Pit Bulls--don't believe the hype
There is a tremendous need for pit bull breed rescues in Pennsylvania. These dogs have a reputation they don't deserve and so it is harder for animal shelters to find homes for them. They also can't spare any extra time for the training and exercise the pit bulls need. This is where you can help out, if you have lots of experience with pit bulls, American Staffordshire Bull Terriers and/or Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Hopefully, one day, you can shut down your rescue operation because all dogs will have loving homes.
Instructions
Rescue Me
1. Examine yourself to see if you can commit to starting a pit bull rescue operation. If you can do it, study the applications and contracts of other dog rescues. Contact them, saying that you want to start a pit bull rescue and would like advice.
2. Pick a name and address for your pit bull rescue. This will be your charity's name on all paperwork, nonprofit license and for tax purposes. Your home can work as an address or you can rent an office as headquarters.
3. Register your charity online with the state of Pennsylvania. About the same time, register with the state board of agriculture for a Non-Profit Kennel License through the help of your local dog warden (not an online task, call).
4. Gather together office equipment and dog care equipment. Ideally, you only want to keep a couple of dogs at a time at your place until your charity expands to hold more. Pit bulls can fight if a lot are together in a small space.
5. Go online to contact local local dog charites, dog message boards, local dog chat rooms and let them know that you need volunteers as foster homes for rescued pit bulls. Do background checks on people if you don't personally know. Getting a character letter from their vet and giving their home an inspection is also highly recommended.
6. Develop a website for your proposed pit bull rescue charity. Include information on care for a pit bull, the pros and cons of living with one, links to other dog rescues, pictures of pit bulls for adoption, copies of adoption applications and something extra like am RSS feed of pit bulls in Pennsylvania news.
7. Get a loan in order to get your charity going. When your charity is older, you can apply to the ASPCA for a grant.
8. Make friends with the veterinarians and animal control officers in your area. They will be working with you on cases in the future.
9. Hire a lawyer to draw up a contract for people to sign when they are surrendering pit bulls to you. These are crucial to have before you take in a single dog. This proves you legally become the owner and the previous owner can't get the dog back. You also need to make up a contract for adopters of your dogs.
Tags: your charity, bull rescue, Bull Terriers, other rescues, rescue operation