How to Start an Animal Retirement Home
Often, older animals have special needs and are harder to care for. Therefore, they are not readily adopted. Sometimes, owners may not be able to provide the advanced level of care they need and are forced to give them up. Opening an animal retirement home or sanctuary gives these animals a chance to live out the rest of their lives in a loving environment while receiving the care they need.
- Decide what types of animals you want to care for. Different species and breeds of animals may have different needs. Consider what kind of animal care experience you have had in choosing which types of animals you will care for.
- Ensure that you have enough space in your home or any building that will be housing the animals. You must also have adequate space and on your land. There must be enough space for each animal to live comfortably and to exercise, if necessary. Also, city or state regulations often require a set amount of space per animal or limit the number of animals within a certain area of land.
- Make sure that you have enough monetary and physical resources to care for aging animals. They often have special needs that require many more supplies and much more time for proper care. Consider hiring additional help or recruiting volunteers to help care for the animals.
- Find out which city or state regulations and licensing requirements, you need to adhere to when thinking about opening an animal retirement home or sanctuary. Failure to follow these regulations may result in fines or even closure, so this is an important step to complete. You can generally find information about related city or state codes and rules with a search on the city website, the state legislature website or with a general search on any Internet search engine.
- File the appropriate paperwork with your city and state. You may want to consult an attorney to make sure you have everything you need.
- Make a list of a few good veterinarians, both regular and emergency, in your area that you will take animals to for routine checkups and possible emergency care. This list should be clearly posted in a spot where anyone can easily access it.
- You may want to research how to gain nonprofit status, which may benefit you in reduced taxes and reduced expenses on supplies.