Let Your Love for Animals Live On
A gift in your will or estate plan helps save lives long into the future — protecting the animals of Santa Cruz County for generations to come. It costs nothing today, and it can be the most meaningful gift you ever give.
Explore Ways to GiveFind the Gift That's Right for You
There's no single way to leave a legacy. Some gifts take just one form; others are written into your estate plan. Every one of them helps animals in need, ensuring your kindness will continue to make a difference for years to come.
Name Us as a Beneficiary
The simplest gift of all. Name the Santa Cruz SPCA as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance, or bank account — usually just one form, no attorney required, and changeable anytime.
Easiest & Tax-SmartA Gift in Your Will or Trust
A bequest is the most flexible way to give. Leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or whatever remains after caring for loved ones. We provide simple sample language below.
Most FlexibleGifts of Stock
Donating appreciated stock or securities lets you support the animals while avoiding capital-gains tax — often a more powerful gift than cash for the same out-of-pocket cost.
Tax-SmartIRA Charitable Gift (QCD)
If you're 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA. A Qualified Charitable Distribution can count toward your required minimum distribution and isn't taxed as income.
Age 70½+Have a donor-advised fund? Recommend a grant today, or name the Santa Cruz SPCA as a successor so your charitable account keeps helping animals. Give through your DAF →
Want income for life? A charitable remainder trust can pay you (or a loved one) income now, with whatever remains supporting the animals afterward — a way to give and receive at once. Talk with us →
Considering a gift of real estate? We welcome gifts of property — including the option to remain in your home for life through a retained life estate. Every property is unique, so let's start with a conversation. Talk with us →
Other assets, too. Gifts of life insurance, cash, personal property, and closely-held or founder's stock can all support the animals. Our complete guide has the details. Get the guide →
Create Your Estate Plan
Free of charge.Don't have a will or trust yet? You're not alone — and we can help remove the biggest hurdle. Through the generosity of a local estate-planning attorney, qualifying California residents can have their plan prepared at no charge.
Your privacy comes first. The attorney does not represent the Santa Cruz SPCA and shares no information about you or your plan with us. These decisions are entirely your own.
Deborah A. Malkin
Attorney at Law · Certified Specialist in Estate Planning Law
For any California resident whose plan leaves the Santa Cruz SPCA a minimum of $10,000, Ms. Malkin will prepare the estate plan — including a will or trust — at no cost.
2425 Porter Street, Suite 15
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 462-9100
malkintrust.com
How to Leave Your Legacy
Choose Your Gift
Decide which type of gift fits your goals — a beneficiary designation, a bequest, stock, or an IRA gift.
Use Our Details
Share our legal name and Tax ID (below) with your advisor or write them on your beneficiary form. That's all it takes.
Let Us Know
Optional, but appreciated. Telling us lets us thank you, welcome you to our legacy society, and honor your wishes.
Rest Easy
You've made a lasting difference for animals — and you can update your plans anytime life changes.
At a certain point in life, you realize that planning for the future isn't pessimistic, it's practical. And if you're lucky enough to share your life with animals, it's also deeply personal.
One of the reasons I've included the Santa Cruz SPCA in my estate plans is simple: I want to know my cats will be safe, loved, and cared for if they happen to outlive me. Frankly, they've spent years looking after me in their own mysterious feline way. It seems only fair to return the favor.
What I appreciate most is that this decision doesn't just help my own pets. It extends that circle of care to countless other animals who will need shelter, comfort, and a second chance.
It's a comforting thought, that something you've valued during your lifetime can continue doing good after you're gone. And if more of us chose to leave that kind of legacy, the world would be a kinder place for animals and the people who love them.
Caring for Your Pet's Future
For many animal lovers, the hardest question is a simple one: what happens to my pet if they outlive me? Our Pet Guardianship Program is the answer. Enroll your pet today, and should you become incapacitated or pass away, the Santa Cruz SPCA will make them an absolute priority — providing expert medical care, enrichment, and companionship while we work to place them in a loving new home.
Complete the Application
Fill out a Pet Guardianship Application for each pet — sharing their personality, routine, medical needs, and veterinarian — so we'll know exactly how to care for them.
We Review & Confirm
We review every application and follow up with you. If your pet is accepted, we send written confirmation to keep alongside your will or trust.
An Absolute Priority
Regardless of age or health, enrolled pets become our priority — receiving expert care and companionship, with the goal of a loving home where they'll thrive.
The Forever Friends Society
When you let us know you've included the Santa Cruz SPCA in your plans, we're honored to welcome you to our legacy society — a community of supporters whose foresight protects animals for generations. There's no minimum, no obligation, and you can stay anonymous if you prefer.
Suggested Bequest Language
Share this wording with your attorney or advisor. You can give a set dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, specific property, or what remains after your loved ones are cared for.
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the Santa Cruz SPCA (the sum of $______) / (____ percent of my estate) / (the following property) / (the remainder of my estate), to be used to further the charitable purpose of the Santa Cruz SPCA, a California nonprofit corporation, located at 2601 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95065."
Tip: An unrestricted gift lets us direct your support to wherever the need is greatest — vital, since the most urgent animal-welfare issues change over time. If a particular program matters most to you, you can also make a restricted gift for a specific purpose — supporters have directed bequests to our Second Chance Fund, Dr. Jean's Fund, Humane Education, and building and renovation.
Please note: the Santa Cruz SPCA is a separate, independent organization from the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, and is not affiliated with any other SPCA or Humane Society. Our Tax ID is 94-6171565.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to leave a gift?
Not always. Naming us as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or bank account usually takes just one form from your provider — no attorney needed. For a gift in a will or trust, we recommend working with an advisor, and our free estate-plan offer above can help with that.
Can I change my mind later?
Absolutely. A legacy gift is revocable — you keep full control of your assets during your lifetime and can update your beneficiaries or your will whenever your circumstances change.
How much should I leave? Is my estate too small?
There's no minimum and no gift too small. A fixed amount or even a small percentage of your estate makes a real difference for the animals — and percentage gifts adjust naturally with your estate over time.
Will you contact my family or pressure me?
Never. We deeply respect that these are private, personal decisions. We're here to help if you ask, but we won't influence your choices or contact your loved ones.
Do I have to tell you about my gift?
No — it's entirely optional. But if you're comfortable letting us know, it allows us to thank you, ensure your wishes are honored, and welcome you to our legacy society. You can remain anonymous.
Leave a Legacy of Love
For more than 75 years, the Santa Cruz SPCA has saved lives and eased suffering — entirely through the generosity of friends like you. We'd be honored to help you plan your legacy.
jamie@spcasc.org · 2601 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95065
2601 Chanticleer Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(P) 831-465-5000 (F) 831-479-8530
Monday - CLOSED
Animal Browsing Tuesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm
PET FOOD PANTRY - Sundays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. Our organization is not affiliated with any other SPCA or Humane Society.
Tax ID: 94-6171565
© 2026 Santa Cruz SPCA
