A person lying on green grass, holding a young dog with blue eyes, a tan and white coat, and wearing colorful bracelets on its paw. The dog is lying on its back with one paw raised.
A person lying on the grass holding a young dog with blue eyes, tan and white fur, and a rainbow-colored beaded collar. The dog is lying on its back with its belly exposed.
JOIN THE PAWPRINT SOCIETY

Leave a Legacy of Love

Your compassion for animals doesn't have to end in your lifetime. By including Richmond Animal League (RAL) in your estate plans, you become part of a compassionate community of supporters committed to saving lives—today and for generations to come.

The Luminary League honors those who have made a lasting commitment to the animals through a bequest or other planned gift. Your legacy will help ensure that RAL is always here to provide shelter, medical care, and second chances for pets in need.

A circular logo with a paw print in the center and the words "Hope Help Loving Homes" around it.

Ways to Create a Lasting Impact

There are many simple and meaningful ways to make a planned gift to Richmond Animal League:

  • Include a bequest in your will or living trust.

  • Name RAL as a beneficiary of your retirement account (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or similar plan).

  • Designate RAL as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

  • Establish a charitable gift annuity or other planned giving arrangement.

A planned gift of any size can make a lasting difference while potentially providing financial and tax advantages for you and your loved ones.

As a Luminary League Member, You'll Receive

  • Exclusive invitations to special events with RAL leadership, staff, board members, and fellow legacy supporters.

  • An annual impact update from our Executive Director, sharing how your future gift helps secure a brighter future for homeless pets.

  • Enrollment in our Pet Haven Program, providing added peace of mind for your beloved pets.

  • Confidence that your wishes will be honored, with a dedicated RAL contact available to answer questions about your legacy gift.

  • The opportunity to inspire others through recognition of your generosity on our website and in select printed materials (or remain anonymous if you prefer).

  • A commemorative Luminary League lapel pin as a symbol of your commitment to RAL's mission.

  • A lasting partnership with RAL, knowing your commitment will help animals long into the future.

Have You Already Included RAL in Your Estate Plans?

If you've named Richmond Animal League in your will, trust, retirement account, life insurance policy, or other estate plans, we'd love the opportunity to thank you and welcome you into the Luminary League.

Please complete our confidential Statement of Intent to let us know about your gift. (Add link and/or QR code)

Your legacy doesn't begin at the end of life—it begins the moment you choose to make a lasting difference.

Additionally, as a member of the Luminary League, you may choose to enroll your pets in our Pet Haven program. Should your pets ever need us, RAL will provide them with a safe place to stay, compassionate care, and the time needed to find them loving new homes. (Add link or QR code to Pet Profile)

Here is Sample Language for your will, trust or planned gift document:

I give, devise, and bequeath to Richmond Animal League, Tax ID (EIN): 51-0240493, a Virginia nonprofit organization located at 11401 International Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23236, the sum of $__________ (or _______% of my estate, or the residue of my estate) to be used for its general charitable purposes.

If you would like your gift to support a specific program or purpose, we encourage you to contact Richmond Animal League to ensure your wishes can be fulfilled as intended.

Pet Haven Program

Planning for Your Pets, Too - Because they're family.

One of the greatest concerns many pet owners have is what will happen to their beloved companions if they are no longer able to care for them. At RAL, we understand that your pets are family.

Through our Pet Haven Program, you will have peace of mind knowing your pets will be cared for by dedicated staff and foster families should they outlive you.

How the Pet Haven Program Works

  • Let us know you'd like to participate when you notify us of your planned gift.

  • Include language in your will or trust naming Richmond Animal League to provide care for your surviving pets.

  • Provide us with information about your pets, veterinarian, emergency contacts, and care preferences by completing the Pet Profile. ( Link to Pet Profile)

  • When the time comes, our team will coordinate with your executor or personal representative to bring your pets safely into our care.

  • We'll provide veterinary care, love, and attention while carefully matching them with an adoptive family.

Your pets will never be alone. They'll receive the same compassion and exceptional care that every animal at Richmond Animal League receives.


Already planning for your pet’s future? Let us know »

Thank you to the current members of the Luminary League!

Mark P. and Caron B. Paniccia

Phyllis Price

Patricia M. White

Becky Reil and Ray Leonard

Christine Wheeler

Debi Moir

Rob and Laura Davidson

Jill B. Boyle

Attending and supporting RAL events is another great way to help save lives!

UPCOMING RAL EVENTS