How do you know if you are dealing with a reputable animal rescue group? Not all rescue groups or organizations are created equal. So how do you decide if a rescue group is a reputable one? How do you know if they are doing a good job? There are no real laws for these groups just the same animal cruelty laws for the general public. Some rescue groups specialize in the rescuing one breed of dog. These dogs are generally taken from public shelters. A reputable group will be knowledgeable about their breed. Here are some things you should consider when researching rescue groups.
A reputable rescue is not for profit, and works on adoptions, not sales.
A reputable rescue spays/neuters all pets before placement.
A reputable rescue makes sure animals are up to date on all vaccines, and microchips where appropriate to ensure all pets are healthy, up to date on all shots, heartworm tested/on prevention, and received necessary vet care before placement.
A reputable rescue has a contract, screens every potential adopter with a MANDATORY home visit before a pet is placed there, incl. foster/temporary basis and requires references.
A reputable rescue has references from shelters in their area and works with those shelters.
A reputable rescue helps educate new adopters, and may require adopters to participate in training courses to assist in a good adoption.
A reputable rescue checks on the care of the previous or current pets with the vet, to ensure future pets will have proper medical attention.
A reputable rescue works carefully to match up the right forever home with the right pet, based on the pet’s needs/personality/etc.
A reputable rescue always takes its adopted animals back if the placement isn’t successful.
A reputable rescue keeps animals in foster care, or in situations where the animal was at a shelter, works with shelter staff for a short period of time before placing them, to screen for health or behavior problems.
A reputable rescue works carefully to match up the right forever home with the right pet, based on the pet’s needs/personality/etc.
A reputable rescue may ask that all family members and resident pets meet the new animal before an adoption is finalized. Where breed appropriate, several meetings may be required.
A reputable rescue does not offer animals to be used for breeding, and should not promote animals with unstable or unknown temperaments.
A reputable rescue makes an effort to work in harmony with the shelters, humane societies and animal control facilities in their own area or state.
A reputable rescue will have a cordial and informed relationship with other rescues.
Thank you to drawthedog.com for the art work! Another great reminder!
A reputable rescue carefully screens incoming animals for temperament and health, and has met and interacted with animals being offered for adoption.
A reputable rescue never places an animal as a gift to the intended adopter. The rescue will always involve the recipient in the decision to adopt as well as the application, home visit, and selection of the pet.
A reputable rescue places the welfare and happiness of the animal first, and screens the homes to ensure that the placement is a sound one for that animal.
A reputable rescue requires an application form and adoption contract.
A reputable rescue requires an adoption contract which includes a legal clause to have the pet returned to this rescue if the new adopter relinquishes it.
A reputable rescue understands the limits of its resources; does not accept more animals than it has legal authority or space/time to care for.
A reputable rescue operates as a not-for-profit entity.
THANK YOU TO DRAWTHEDOG.COM for the artwork.