Tips For finding the right rescue

Tips For Finding The Right Rescue

        There is no governing body for animal rescues; which makes it up to us to look into a rescue we are considering adopting a pet from or donating a pet to. Remember to always thoroughly look into a rescue before deciding to adopt or donate to the rescue. Here are some tips to help you through this process.

Locate the rescues closest to you. Check you local phonebooks, online, or talk to people in your area that have adopted animals in the past. Remember to talk to several different people. Some people have personal reasons for making the suggestions that they do. Don't be afraid to ask questions if they have a negative response to a certain place. Get the name of the rescue, name of the owner of the rescue, the location of the rescue, and the phone number. These will all be needed.

Research the rescue. First contact your local Animal control or the animal control for that area and ask if there have been any complaints against the rescue. Use the Internet for additional resources. Look into sites such as pet-abuse.com. These sites have areas where you can type in the name and see if there is information about the rescue or owners. Type in the names into search engines, if there has been a write up about the rescue, it will most likely come up there. Find out if they are listed as a not for profit organization. Some rescues do this privately, so they may not be a 501(c)3.

Visit the rescue in person if possible. This is one of the best ways to find out about the rescue. See how the animals react to the caretakers. See the conditions of the animals, the availability of food and water, the availability of shelter, and anything else that you can think of that the animals need. Remember, most of these organizations are not for profit. The shelters may not be perfect, but they are working on them. Feel free to ask the owner of future plans for the rescue. Most are willing to talk about repairs they would like to make or additions that they are planning.   Also remember that some of the animals may have been there for a very short time. Be sure to ask how long some of the animals have been there, especially if you are concerned about their condition. Animals that are being adopted out should be in good health, up to date on vaccinations, and have their feet cared for.

Find out about the adoption process. Find out if they are willing to take the animal back if there is a problem. Find out if they have a contract, an application form, or if they require a home visit. Some will also require a vet reference or a personal reference. It is best to use a personal reference who is not related to you if possible.

Ask for references. They should be willing to provide references from their vet, farrier (if it is an equine rescue), and people who have previously adopted from them.

Call the references. Ask questions. See if they are related to the owner or friends of the owner. See what their experience has been with the rescue.

If you see something that does not seem right, do not be afraid to contact animal control. It is better to err on the side of caution than to turn a blind eye to neglect

        If you have followed the steps above, and feel good about the rescue, start looking into the animals they have available for adoption. They may have the friend that you have been looking for.

Good luck in your search!

Written by Brandi M. Qualset, 2007

Search for:

Dedicated to the equine rescues who save horses every day.

Do you have something you would like added to this page?

Email me at:

missys.hope@gmail.com

Please visit our other sites also!

http://www.myspace.com/missyshopeerresource

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MissysHopeEquineRescueResource

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheCheyAnnieProject

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/horserescuebrand

http://thequalsetfamily.freehostia.com