Pulling Together for Man's Best Friend
There's little that compares to helping others, and helping a dog is eminently rewarding because a dog unconditionally trusts in the kindness of humans. You can be proud if you save just one from a shelter, but with the right knowledge and support you can be part of rescuing thousands from neglect, cruelty and even death. Starting a rescue group is a labor of love that can be arduous, but the grateful dogs make it a worthwhile endeavor.
Instructions
Start a Rescue Group for Dogs
1. All Dogs Deserve a Home
Learn all you can about dog rescue groups, plan your course of action and follow through with necessary paperwork and groundwork.
2. Search Your Heart
Ask tough questions? Do you have time and money to devote to the dogs? As part of an established group, vet care and occasionally donated food could be shared. Running a private group, whether or not it's non-profit, requires 100 percent responsibility for expenses not covered by other means, so raising funds will likely be an ongoing task.
3. Look for the Good in Every Dog
Decide which breed or mixed breed you will accept, and educate yourself on the needs and behavior of these dogs. Be prepared to fulfill some unpleasant chores and make some difficult decisions.
4. Get Help with the Legal Stuff
If starting your own group, consult an attorney and accountant to help with business plans, incorporation options, fees, tax exemptions, deductibles, liability insurance, adoption applications and contracts or other issues.
5. Stay on the Right Side of the Law
Whether on your own or fostering for a larger rescue group, always check state and local laws regarding licenses, permits, health inspections, limit on number or breed of dogs allowed, vaccination requirements, zoning restrictions and any other regulations.
6. Every Penny Counts
If your legal status becomes non-profit; apply for grants, advertise, plan fundraisers, arrange adoption events, make phone calls, visit local food suppliers and set up a website for securing donations. As a private rescue group, you can still accept donations but they are neither tax-deductible nor tax-exempt.
7. Nice Digs
Create a safe and comfortable environment for the dogs, including at least one large escape-proof fenced yard for exercise, summer/winter shelter, bathing space and separate section for problematic or sick dogs
8. Give a Dog a Bone
Acquire necessary food and water pans, collars/leashes, safe toys/bones, emergency medical supplies, breed-specific healthy foods and any necessary extras.
9. Maintain Accurate Records
Ask for medical records and personal histories of dogs placed with you and add to those records while the dogs are in your care. You then can pass along good information and advice to adoptive families.
10. Seek Help from the Experts
Find at least one local vet that has a passion for what you do and will offer discounts and possibly provide some free services.
11. Find Help Online
Use the Internet to advertise available dogs, and find a suitable animal transport network to move adopted dogs to new homes outside your area.
Tags: Group Dogs, rescue group, Rescue Group Dogs, Start Rescue, Start Rescue Group