How do you set up a cat rescue centre?
What do you need?
What are the realities?
Whats it like?]
What if you already have pets?
Public Comments
1. What I would advice you to do is to ring a shelter in your area and have a chat with someone about it. I work in a shelter and we give out advice to people wanting to set one up (well the people who know about it give the advice).You can just keep your pets separate from the animals you rescue. Shelters often have resident pets living there.
The reality can be harsh. There are so many neglected animals and in a perfect world we could help them all but the truth is one just doesn't have the facilities. Cats more than dogs have to be euthanized. But please don't let that put you off. I am so glad that you want to help, please keep this idea going and do what you can to help the animals.
2. volunteer at your local humane society and they will teach you so much more than what you are asking about. also volunteer at a great vet office so you can learn about basic pet health.
best wishes.
3. I am not a expert on these Questions but i suggest to volounteer at your local rescue centre get some tips and ideas and start from there.
4. Hi , You awnsers my question about the cat rescue name ......Well i got some links you might like to look at and there what i am gonna get and it is gonna cost about $10,000 dollars in the long run - but everything i am getting is brand new . so ya know .....
Theres the building i am gonna get : (its the 10 x 31 one)
http://bettersheds.com/vinyl_garage.htm
5 - 24 (W) BY 48 (H) Play Pens $520 for all 5
http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=904961
10 - of the 14 Height ones ($480 for those)
10 - of the 19 Height ones ($600 for those)
and then 20 - of the 32 Height ones ($2100 for those SHEEESH)
http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=938890
2 - Kitten play Cages $305 for both
http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=1128949
2 - Outdoor kennels $500 for both (then i am gonna also buy 2 tarps that go with the kennels for shade and NO ESCAPING ! (BUT NOW IVE DECITED TO GET 3 CAUS I NEED ON FOR THE EXPECTING MOMMAS)
Kennels :http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=970352
Tarps :http://www.petco.com/Shop/Product.aspx?sku=967424
2 - Large Shop Fans $600 for 2
For the Summer then a Heater for the winter...about $150
Ive found some more stuff that i like including a horse feed trolly . http://www.doversaddlery.com/sportote-feed-cart/p/X1-27026/cn/171/
I am gonna put the litter in th Large square . then the kitten food and the adult food in the other 2 squares .
I am gonna reseach it more and if you want you can e-mail me at arkansas_horsechik@yahoo.com so we can discuss it more !
Thanks and God Bless U
5. I would volunteer at your local shelter first..after you feel comfortable with that..most shelter have a program that you can "foster" cats until they are found permanent homes.Then if you still want to start a rescue center..a few things to think about. the cost, equipment is expensive..usually can't find clean good stuff seconded hand,you will be 'governed" by the local authorities, there will be licenses and health issues that you will have to deal with. All your cats will have to be up to dates on shots and healthy. There will be endless paper work..authorities will come in and check you regularly. and finally your own pets, if you go right into a rescue operation, you will be subjecting your own pets to all types of disease..if they have any age..they may become a handful their selves because of "attention issues". Don't mean to throw all this at you..but you are seriously thinking about something that takes alot of time, resources and patience..but dealing with the general public that, if you are placing animals..this people can be just a pain,, and the "abusers" sometimes you feel like doing to them what they have allowed done to their "supposedly" pets..
Good luck..
6. You need volunteers to help with animal pick ups, taking them to the Vet, fostering the animal in their home, screening potential adopters etc. You will also need to work up a adoption contract. (go to Petfinder.com, check out the small local rescues in your area, and take a peek at their adoption application).
You will need space in your home. Even pets given a clean bill of health should still be separated from your existing pets for 2 weeks. New pets that haven't been Vet checked yet, should have no contact with your pets. Be sure your pets are current on a vaccines and be prepared to have a quarantine area for sick pets.
Also, you need to establish a Vet for the rescue. Most rescues have a Vet that provides services to the rescued pet at a reduced fee. Some Vet's only accept rescues that are a legal non profit group. Also be prepared for the Vet bills. Even with reduced fee services, once you add up the exam, spay/neuter, vaccines, deworming, flea treatments and any medication they may need...you're still looking at over $100 per animal (give or take).
I'd get everything in order before you start taking in pets. The adoption fee you can charge usually only covers part of the money you actually spent on the animal.
It's very hard. Some animals don't get adopted quickly, it could take weeks, months or even years for older pets or special needs pets, so be prepared.. Set up a account on Petfinder where you can advertise, as well as use Craigslist and other local newspapers. Word of mouth works well too.
Start off small, don't take on more than what you can handle and don't be afraid to turn people away when you've reached your max.
I've done animal rescue in the past, as well as am a Vet Tech at a hospital that provides services for well over 15 rescue groups...I've seen the good, bad and the ugly.
Good luck to you! Feel free to email.
