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What would a person have to do to start their own licensed no-kill dog rescue?

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I have always loved dogs and it is my dream to start my own dog rescue. But I’m not sure how to go about it? What does it take? How does one get a license? What would I have to do to run my own dog rescue?

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Posted in FAQ by Allan 3 Comments

3 Responses to "What would a person have to do to start their own licensed no-kill dog rescue?"

  • Corn is not dog food! No wheat! says:
    July 16, 2009 at 7:30 am

    First thing:
    Volunteer with an established shelter. Get some "hands on" experience from people who have "been there, done that".

    Second thing:
    Win the lottery.
    LOL!!!
    Not only won’t you make any money, but you’ll lose plenty.

  • HereXInYourXArms says:
    July 16, 2009 at 7:30 am

    If you and the members of your group don’t have experience in sheltering or a related field—become a volunteer! Look for other opportunities to learn, too, including attending conferences and getting online. For example, the shelters and rescue groups that join http://www.petfinder.org have access to an online feature where lots of networking is
    done and information exchanged. Register your humane organization under “Shelter Sign-up."

    Make the effort to assemble a winning team with the requisite expertise in management, fundraising, and accounting for your board of directors. A veterinarian, a lawyer and a teacher are also great allies, as are professionals in media, advertising and public relations. Everyone who is on the board should have and/or be willing to cultivate important contacts within the community. Look for people who can give or get others to give significant funding, and you’ll be well on your way.

    Every member of your team should visit several shelters, and those on the shelter construction committee should visit many more. Take your architect and/or contractor along, too. Don’t look only at those in neighboring counties, but visit shelters in other states and other parts of the country as much as possible to garner a wealth of ideas. Visit shelters large and small, both retro-fitted buildings and custom-designed facilities. Make arrangements to have the executive directors give you a tour. Ask lots of questions. Find out what their goals were in designing the shelter, what they feel has worked well for them and what they would do differently. Take photos, videos and notes to share with the board.

    Presumably, your group has already discussed its goals at length, but now it’s time to put your thoughts on paper for others to see. Write a mission statement that explains the purpose of your organization. This will help guide your development and is required for incorporation as a non-profit. (Incidentally, the decision to incorporate or not, as well as what type of an organization you will be, are ones you will need guidance to reach.)

    To incorporate, you’ll need to include the organization’s bylaws and articles of incorporation, as well as a list of those on the board of directors. Refer to the bylaws of other organizations for ideas; samples are included in the NSO guidebook. There are a number of documents that must be filed in order to qualify for the IRS’s 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt status. Mistakes in filing can mean lengthy delays in getting the shelter off the ground. That’s why it’s important to have an attorney help you navigate this legal process.

    Once you’ve filed for incorporation, the next step is to develop policies and protocols—about adoption, euthanasia and volunteering, to name just a few. You’ll also to need to determine the future of your shelter. Where do you want the shelter to be in five years? In 10 years? What part will your community play in supporting the shelter? How will you develop supportive relationships with local and national vendors? Do you have people in your organization who can find and develop potential resources?

    The one inescapable fact of all non-profit humane organizations is the constant need for funds. Good intentions and hard work alone won’t cut it. Remember, running a shelter is a business, and developing sound and professional fundraising strategies not only has its obvious rewards, but is an indispensable tool.

    Personal contact is the tried-and-true means to gain major donations. Many animal welfare organizations have also developed wonderfully imaginative and amusing ways to raise money and goodwill with special events. From dog walks and bake sales to corporate sponsorships, possible sources of revenue are readily available. Regardless of the size of your community, you’ll need to come up with your own sources of funding.

    http://www.petfinder.com/how-to-help-pets/start-animal-shelter.html

    This tells you EVERYTHING

  • Bestiality is not funny says:
    July 16, 2009 at 7:30 am

    1. You would need a kennel license to do it legally.

    2. You would need a lot of time and money. You would eventually have to hire people to feed the dogs and take care of them, walk them, play with them. You would also need money for food, supplies, etc.

    3. You would need to advertise it. People need to know that they can give you dogs, and people need to know that you have dogs.

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