1. The best interest of the animals should always be your first priority.

• In rescue as in all endeavors, conflicts will arise. Sometimes it is necessary to take a step

back from a situation and see it in a different perspective. Always make sure that

whatever actions you take are in the best interest of the animals. Politics and egos have

no place in rescue where lives are at stake.



2. Always follow humane rescuing practices.

• Many independent rescuers find themselves in a position at one time or another where it

is necessary to place an animal in a kennel or boarding facility. This is a short term option

and should be used only as a temporary solution - days or weeks, not months. Animals

that are kept in kennels or boarding facilities for long periods of time are not receiving

the training, attention and love that they need to be ready for adoption. As a result of their

confinement these animals may suffer from severe separation anxiety, develop barrier

aggression, have challenges with crate training, develop aggression issues with other dogs, and regress in their training and house breaking.

• Make sure that the animal you are rescuing will not put the health and safety of other

animals in jeopardy. Many rescued animals have compromised immune systems from the

stress of their situation and bringing very sick animals into your program should only be

done when it does not put the health of other animals in danger. Extra care should be

taken when placing animals that show aggression, especially in homes where there are

other animals or children. And always make sure that anyone who handles a sick or

aggressive animal is aware of their condition and takes the necessary safety precautions.



3. Know your limits and stick to them.

• Unless you are prepared to take on millions of animals, you have already accepted that

there are limitations to how much you can do. But in order to be an effective rescuer, it is

important to set realistic limits to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Unfortunately, there

will always be more animals that need rescuing. Do not dwell on the animals that are

beyond your ability and means to help, but focus on the ones you can help. It does not

matter whether you are saving one animal or hundreds - you are making a difference and

saving lives.



4. Always have adequate funding in place before taking on an animal.

• Avoid taking on a situation in the hopes that the funding will follow. Have a good idea of

how much it will cost to care for each animal and maintain a solid budget that includes a

reserve fund for unexpected costs.

• Pay all bills for medical care on time. Running up debts with vets and medical care

facilities creates a negative working relationship that can impact that vet's decision to

help your and other organizations in the future. It jeopardizes the safety of the animals

since sooner or later the vet will find it necessary to cut off services until bills are paid

which could leave animals without care in an emergency.



5. Always have a solid plan in place before taking on an animal.

• It is important to consider where you will take the animals you rescue. All too often these

animals go from one bad situation to something equally bad or worse. Always place

animals in a pre-screened facility. Make sure that the shelter, agency or kennel you work

with to house your rescued animals provides the minimum standards for adequate care

including the responsible practice of good animal husbandry, handling, production,

management, confinement, feeding, watering, protection, shelter, transportation,

treatment, grooming, and the provision of veterinary care when needed to prevent

suffering or impairment of health. The kennel/foster home/shelter should be clean and

safe for the animals you are rescuing, and you should be certain that they are treated

humanely if not in your direct care.

• You also will need a solid backup plan. Despite the best of intentions and no matter how

carefully you plan, things can always fall through. Be sure that you have a safe place to

take an animal in the event that a foster or boarding option falls through at the last

minute.



6. Provide complete and timely medical care.

• All animals should be vetted, vaccinated, and treated for parasites immediately upon

entering your rescue program and before being placed in a foster home. Spay/neuter

surgery should be scheduled as soon as it is physically possible for the animal to undergo

the procedure. Spaying/neutering has been shown to provide both physical and mental

benefits to animals and animals that are not spayed/ neutered can develop negative

behavioral habits that become harder to reverse as time passes.



7. Finish the job.

• Rescuing doesn't end once an animal is out of a sudden death situation. It is important to

take the time necessary with each animal and make sure that all the proper steps are being

taken to find them a loving, permanent home.



8. Keep accurate records for each animal.

• Keeping clear and up to date medical records is vital to providing proper care - especially

in the event of an emergency. Records should include all known procedures, dates for all

treatments given and due dates for future necessary care such as deworming and

vaccinations. Wherever possible, the name and number of the vet or medical facility

where treatments were given should also be listed.

• Organizational records including information on foster care providers and a detailed list

of all the animals in your care should be maintained at all times.



9. Use your resources, time and money wisely.

• Make local rescue your first option. There are plenty of animals throughout the country

who are in need of rescue. There is no state that doesn't euthanize healthy, adoptable

animals due to overpopulation and crowding. The cost of long distance transportation

may not be the best use of funds and volunteers may be able to make better use of their

time by helping the animals already housed in local shelters.

• Utilize low cost medical options. Most communities offer low cost spay/neuter and

vaccination programs. You should also develop relationships with vets whenever possible

to provide for discounted medical care beyond the basics.



10. Don't try and do it all alone.

• Rescuing animals is a very high stress endeavor. Caring for them is a 24 hour a day, 7

days a week job. It is important not to underestimate the amount of care and the level of

commitment that is necessary to save lives.

• In addition to time and money, the emotional and psychological aspect of rescuing should

not be overlooked. It is easy for people to become disillusioned and overwhelmed. Find

support in people who share your philosophies and can help keep you focused so you can

accomplish your goals.