5Starting a rescue group is a big undertaking. Finding Pugs to rescue is the easy part. Navigating the maze of legal, accounting and business issues can be daunting at first. There are purebred and mixed Pugs in Oklahoma shelters that need a rescue group to save their life.
- Educate yourself about operating a rescue group by volunteering. Join Homeward Bound Pug Rescue or Pug Rescue of Oklahoma City. Working with an established group will allow you to discover the good, bad and ugly or running a rescue group. Try performing as many different functions as possible. Run a fundraiser, foster dogs and process applications and arrange transports. Spend at least six months volunteering before you start your own group. Also, think about whether the established groups expand with your help to serve more animals rather than spending the time and money needed to start your own group.Prepare and file non-profit corporation paperwork with the State of Oklahoma. A rescue group is an animal charity and there are legal requirements that must be followed. Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS so you can open a bank account. File an application with the State of Oklahoma so you can solicit donations. Finally, meet with a lawyer to talk about filing for 501(C) (3) status with the IRS.Sign up for a website. Most rescue groups rely upon the internet for adopters, foster homes and donations. There are over one hundred and fifty Oklahoma rescue groups and shelters on Petfinder (see Resources below). Petfinder provides a free web page and space for descriptions and photos of adoptable Pugs. Oklahoma residents can search by zip code for pets in their area.Visit nearby animal shelters and discuss your rescue group. Oklahoma animal shelters must house stray dogs and some also take in dogs from families that can no longer keep them. In order to have room for incoming dogs, shelters try to move purebred dogs, like Pugs, into rescue groups. Let the shelter staff know about your group and provide veterinary references. Find out if the shelter has special requirements for rescues that work with them.Make an appointment with a veterinarian to discuss providing services to your rescue. Ask for a discount for routine services like vaccinations and parasite control. Contact Spay Oklahoma and find out the prices for spay or neuter or your rescue dogs at the nearest clinic. Ask the veterinarian to match the price. Your adoption fees will be based on the amount that is spent on routine vet care.
