How to Start a Poodle Rescue Group
- 1). Familiarize yourself with poodles. Learn as much as you can about the breed. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from toy (2 to 10 lbs.) to standards (45 to 65 lbs.). There are differences among the sizes and they require different types of homes.
- 2). Volunteer with a poodle or other small dog rescue group in your area. Through experience, you'll learn how to do all of the important jobs that your new rescue group will need. Try out everything that the rescue group will allow--foster dogs, process applications, fund-raise and arrange shelter pulls--and you'll get a first-hand idea of how to organize your group.
- 3). Check government regulations. Most rescue groups operate on the foster home concept. This means the dogs will live in homes and be part of a family until they are adopted. Find out from local city and county officials whether you are allowed to have rescue dogs at your home, and get any additional information on special requirements for this type of business that must be fulfilled.
- 4). Meet with a lawyer, accountant and veterinarian. Each professional will play a role in the startup of your rescue group. The lawyer will give advice about contracts, incorporating and establishing nonprofit status. The accountant will set up your books as well as help with tax forms. A veterinarian will be necessary to treat incoming rescue dogs. Discuss necessary vaccinations, health problems common to poodles and spay/neuter surgeries. Ask the veterinarian to give your group discounts for routine medical treatments.
- 5). Join an online shelter portal. These services (see Resources below) provide a free web page for your rescue. This is important for finding people interested in adopting, as well as foster homes, donations and volunteers.
- 6). Prepare an information package for animal shelters. Inform shelter managers in the area that your group is available to rescue poodles. Describe the types of dogs your rescue will take and provide shelter managers with a list of volunteers from your group who are allowed to pick up dogs for the rescue.
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