VERIFY | How to include pets in your will to find them a new home

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Pets are a big part of our families and many shelters in the Charlotte area specialize in helping our furry friends find the perfect forever home. 

But what happens to someone’s pet when they die? The Humane Society of Charlotte has a new program that ensures pets have a safe place to go if something happens to their owner. 

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The Pet Guardianship Program is a part of the Human Society’s Legacy Society. It allows people to leave their pets in the hands of the Humane Society if they die. A Verify viewer had some questions about the program. Here’s what WCNC Charlotte learned. 

A WCNC Charlotte viewer received an email from the Humane Society promoting the guardianship program. She said the message mentioned a minimum donation of $5,000 per dog for the program. 

According to the Human Society of Charlotte, the Pet Guardianship Program allows people to will their pets to the Humane Society and they’ll try to find them a home. However, there isn’t a $5,000 requirement. 

Meg Doherty with the Humane Society said the $5,000 donation is suggested but not required. The proceeds go toward the pet’s medical costs when they enter the shelter but won’t follow them any further. Instead, the remaining money will go toward the shelter. 

Doherty also said cats or dogs enrolled in the program will receive a microchip if they don’t already have one. 

Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

WCNC Charlotte’s Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don’t know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded. 

VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.