How to Start an Animal Rescue Organization
Over the last few years, many people have emailed me inquiring about how to start a rescue. The last few times made me realize more people might rescue if they knew how to go about it. I decided to pull together some basic information to help people wanting to know how to start a rescue.
Once you decide on what type of companion pet you want to rescue, you will need to come up with a name for your rescue organization.
I have explained some of the many steps below in brief detail:
- Phone number: Although the rescue I work with uses a home phone number, I would advise against it for many reasons. You will receive calls at all hours of the night and your phone will ring constantly not allowing you do complete other important tasks related to your rescue or home life.
- Address: Post office boxes are fairly inexpensive. Most rescues only need a letter sized box.
- Incorporation: Not only will incorporating protect a rescuer's personal assets but will also allow your organization to apply and perhaps qualify for a 501 c non profit corporation for tax purposes under both federal and state government. A 501 c allows you to accept tax deductible donations. When incorporating your rescue organization you will need to write a set of articles of incorporation. Articles of Incorporation should include: Bylaws, mission statement, board of directors and policies.
- You will also need to keep accurate financial records for tax filing purposes. It will be important for you to record all donations (both inkind and monetary) and keep copies of all receipts for monies spent. ***Because procedures and laws vary from state to state, you will need to contact your local government for more information. You can also visit irs.gov for federal forms and information. You may also want to consult an attorney for advice and information.
- Veterinarian: Many veterinarians will work with rescue. Make some phone calls to local veterinarians to inquire if they would be willing to work with you by giving you a discount. Interview veterinarians and pick the best one for your organization.
- Web site: Having a web site will increase your volunteer base, adoptions and visibility. There are many free websites available on the internet, if needed. You can also list your rescues on places like petfinder.com and pets911.com.
- Volunteers and Foster Homes: Be sure to make your policies available to your volunteers and foster homes. Most questions a volunteer or foster home may have will be answered by reading the policies. Appoint a Foster/Volunteer Coordinator to help with questions not answered in the policy manual. Unless you are a one or two person organization, all rescue organizations need the help of volunteers. Volunteers and foster homes are the backbone of any rescue. You may want to consider having each volunteer fill out a volunteer application to help determine what talents a new volunteer can apply to the rescue.
- Foster Homes should fill out a foster application. You will have to decide what guidelines you will follow for fostering. The rescue I work with requires foster dogs be fostered inside the home, some rescues foster dogs both inside and outside in kennels. Consider doing reference checks and home visits before placing a foster dog with a new foster.
- Foster Dogs: Dogs come into rescue from a variety of sources. Some come from shelters and some from owner surrenders. Temperament is very important when considering a dog for your rescue program. A rescue organization should consider doing a temperament test for every dog coming into their rescue program. Health is another consideration. The rescue I work with will take in dogs with heartworms and will consider dogs with other medical concerns. Some rescues will not consider rescuing any animal not considered a "quality" animal to accept into their foster program. In addition some rescues will not consider Heartworm positive dogs, older dogs or dogs that don't look perfect. It will be up to you to decide which guidelines you will follow. You will also need to take into consideration a dog could appear to be healthy but develop health or temperament problems in the future.
- Adoption: Most rescue organizations require an adoption application be submitted prior to adoption. The application process should include reference checks, a veterinarian check and a home visit to meet the applicant. If an application is approved, it is important to make the correct match to ensure a successful placement. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a foster pet go to his or her forever home.
It is also important to try to work with other rescue people to help save the lives of more animals.
Diane Sacripanti
Founder of NCRR
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