How do I start a rescue?

How do you start your own animal rescue?

• I love animals and in the future want to start my own rescue for cats and dogs, I don't think it's fair what some animals have to go through. Even though there are pounds that ...show more

• Answer:

  If you do not know too much about the rescue of animals, it might be a good idea to work along with a rescue group. You can foster animals, help with the weekend adoptions, take animals to the vet, or anything else they might need. There are usually lots of things to do. As you do this, you will learn lots of the daily things that have to do with rescue. Most rescue groups are 501c3, or connected with another group who is, which means they have a tax-free license. This is not imperative, but helps with some costs and connections. Learning from the people who have done this for awhile will help you to understand what it takes. You can certainly take animals in, who are in need by: going to the shelter and purchasing animals from there, then finding good homes for them, helping people who need to give their pets up for various reasons by fostering them and then rehoming them, etc. The problem with that is that you can easily get in, over your head, since there are so many animals in need, with the additional consideration of vet bills. Having the constraints of an already organized league and people who can help you with all the details may be a better place to start, which also ads the benefit of someone else in charge of the vet bills. Go to the local Petco or Petsmart store on the weekend to find rescue groups, or to the website: www.petfinder.com.