How to Start a Chihuahua Pet Rescue
- 1). Decide on goals and limits of the rescue. A Chihuahua rescue can decide to take only purebreds, or those that are very close in resemblance. Also, decide on the geographic area the rescue will cover. It can be a town, county, state, or any other region. It is easiest to start out with only purebreds and in a limited area. Later, the rescue can branch out and accept mixed breed dogs from bigger areas.
- 2). Get incorporated. It is best to become a “not for profit” organization in terms of taxes and liability. Consulting with a lawyer is costly, but is much easier and faster than trying to figure it all out alone.
- 3). Find as many good volunteers as possible. Rescues always need lots of help. Rescuers require good foster homes, people to help transport dogs, walkers, someone to answer rescue requests and others to track finances and ultimately get the dogs adopted. These positions are all very important, and too much for a single person to take on.
- 4). Meet local and national Chihuahua clubs. National clubs often provide insurance for rescues at lower rates attainable by a single rescue, as well as advertising for the rescue and even financial assistance in some cases. Local clubs are also a great place to find fellow Chihuahua lovers, some of whom may be willing to help with the rescue.
- 5). Determine rescue policies and procedures. These include everything from intake, dog housing, adoption screening and contracts. Have an attorney look at all contracts drafted to reduce the rescue’s liability.
- 6). Begin fundraising. Rescues charge adoption fees, but these often aren't enough to cover costs. Learn the state laws relating to fundraising. Common fundraisers are raffles, solicitations in newsletters or mail and selling dog-related items.
- 7). Find a vet. Many veterinarians offer a discount for rescues. Set up a billing account so that there are no surprises later. The vet may require an establishment of credit or guaranteed payment method, such as automatic draft, in order to establish the rescue as a client.
- 8). Once everything else is in place, begin "rescuing" the Chihuahuas. Alert shelters of the rescue, and let them know contact numbers if a Chihuahua comes through their shelter. Field calls and look for abandoned animals. By finding the dogs good homes, they will get to live out their lives to the fullest extent.
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