHS with this coupon