With a bequest, an inheritance, or a memorial donation, you pass on your values beyond your lifetime – and give animals in need a future.
It takes courage to deal with one's own legacy. But those who do gain something valuable: the certainty that their own wishes matter – and that the values of a life continue to have an impact.
With a will or inheritance contract, you decide what you leave to your loved ones and the world. In addition to your family, you can also include an organization you trust. Your family will not be disadvantaged: their legally mandated shares remain protected.
Good to know: The revised inheritance law has been in effect since January 1, 2023. The compulsory shares have been reduced – you can now freely dispose of a larger portion of your estate than before.
Whether a fixed amount, a share of the estate, or a donation in lieu of flowers – every option is valuable. We would be happy to advise you on which best suits your situation.
In their will, they can designate a fixed sum of money or a specific asset in favor of the SUST – simply, clearly, and without the foundation becoming an heir. Their heirs remain unaffected at the heart of the foundation's mission.
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You can designate SUST as the beneficiary of a percentage of your estate – either alone or alongside other heirs. This ensures that your life's work continues to have a lasting impact on animal welfare.
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In memory of a loved one who was dedicated to animal welfare: Instead of flowers and wreaths, the proceeds will benefit animals in need. We will support you with the arrangements in a straightforward manner.
Request a memorial donationOrder our free guide or get an overview of your options online.
We will personally take the time to answer your questions – confidentially, without obligation and free of charge.
Handwritten, with place, date and signature – or officially notarized. Templates can be found in our guide.
Keep your will in a safe place – for example, at the cantonal deposit office or at your notary's office.
Questions about inheritance, wills, legacies, or memorial donations? Call or write to us – we will calmly explain your options to you. Discretion is guaranteed.
Managing Director · Your personal contact person for estate matters
"A consultation regarding your estate is a sign of trust. I am happy to take the time to speak with you personally – without obligation and at your own pace."
For legal questions concerning wills, inheritance contracts, and estates, two members of our foundation board are available to assist you – both practicing lawyers. They are experts in Swiss inheritance law and will provide you with competent, thorough, and confidential support.
Our free guide leads you through the inheritance law situation in Switzerland: You will learn how to write your last will and testament and receive sample wording for your will.
Order the guide for freeDeinAdieu is the first Swiss online portal for self-determined end-of-life care. The independent, non-profit organization supports you in arranging your last will and testament – with a free will generator and a free initial consultation with inheritance law specialists.
Please note: SUST cannot assume liability for a legally sound estate plan. In cases of complex financial or family circumstances, we recommend consulting a professional and having any dispositions reviewed.
Every bequest, every inheritance, and every donation in lieu of flowers continues to have an impact where help is most urgently needed – for animals like these.
Appointment of heirs: You appoint SUST as co-heir or sole heir and transfer a share of your estate to it.
Legacy (bequest): They assign a specific value to the SUST – a sum of money, a securities portfolio, a property, or a personal item. The bequest is distributed before the inheritance is divided.
Gift: They transfer assets during their lifetime and directly experience the impact of their support.
No. The legally mandated shares of your next of kin remain protected in any case. You only have control over the freely disposable portion of your estate – and this portion is larger since the inheritance law reform of January 1, 2023.
Use this full name so that your wishes can be carried out without doubt:
Susy Utzinger Animal Welfare Foundation, Tösstalstrasse 13a, 8488 Turbenthal
IBAN CH87 0900 0000 8466 6666 9
A handwritten will must be entirely handwritten and include the place, date, and your signature. Alternatively, you can have it notarized. Sample wording can be found in our [document/section/etc.]. free guide.
Yes. As a non-profit foundation, SUST is tax-exempt. Your contribution goes entirely to animal welfare.
SUST is not currently Zewo-certified. However, we are consciously aligning ourselves with Zewo standards with the goal of achieving certification. Certification is not currently planned due to cost-benefit considerations – we prefer to invest the associated expenses directly in our animal welfare work. We consistently align our structures and processes with recognized industry standards, thus ensuring that your donation is used transparently and effectively.
Yes. You can specify a purpose in your will – for example, in favor of emergency aid, neutering projects, one of our animal orphanages, or Swiss animal shelter support. We would be happy to assist you with the appropriate wording. SUST also outlines how it uses its funds overall in its [document/section/etc.]. Annual reports open.
No, that's not necessary – but we'd be delighted if you got in touch with us. This way we can answer your questions and show you the impact of your donation. Of course, we'll treat everything confidentially.
The obituary requests that, in lieu of flowers and wreaths, donations be made to the Susy Utzinger Foundation for Animal Welfare (donation account: IBAN CH87 0900 0000 8466 6666 9, please include the name of the deceased in the payment reference). Upon request, we will inform the family of the donations received with a personal thank-you letter. Contact us – We support you in a straightforward manner, including with finding the right wording.
Since the probate process takes time, your pet should be cared for from the very beginning. Designate a trusted person, document important information (veterinarian, food, medication) in writing, and consider a supplementary testamentary disposition. We are happy to advise you.
We are happy to assist you personally: +41 52 202 69 69 or benjamin.altorfer@susyutzinger.ch
What was important to you in life doesn't have to end with death. Talk to us – confidentially, without obligation, and at your own pace.
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