Home Ever After: All your questions, answered

Have you ever wondered what would happen to your pet if something happened to you? Pets are much loved family members and it’s important to safeguard their future. That’s why RSPCA NSW created the Home Ever After Program, a trusted, tailor-made future care plan for your beloved pet, should you ever need it.

We have been receiving lots of enquiries about the Home Ever After Program (HEA) lately so, to answer all those important questions clearly and quickly, we have rounded them up here.

What does HEA entail?

Once you enquire (ways to enquire are listed at the end), one of our HEA coordinators will call to find out basic information about your pet and then either email or post enrolment documents to you.  You will be asked to tell us lots of information about your pet – all those unique details that only you would know. We then use this information to create a pet profile which we keep on file should we ever need to use it.  That way, if we ever need to rehome your pet, we can do so by using the information provided by the person who knows them – you.

Once you have completed and returned the forms, we will post you several important items including a HEA wallet card – this card should be carried with you in case of an emergency. It tells the emergency services you have a pet at home who may be alone. Several other items will also be provided – all ensuring that if something happens to you, your pet will be taken into our care without delay.  

I’m pretty sure my family could look after my pet should something happen to me. Do I still need to enrol in HEA?

Friends and family who know your pets and are in a suitable position to take on the responsibility are the best choice. If for some reason those intentions fall through, Home Ever After can act as your ‘insurance policy’ – this will ensure that you and your family have a secure second option in place should you ever need it.  

What if my pets are bonded will they be rehomed together?

Yes, if your pets enter the HEA program and are a bonded pair, we will do everything we can to honour your wishes and rehome them together.

What kind of animals can be enrolled on the program?

We have a whole array of animals already enrolled in the program mainly consisting of cats, dogs and small companion animals, but the program welcomes most animals great and small. Currently we have several horses, a herd of cows, four pet sheep and some alpacas!

With exotic pets such as reptiles and parrots, we advise owners to seek help from a specialist rescue group or animal sanctuary.

Does it cost any money?

There is no charge, but we respectfully ask enrolees to leave a gift in their Will to RSPCA NSW. As a non-government-funded animal charity, we rely on the kindness of our community to enable us to carry on doing what we do. Your gift will go a long way in protecting and caring for all vulnerable animals, and HEA plays a crucial part in this.

Are there age requirements for enrolees?

Yes, you have to be over 18 and be the legal owner of your pet to enrol them on the program.  However, there are no age requirements for your furry friend!

Is it possible to adopt a HEA pet?

Yes, if you are interested in adopting a pet from the HEA program, please email hea@rspcansw.org.au with your name and phone number and a member of our team will respond to your enquiry. As with all our adoptions, an RSPCA NSW staff member will determine your suitability according to the animal’s pet profile, needs and requirements.

I’d like to sign up for HEA or I have more questions. Who do I contact?

You can email hea@rspcansw.org.au or head here to fill out a short enquiry form.