Cat rescue groups provide care and shelter to unwanted cats and kittens.
If you love cats and live in a city that has a large population of abandoned, feral or abused felines, you may be wondering what it takes to open a cat rescue facility. Rescue facilities take in these unwanted cats and give them shelter, love and care until they can find a home for them. A cat rescue can help solve a problem in your community while it treats animals humanely.
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Instructions
1. Write a plan outlining your goals for the cat rescue. Analyze the costs of starting and operating a cat rescue for the long- and short-term. Calculate the costs of buying or renting space, cat food, veterinarian care, insurance, staff pay and other expenses. Decide how many cats you can handle and the criteria for accepting cats.
2. Set up as a nonprofit. Form a board of directors of like-minded people. File the articles of corporation your state corporation filing division requires. Wait for your returned copy, then go to the IRS website. Download and complete Form 1023 to file for 501(c) (3) status. Send all completed paperwork and applicable fees to the IRS.
Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 192
Covington, KY 41012-0192
3. Seek funding for start-up and operation. Solicit cat lovers associations or animal rights groups for support. Hold fund-raising events and ask your board to "give and get" by contributing personally and by asking friends and associates to give.
4. Acquire the relevant licenses and permits and insure your rescue. Find out from local or state licensing bodies what licenses you need. Check the zoning laws that apply to your rescue's location. Check out the IRS website to find out what federal taxes, if any, you'll have to pay. Ask your insurance broker about the kinds of insurance you need to protect yourself from liability.
5. Rent, lease or buy a building in an area zoned for animal rescues or kennels. Choose a site large enough to shelter the maximum number of cats you'll handle. Avoid overcrowding. Allow for cages, a play area for cat towers, scratching posts and other cat paraphernalia.
6. Recruit volunteers to help out. Look for people who love cats and have cared for them. Ask friends or acquaintances who have cats or who are concerned about the plight of abandoned or feral cats to volunteer. Ask area veterinarians to volunteer their time and services or to provide care at a reduced fee.
7. Promote your cat rescue. List your shelter on pet adoption websites such as Petfinder. Hold a grand opening to introduce your rescue to the community and invite all media outlets in the area. Publish a newsletter and post flyers in pet supply stores and veterinarian offices.
Tags: your rescue, abandoned feral, cats handle, love cats, provide care