start an animal shelter

Ok, first let me say that I have never volunteered at a shelter, I have no experience, and I am only 18. However, I have looked into starting a shelter (including attending a seminar on it.) So here’s some tips I have gathered:

1. Expect to work VERY hard. You are going to do most of the work yourself at first and will likely have little free time depending on the size of your rescue.

2. Take classes on fund raising. You will be doing a lot of that (unless you’re rich) and it will be most effective if you know what you’re doing. You can also take classes on grant writing. Check out your community college. They’re often cheaper non-credit classes or online classes.

3. Hire an attorney to take care of the legal work for you (like applying for non profit status)

4. It would also be useful to take classes on various aspects of business management (finances, employee/volunteer management, etc.). A few schools have majors in non-profit management, but tons have business classes.

5. Volunteer and/or get a job at a shelter first. Learn the ins and outs of the business and make sure it’s really for you. Or simply ask someone there if you can have a bit of their time to get some pointers.

6. Prepare yourself to see some horrible things and deal with lots of death. Just because you’re no kill doesn’t mean you won’t have to euthanize sick and suffering animals. Sometimes there is no other humane option. I work at a vet office and I’ve held animals as they die and each one takes a piece of me with them. (Burn out is a very real possibility in this profession, take steps to avoid it.)

7. Find as many different resources as you can and utilize them. The Humane Society (http://www.hsus.org)has LOTS of resources for people looking to start shelters. AnimalSheltering.org is also EXTREMELY useful. Remember, Google is your friend.

So, I hope that was helpful. I wish each and every one of you the very best of luck. The animals need us!

Hey everyone..
We are silver bone..an animal shelter in making..
As wre go along with our steps we wanted to give you all sum advice..
1. Start workin or volunteerin in other shelters
2. Make things to sell
3. Get registered as TRUST
4. Try finding areas to sell objects in maybe fairs or fetes..

Hope we help..
Please email us on silver.bone@live.com

Thx

Hi! I’ve always loved working with animals and I recently was thinking about opening an animal rescue center. But I’m not sure what I need such as, what kind of legal papers I need and if I can have one out of my home. If anyone knows anything that could help me that would be great. Please e-mail me at atoe-ring12@mywdo.com or leave a comment. Thanks in advance, Ashley.

We have such a heart for doxie’s and want to help them in any way we can. Starting a non-kill shelter for these babies is dear to my heart. Can anyone tell me how to proceed?

How do I open a dog rescue? How do I get a government grant? Can I open one out of my home?

i love animals and i have always wanted to work w/ them,but how.i volenteer at a local farm

I want to obtain a Government GRANT and start a much needed no-kill cat shelter now in Durham, NC. I worked for a no kill cat shelter in Monroe, Louisiana, so I do have experience with the workings of a shelter. Where can I get the forms and get started on my long and complicated journey?

Hey everyone!!!
If you would like to be a member in “Silver Bone” , do email us at silver.bone@live.com
One click of yours can help the world. And if you already have a shelter we can help eachother!!!

Thanks
SB

I understand I am not old enough to start an animal shelter cuz I’m only 15 but ever since I was 5 I have wanted to start one I just dont know how I should do with my life to lead up to it. I know I have to have a job and it has to pay really good. I probably need to go to college to get a good job(or win the lottery). How should I do this.

Hi. My name is Danielle and I live in Wisconsin. I am currently going to school to be a veterinary tech., but along the ways of my studies I have discovered that working in a vets office is not for me. I have always wanted to open some sort of rescue place for animals, but never new how. My daughter also would like to do this. If anyone can help me figure out how to do this, that would be wonderful. My daughter and I are very much looking forward to working with animals that other people think are useless. Please e-mail me at daniellegrycowski@yahoo.com