Establishing a dog rescue requires a huge amount of commitment both emotionally and financially. Most rescue organization start-up costs are funded by the person or people starting the rescue. While a rescue organization can be run as a private entity, dog rescues that obtain 501 C 3 status from the Internal Revenue Service are deemed more reputable and the general public is more willing to donate to them. Having a board of directors can help disperse the work load and the responsibility of running a dog rescue on your own.
Instructions
1. Create a board of directors for your dog rescue organization. At minimum this should include a president, vice-president, secretary and a treasurer.
2. Write a mission statement with your board of directors. It should detail the mission of your rescue and how your dog rescue will operate. The mission statement should also include what your rescue will do if it has to close its doors; such as any money left over after closing will be donated to another dog rescue.
3. Apply with your state to be incorporated by submitting a written "articles of incorporation." These articles will list your board members, legal addresses of the rescue, your mission statement along with other information that varies state to state. The Citizens Media Law Project Website states: "Although the articles of incorporation is a corporate formation document, the IRS requires the inclusion of specific language in the Statement of Purpose in order for the nonprofit corporation to qualify for 501(c)(3) tax exemption." So be sure to educate yourself on what wording must be included in your articles of incorporation.
4. Apply with the Internal Revenue Service for 501(c) (3) charitable status. This will enable people who donate to your dog rescue to get a tax deduction and enable you to apply for dog rescue grants. Your mission statement will be part of your IRS application.
5. Write a dog adoption contract that clearly outlines what is expected of a person who adopts a dog from your rescue. It is advisable to have an attorney read over the adoption contract to be sure the contract complies with local and state laws.
6. Establish a bank account for your dog rescue. It's a good idea to also create a Paypal account tied to this bank account so that you can ask for online donations. In most charitable organizations at least two of the board members have access to the bank account which are usually the treasurer and the president.
7. Make a website for your dog rescue to showcase dogs available for adoption and to get donations and support.
8. Promote your dog rescue both in your local community and online on websites such as Facebook. Plan charitable fundraisers in your local community to get the word out about your dog rescue.
9. Establish a good working relationship with a local veterinarian that specializes in dog care. Some veterinarian's will offer discount rates to animal rescues.
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