Home
| Lifestyle
| Pets & Animals
| Animals
| About Animal Rescue
About Animal Rescue
by Penelope Lane
-
Overview
About Animal Rescue
Animal rescues are organizations dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty, proper pet ownership education and animal adoption services. Some animal rescues, depending on their size, location, staff and funding, offer community support resources, such as low-cost vaccinations or spray and neuter services. Rescues exist for all types of animals and are located throughout the United States.
-
Identification
While many people use the term "animal rescue" interchangeably with "shelter" or "pound," a rescue is often a smaller group that primarily takes in homeless pets and seeks to place them in a loving home. Animal rescues depend solely on financial donations and volunteer staffing, have individual mission statements and function to benefit all groups of animals, including pigs, horses, dogs, cats and reptiles. Animal rescues are committed to a no-kill policy and can be identified by their name (such as the Boston Terrier Rescue), location of promotion (such as outside a pet store), the network of volunteers and foster homes and a dedication to pet adoption.
-
Benefits
Animal rescues take in unwanted and homeless animals and find them loving homes. Additionally, pet rescues often work closely with limited-space shelters, taking in animals that are scheduled to be euthanized. Rescues often filter the received animals through foster homes to promote animal training, increase socialization skills and resolve medical and behavior issues. Pets in foster homes are free to roam and experience life in a normal way (versus being cramped in a confining space at the local dog pound).
Pets receive individualized loving care and critical attention. Therefore, animal rescues get a more in-depth glimpse to the individual needs and personalities of each animal. Potential owners receive a wealth of information about each available pet, allowing them to be matched with an appropriate animal that suits their lifestyles (like families with small children or with other animals in the home). Additionally, adopted pet owners benefit from taking home a loving pet that is up-to-date with vaccinations and basic healthcare.
-
Function
Animal rescues require several things to function. Many private animal rescues are non-profit organizations or small groups that rely heavily on public assistance and financial donations to operate. Animal rescues utilize foster homes to house available pets and market their animals through online search engines of adoptable animals, such as Petfinder (see Resources). Animal rescues often have strong relationships with local veterinarians (who may give services for a reduced fee). Additionally, animal rescues maintain their existence by making appearances at festivals with information booths, walking adoptable animals in public vicinities (such as taking a litter of puppies to the dog park) and establishing connections with local pet stores. Many animal rescues have streamlined, interactive websites that promote their mission statement and the animals available for adoption.
-
Considerations
There are several things to consider before adopting a pet from an animal rescue. The first and foremost is whether one can provide the loving home required for proper pet ownership. Is the pet being adopted for the right reasons? One should thoroughly contemplate the decision and speak with all members of the family. Additionally, one should evaluate handling the financial commitment, training required for possible behavior issues, time management matters (such as busy work schedules), living arrangements and personal lifestyle choices (active versus sedentary) before adopting pet. Adopting a new animal requires a commitment for the pet's entire life, which could be as long as twenty years depending on the animal species and breed.
-
Expert Insight
Animal rescue groups often have in-depth application procedures for potential pet owners (which may include a home visit or personal references) before an animal is allowed to be adopted. If considering adopting a pet and appropriate measures have first been taken, contact the animal rescue, complete an application and ask to speak with an adoption counselor to begin the process. Additionally, for interested parties who are not able to adopt at this time should consider donating to a local animal rescue; Donations are always in needed and welcomed. Help provide financial assistance or donate pet food, supplies, toys or blankets to help alleviate the high cost of fostering animals.
