Thinking of Starting a Pit Rescue

toddreaves04 · 02-13-2010, 12:28 AM

I have been thinking of starting a Pitbull rescue because the local shelter kill the breed no questions asked due to one of the city board members being mauled by a pit. I am going to do some investigation into getting the dogs before they are taken to the shelter. I know a couple of people there that might could help. The biggest issue I am having is coming up with fencing. I just wanted to get your opinions and see what you thought of the situation. I just hate to see good dogs being killed because the breed was blamed not just the dog or dogs that done it. All breeds have their biters, but it boils down to the owner usually. I just want to help these dogs get trained and to a good home. I look forward to hearing from everyone. Thanks

**kmes** · 02-13-2010, 01:32 AM

I'm not sure how you would go about starting a rescue.
Would you be starting a real rescue with multiple foster families and a possible shelter location? Or would you be just helping the dogs you come across by keeping them in your own home until a new home is found???

If you want to start an official rescue I do know that you will likely need to get a non-profit status (I think 501) for your organization. Not to mention you will need to find many appropriate foster families where you would be able to place dogs waiting for a permanent home. You will also need to come up with an adoption policy, ways to check potential adopters, as well as a contract for adoptions.

I'm sure that others will be able to help more than I! There are a lot of people actively involved in rescue here on this forum.

Good luck!!!

Mikey · 02-13-2010, 02:59 AM

Kudos'

Have you volunteered in shelters before?

Here are my tips and hints-I've been involved in many successful and non-successful shelters.

First go to the petfinder.com library and READ READ READ

Set up your non profit first. Then apply for charity 501C. Don't procrastinate-do it right away.

Keep receipts for everything. Get volunteers asap to help coordinate volunteers.

Do NOT EVER take on more then you can afford out of pocket until you can secure funding. Never rely on things working out-they won't.

Get either a vet to offer you low cost spay/neuter or make a contract-No responsible shelter adopts unfixed animals.

Get signed on with petfinder.com right away.

Get a website. Many companies will pay for this and design it for you for the ad space-you don't need any skills just email and ask web design companies!

The easiest set up is a network of foster homes, especially if they can pay food and care on their own (mind you will need to cover incidental vet costs)-they can do driving and arranging to meet prospective homes.

Network network! Connect with other shelters and get tips and tricks.

Get on the TV and in the paper-do it regularly. This gives you exposure and legitimacy. It's easy they are always looking for animal stories.

Bottom line-biggest tip-don't bite off more then you can chew-and don't rely on others especially volunteers. Their heart may be in the right place but they may not be reliable. Only do (at least for the first three years) what you can handle on your own. My biggest tip-only do what you can do yourself

**Criosphynx** · 02-13-2010, 02:31 PM

I would suggest you foster and rehabs MANY of these dogs before you even put anymore thought into it

and what the others said

toddreaves04 · 02-13-2010, 06:46 PM

Yeah that is what I have been thinking about doing. Before I "bite off more than I can chew". I am going to go by the shelter on Monday and talk with some of the people I know there. Thanks for the info. It is alot to think about and set up. I just hate to think that these dogs are being killed not because of what they did but what breed they are. Thanks

Mikey · 02-14-2010, 05:01 AM

You know-starting a shelter is not your only option

You could lobby for more shelter support or just help grant writing for your shelter who has to euth

ANY help is appreciated no matter where and how.

toddreaves04 · 02-17-2010, 11:50 PM

I met with the lady over the shelter today and she said that there is a need for a pitbull rescue. The local law states that any pitbull can only be released to the owner or transfered to another shelter. She said they have been calling the local rescues and they are all full. I found some free blocks today that I can use to build a very nice kennel. I am going to go tomorrow and see exactly how much they have. I also got a few leads on kennel supplies today too. I am going to check on getting my 5013c tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the help and continue with the post.

Mikey · 02-18-2010, 12:42 AM

Great-sounds great

Keep us posted!