Start an animal shelter to give homeless pets a second chance
If there are no animal shelters in the area where you live or the existing shelters can't handle the volume of homeless animals being dropped off, animal lovers may feel the desire to open a non-profit animal shelter. Starting an animal shelter is a long and complicated task, but with lots of work and perseverance, you can accomplish this rewarding feat.
Instructions
1. Assemble a team of people who are passionate about helping animals and have the time and expertise to help you establish a shelter. People with prior shelter experience and those who have worked in nonprofits or organizations that raise funds may prove valuable.
2. Create a business plan. Your plan should explain the mission of the shelter, its name, its operational procedures, and expected expenses. Include as many details as possible, such as how many animals you want to house at any given time, how the shelter will support itself, and how it will be run, including projected number of staff members and the role of volunteers.
3. Create a board of directors. These are the individuals who will help create the policies and procedures of the organization and set its overall direction and strategic plan. Seek out people in your community that have a desire to help animals. Influential community leaders may help with future fundraising efforts, and they will also contribute themselves year after year. Some of your directors may come from the team you assembled to help you launch the animal shelter.
4. Create policies and procedures to guide how your shelter will operate on a day-to-day basis. Develop an adoption form and criteria for adoption, rules for volunteers, and guidelines for when euthanasia may be considered.
5. File for 501 (c) (3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. This is a lengthy process and many documents must be submitted. The ASPCA suggests retaining an attorney to help with this process.
6. Begin fundraising once you receive your tax-exempt status. Unless you already have the money to purchase or lease a space, buy supplies, pay for veterinary expenses and hire employees, you will need to raise start-up funds. Hold special events in the community, talk to local media outlets about your group, and find animal lovers in the community and ask them to contribute.
7. Find the space where your shelter will be located, and buy all the necessary supplies, such as animal beds, kennels, food and water bowls, towels, medications if any veterinary care will be administered on site, and crates or cages for transporting.
8. Open your doors. Hold a grand opening ceremony for the public. This will let them know they can adopt pets and drop off strays or unwanted animals. In addition, gaining visibility will make it easier to raise funds, which you will have to do continually to fund your operating costs.
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