Rescue Group Best Practices Guide

This publication (Rescue Group Best Practices Guide) is intended to provide general information about rescue best practices. The information contained in this publication is not legal advice and cannot replace the advice of qualified legal counsel licensed in your state. The Humane Society of the United States does not warrant that the information contained in this publication is complete, accurate or up to date and does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

Introduction

Rescue groups are vital in the world of animal welfare and are collectively responsible for saving hundreds of thousands of animals every year. Some shelter animals, such as neonatal kittens or those with medical or behavioral challenges, may be difficult for shelters to place into homes. Rescue groups have resources to help these animals, making the groups’ partnerships with shelters invaluable. They are incredible, lifesaving organizations. But what does it mean to be a rescue? Does it simply refer to an organization that takes in homeless animals and finds them homes? Does it mean being part of an organization with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status? Does it mean the rescue provides trap-neuter-return services to community cats? Actually, a rescue can meet all or none of these criteria.

This manual was designed to provide structure and guidance to all types of rescue groups. It describes best practices for these organizations and, perhaps more importantly, suggests ways to implement them to help rescues operate at their maximum potential. This guide can be used to evaluate the health of established organizations and to help new groups get off to a successful start.