About Non-Profit Animal Rescue
Many communities have a government entity that is responsible for protecting people from animals, and which usually has as a secondary mission helping animals in need. Such agencies are usually called Animal Control Centers or Animal Care Centers, and are what people mean when they refer to "the pound." In addition, most communities also have a variety of private not-for-profit organizations that take in homeless animals, do adoptions and provide other animal rescue functions. These groups vary in their size, mission, sources of funding and other characteristics. Learn about the different types of non-profit animal rescue organizations before you adopt, donate or volunteer.
Types
The most common animal rescue organizations are typically referred to as animal shelters. They take in lost and stray animals as well as animals whose owners have decided not to keep them and who are hoping that a new home can be found. They then adopt out many of these animals to the public. Some of these organizations refer to themselves as "no-kill shelters," but this term can actually mean many different things. It may mean the group is a sanctuary that provides lifelong homes to animals that aren't adopted and/or have medical or behavioral issues. Or it may mean the group finds homes for all animals deemed "adoptable" and only kills those that are ill, injured, aggressive or otherwise deemed unadoptable. Rescue groups are typically smaller organizations, often run by a handful of volunteers and no paid staff. The group may operate out of the founder's home or make use primarily of foster homes. Some groups rescue all animals of a certain species, such as cats and dogs, rabbits, or birds, whereas others specialize in a specific breed such as beagles or Maine coon cats.
Names
Contrary to popular belief, any organization can call itself a "Humane Society" without having any relationship to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) or to any other Humane Society. In fact, HSUS does not run any individual animal shelters. Similarly, an organization whose name includes the phrase "Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals" (SPCA) probably has no relationship to the well-known ASPCA. Other animal rescue organizations may refer to themselves as shelters, rescue groups or sanctuaries.
Budgets and Funding
Annual budgets for nonprofit rescues vary from several thousand dollars to many millions. Most animal rescue groups are heavily dependent on donations from individual and business supporters. Fundraising techniques include direct mail solicitations, animal sponsorships and events. Nonprofit organizations may also apply for grants from government agencies, community funding agencies, or private grantors. Some larger foundations such as Petfinder.com, Petco foundation and Maddie's Fund provide grant money to many animal rescues. Some nonprofit groups have government contracts for animal care and control, although they are in the minority. Without public donations and community support, most animal welfare organizations would not be able to function.
Intake
Most shelters take animals in from the public and accept strays; they may or may not take in feral cats. Some people prefer to use the term "open-admission shelter" to refer to a traditional shelter that takes in all animals brought to it and "limited admission shelter" for one that only takes in animals when it has space or based on the animal's or person's situation. Historically the former have not been able to save all the animals that come in, whereas the latter are, but this is not always true. Rescue groups may take in animals from the public, or they may only take animals from animal control or traditional shelters. Typically the animals they take from other organizations are those that would be put down if not rescued or that need special care for medical or behavioral issues. Breed-specific rescues may strive to rescue any animals of their breed both from the public and from other organizations. Procedures for intake vary greatly across different organizations, so always check before assuming a group will take your animal or a stray.
Adoptions
In order for organizations to keep taking in animals, they generally need to find homes for the ones they have. This is usually done through adoptions to the public. The adoption processes vary, with some groups doing home checks, vet checks and a lengthy interview or questionnaire, and others doing a quicker interview or questionnaire and same-day adoptions. Most shelters and many rescue groups will alter animals before adopting them out, to prevent additional homeless animals. They may also microchip, vaccinate, and do basic medical testing. Adoption fees vary depending on the organization's budget, the services included and other factors. In most communities you can expect to pay $50-$150 to adopt a cat or dog. Fees for purebred animals, special needs animals, and different types of animals such as gerbils and rabbits may differ. Adoption fees typically do not cover the full cost to an organization of taking in and caring for an animal.
Other Services
May animal rescue groups provide additional community services such as education and training. Some programs focus on reaching children and teaching them about humane treatment of animals, whereas others focus on helping adults understand why so many animals are homeless and why many of those (to the tune of at least 3 million cats and dogs a year in the U.S. according to HSUS) are killed. They may offer dog-training classes, pet first aid classes, or training on a variety of other topics to help pet owners. Many also provide vaccinations, microchipping and spay/neuter surgeries on a walk-in or appointment basis.
Considerations
Not all animal rescue groups are 501(c)3 organizations, and regulations vary by state regarding how they operate and what requirements they must follow. Do your research by talking to people in your community and referring to sites like Guidestar.org to learn about an organization before you decide to support it or relinquish an animal to it.
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