Profiles in dedication: Starting an animal rescue

by Kathleen Galayda

This is the first in a series of columns that will discuss the various aspects of running an animal rescue or shelter. Leslie Ames, President of Basset Rescue of Montana, is the inspiration and source of this article.

There are many animal shelters and rescues, but few people appreciate what it takes to start and operate one. Failing to understand the requirements, many would-be rescuers are unable to keep their shelters running. Opening and maintaining a shelter or rescue takes much more than a love for animals. It requires time, energy, commitment, knowledge, skill, savvy and boldness. Before starting a shelter and filling your home with needy critters, you’d better do a lot of research. 

For instance, Leslie is an expert about the Basset Hound breed, and insists that potential adopters become knowledgeable, too. She has also been a veterinarian’s: office manager; technician; and surgical and dental nurse. She started out as an obedience trainer; and was the co-founder of the San Diego All Breed Obedience Club Unlimited, which held classes under the renowned Elsie Klein. As an aspiring shelter operator, you’ll also need animal care experience. If you don’t have it, you must get some. Volunteering or fostering for a local shelter or rescue for at least a few months are great ways to gain expertise. You’ll be exposed to the shelter’s daily routines and the fundamentals of dealing with the public.

To run a shelter, you’ll need to wear many hats: secretary, administrator, computer whiz, writer, accountant and fundraiser, just to start. If you don’t have those skills, you will need to find employees or volunteers who do. Leslie is a great nurse, administrator, fundraiser, writer, editor and event coordinator, and she has volunteers that help her with other skills.

Your shelter needs a mission statement outlining its objectives. The statement will address such issues as the type and number of animals the shelter will rescue; the geographic area it will serve; temperament assessment guidelines; and the standards prospective adopters are expected to meet. Developing a mission statement will focus the shelter on its goals. Reflecting on them regularly, and updating when necessary, will make sure that the shelter remains focused.  Basset Rescue of Montana has a detailed mission statement, to which the Board regularly refers.

Beyond the issues directly affecting your shelter’s daily routine are other serious matters that you must consider. Since you will be responsible for the housing, feeding and health care of animals, do you have a good relationship with at least one local veterinarian? Such a relationship is indispensable; Leslie has at least one vet on call at all times. How do you plan on getting money to run your shelter? Good, imaginative fundraising skills are essential. Among other things, Leslie and the Board hold regular fundraising events several times a year, publish a newsletter, and sell items on the Internet.

Then there are legal matters. Should the shelter be incorporated? Basset Rescue of Montana is incorporated, and has a governing Board. Are the local zoning laws favorable, and is the actual physical shelter suitable for your purpose? Basset Rescue is located in a rural area where the zoning restrictions are very supportive. Leslie has a ten- acre farm, much of which is dedicated to the rescue. Have you thought about adoption liability? What will happen if an adopted animal bites a member of its new family? You need to consider having a lawyer you can turn to if something ever goes wrong. Basset Rescue has strict guidelines for assessing a Bassets’ temperament and suitability for adoption, and for assessing the suitability of a prospective family. Nevertheless, the organization also has a lawyer, “just in case”.

Now, considering all these matters – and this list is by no means complete – can you handle the inevitable stress that running an animal shelter, caring for an endless supply of homeless, unloved creatures, and dealing with the public, will cause you? Because there will be days when you’ll wonder how you ever got yourself into this mess. But, in the end, when you see the joy on a lonely child’s face when she falls in love with one of “your” rescues, it will all be worth it.

Leslie can attest to that! She can also verify that the information in this article is accurate. She is dedicated to the homeless Bassets that come into the rescue, and works very, very hard feeding, sheltering, loving and playing with them. These homeless, abandoned and neglected Bassets need your love, support – and maybe your home? To see their pictures and read their biographies, please visit Basset Rescue of Montana’s web site at: http://bassetrescueofmt.tripod.com/available.html, or contact Leslie Ames at 626-4331. On behalf of the homeless Bassets, thank you!

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