Cats need rescued, too!
While there are thousands of dog rescue groups across the country, there are very few cat rescues. The cat overpopulation problem is much worse than dogs, yet fewer people are willing to take on the responsibility of running a cat rescue. For those that want to tackle this noble task, here are the steps that must be taken to properly begin your new venture.
Instructions
1. Find a good, reputable cat veterinarian in your area. Rescued cats will come with all kind of illnesses and common problems such as parasites and fleas. Call this veterinarian and schedule a meeting with them to discuss how you can work together. Let them know what you are doing and that you may need them often. Inquire about prices and expenses. Once you know of a good cat veterinarian, you can proceed with your rescue.
2. Name your rescue. Come up with a good name for your rescue group, a name that will be easily remembered. If you will be incorporating or filing for non-profit status, check with your Secretary of State to be sure that the name is available.
3. Consult with an attorney. Find out if there are any laws you need to be aware of, and inquire about the benefits of filing for non-profit status. There is a cost involved with this, but is well worth it typically to gain the benefits of non-profit status.
4. Write up your adoption application to screen potential adopters and be sure that they will provide good homes for a pet. Find out if they rent and are allowed pets, if they currently have any pets and can provide a vet reference, if they have children and so forth. Anything you want to know, this is the place to find out.
5. Write up an adoption contract. Consult an attorney to review it and approve it. This is the place you will spell out the rules of adopting from your rescue, such as the cat must be kept inside, spayed or neutured and must be taken to the vet yearly. The goal of rehoming a cat in a cat rescue is to find them a forever, loving home and avoid having their lives turned upside down and ending up back in a rescue again.
6. Visit local websites and join local email groups to learn about cats that need rescued. Determine how many you can take in at one time and can afford. Be certain you have the ability to drive and pick up cats in need, as well as owning travel cat carriers to contain them in.
7. Take rescued cats to the vet immediately, before exposing them to other cats. This is important in case the cat has a disease or illness that is contagious. If they cannot be taken in immediately, provide a quarantine area that will keep them away from all others. If they do have something, make sure that area is thoroughly cleaned, as well the carrier that they were held in.
8. Solicit for donations. Approach local stores to inquire about food and supply donations. Often, if a bag is torn, they will throw it out. These will work fine for your rescue. Hang up flyers on local bulletin boards looking for food and supply donations.
9. Create a file folder for each cat to track history and medical records. Be sure to have a filing area just for the cat rescue group.
10. Advertise your pets. Contact your local newsaper and see if they will do a write up on your new group. They may also agree to a weekly "Pet of the Week" spot in the newspaper. Visit local websites to inquire about listing your pets on there as well.
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