In the United States alone, it is estimated that 500,000 animals are surrendered to shelters each year because their owners have passed away without leaving instructions or plans for their care.
The Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center is based at Texas A&M University. Entirely privately funded, the Center operates with the support of endowments and private gifts. Animals that are enrolled with the Center come to live there when their owners are no longer able to care for them. It’s a rest home of sorts for pets whose owners want their animals to live out the remainder of their lives in a social atmosphere with quality veterinary care.
This YouTube video gives you an introduction to the Center:
The Center opened in 1993 and is named after Mrs Madlin Stevenson who donated 50% of the start up funds for the facility. The Luse Foundation donated the other half.
This video provides a tour of the facility:
Admittedly, not everyone will be able to send their dog for care at the Stevenson Center. Enrollments are based on the owner’s age at the time of enrollment and may either be paid in advance or through a bequest in the will. This is the current chart of fees for a dog (or cat or bird) in US dollars.
| Age | Minimum Endowment by Bequest | Minimum Amount for Paid-up Endowment |
|---|---|---|
| 30 – 39 | $100,000 | $10,000 |
| 40 – 49 | $85,000 | $20,000 |
| 50 – 59 | $70,000 | $30,000 |
| 60 – 69 | $60,000 | $40,000 |
| 70+ | $50,000 | $50,000 |
Want to know more? Visit the Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center’s website.
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