Much to consider before starting animal rescue

Besides what was reported in “Rise in number of animal welfare groups” (March 25), I was asked another question. “If someone wants to form an informal group and go around saving dogs and putting them up for adoption — is this allowed or encouraged? What do you think should or should not be done?”

I responded: “Go for it.”

But starting an informal group, saving dogs and putting them up for adoption is not as easy as it seems. Any group wishing to start a rescue group must consider several factors.

First and foremost, is it a long-term objective and does the group have a viable financial plan for the long haul? Can a continuous income stream be secured to take care of rescue, feeding, and veterinary and other operating costs?

One must realistically assess income needs and the amount needed in order to raise funds to sustain operations. One must be transparent when dealing with public funds and open the books for auditing.

Second, does the group have enough volunteers to feed, retrieve and foster the animals? Rescuing animals is an exhaustive affair not for the faint-hearted. Thus, a big support network of rescuers, feeders, fosterers and vets is needed.

And how long can these volunteers last? Can they identify successors to carry on, should the founders leave the group?

A third major consideration: Has the group identified a place to house these animals? Whether it buys or rents land, building and cleaning costs must be considered, along with a utilities connection and payments.

Does it depend instead on existing shelters and commercial boarding places? Due to the oft-heard “land is scarce” and “shelters are full”, rescue groups often look for alternative sites or temporary foster care to house their charges.

Running a rescue requires a huge financial commitment and is a major responsibility, which requires passion and belief.