How to Start Rescue Animal Shelters
Starting an animal shelter is not as easy as it sounds. Many people do not realize how much time, money and patience goes into it. All animals have different needs and requirements. Starting an animal rescue requires knowledge with more than just loving animals. You also need knowledge in fundraising, people interaction and legal issues.
- Think about what kind of animal shelter you want to start. Private animal shelters are funded differently than municipal animal shelters. Private shelters normally accept all animals; however, are forced to put down animals because of space, age, species and adoptability. Different animal rescue programs offer various programs such as “no-kill” and animal rescues. Municipal animal shelter funds are from taxes and fees given out by animal control officers.
- Speak and visit with other shelters in your area to get an idea of how other shelters are set up. Ask questions and if your employees need experience, volunteering at a shelter before opening is a great way to gain experience.
- Take donations for your animal shelter. All non-profit animal shelters are in constant need of funding. Call local pet stores to find out if they give donations to shelters. Some pet stores donate ripped bags of food. You will need to give them a receipt for tax purposes.
- Discover and develop your animal shelter’s mission statement. Place your ideas on paper about what you want to accomplish by starting an animal shelter. Write down your plan on how to get there.
- Plan a huge grand opening. Pass out flyers in the neighborhood and tell everyone you know about your animal shelter. Have a party and send a press release to local papers about the opening of your animal shelter.