Why is the RSPCA no longer offering the Home for Life service?
For more than 200 years the RSPCA has adapted to be able to meet the animal welfare needs of today and the future. In these increasingly challenging times, we’ve reprioritised our service delivery, ensuring our skilled frontline rescue teams focus on animals suffering cruelty and neglect – a job that no other charity carries out.
We have been running the Home for Life service for 18 years, and have many pets registered on the scheme that we’re committed to looking after should they outlive their owners. With our reprioritised focus, we have decided that we can’t continue to increase the number of pets that may need to come into our care through this service.
When is the RSPCA stopping the Home for Life service?
From 30 September 2025, the RSPCA is no longer able to accept new requests for application packs. For those who have already requested an application pack, we will continue to register eligible applications received until 31 March 2026.
Why should I include the Home for Life Will wording?
If you have registered your pet(s) on the Home for Life scheme, we strongly recommend you include the suggested wording in your Will as this means that any arrangements in relation to your pet will formally recognise the RSPCA.
Why should I include the Home for Life Will wording?
If you have registered your pet(s) on the Home for Life scheme, we strongly recommend you include the suggested wording in your Will as this means that any arrangements in relation to your pet will formally recognise the RSPCA.
What if I can't afford to make or update my Will?
Some legal advisers do offer a reduced rate for the preparation of a Will, and it may be worthwhile comparing several local firms. Alternatively, you may wish to speak with your local Citizens Advice to see whether they can be of any assistance. You can reach them on: 020 7833 2181 or at: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Can I use different wording in my Will?
As long as your wishes are clearly stated in your Will and you have included our charity name and registered charity number, your Executor should have all the information they need, but it's always a good idea to check with your legal adviser.
Can you rehome my pets together?
If you require pets to be rehomed together let us know using the application form provided. Although we cannot guarantee that this will be possible, we would, of course, do everything we can to keep your pets happy.
What if I get a new pet?
To make sure we're there to take in your pet and find them a loving new home, you'll need to submit an application form to register them onto the scheme. Please call us on: 0300 123 0239 to let us know and we will send out a form for you to complete and return.
How much does it cost?
The Home for Life scheme is free. However, we simply wouldn't exist without public donations, and without kind gifts left to us in our supporters' Wills. That's why we ask you to consider leaving a gift in your Will, so we can continue our vital work protecting animals from cruelty.
Are there any pets you won't take?
Cats and dogs are most commonly registered with Home for Life but we also take in other species of animals. If you're looking to place exotic or larger pets, spaces may be limited so please let us know and we can advise.
In rare instances, it may not be possible to rehome a pet under the Home for Life scheme, for instance if they pose a risk to humans or other animals. For more information, please see the Home for Life terms and conditions.
Is there a limit to the number of pets you can take?
No, there isn't a maximum number of pets. However, if you're looking to send more than five applications at once, then please contact us to discuss your requirements as capacity needs to be taken into consideration.
What if I get a new pet?
We are no longer able to accept new application requests to the scheme, or any new pets from supporters with pets already registered.
What if my family offer to take my pet?
The Home for Life scheme is there for when no other provisions have been made. If you later decide that you'd prefer someone else to take care of your pet, please let us know.
How long will you look after my pet for?
Healthy pets will stay with us for as long as they need. However, the animal's welfare is paramount and, as pets cope differently in different environments, they may stay with foster carers while we find them a new home.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, please contact us.
It gives any responsible pet owner peace of mind that their pets will be well looked after by perhaps the most well known animal charity in the world.
Ready to get started?
Or download a PDF version of the Home for Life pack, which contains the terms and conditions.
