Each day, tens of thousands of dogs, cats and other animals are abandoned on the streets of America’s towns and cities. You can help by forming an animal rescue shelter in a few easy steps to help out your community and give like-minded community members the opportunity to join in.
Steps to forming an animal rescue shelter
1. Do your research. What animals or animal breeds are most in need of rescue in your community?
2. Gain valuable shelter experience. Before you start, work in a local shelter to learns the ins and outs of animal care.
3. Scout locations. Find a space that allows for a front office, housing and play areas for the animals, and if needed, a medical room.
4. Get a lawyer. Choose a name for the rescue, file for your nonprofit business license, get insurance, and importantly, form a board of directors, and get legal advice.
5. Advertise. Brochures and a website for your rescue, and introduce yourself to shelters in the area.
How your animal rescue shelter benefits the community
An animal rescue benefits the community in ways that are both tangible and intangible. Rescued animals are a benefit to the community because they are taken off streets and given shelter and care, contributing to the tangible benefit of animal welfare in the community.
Animal rescues also provide intangible benefits for the community by highlighting the need for responsible pet ownership through spaying and neutering animals in addition to animal protection.
Further, caring for animals provides the intangible benefit to all of humanity in supporting because of the moral benefit of care. All life should be cared for and protected.
Can others help?
An animal rescue can become a second home for community members who share in the ideals of animal rescue and who want to be a part of the solution. Volunteers are crucial since they not only care for the animals, but they will share in the mission and carry its values into the broader community.
People of all ages can help you with administration, direct care of animals, fundraising and other events, and as ambassadors to the community.
Animal rescue shelters rely upon the expertise of community members in the formation, management and expansion of the animal rescue shelter. Together, you can make your rescue an important part of your community.