How to Open an Animal Rescue Shelter for Bully Breeds in Maryland

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Copy of your state and local laws pertaining to the operation of an animal shelter
Written Business Plan
Money and Grants
Training/Experience
Lawyer
Shelter site/facility
Building Contractor and Architect
Non-profit Status
Applicable Permits
Experienced Grant Writer/Fundraising team,shelter board
Tons of Patience and Perseverance
Can-Do Attitude!

Step 1

The first and most important step in this endeavour is to train and educate yourself! The more you know and the more training you have backing you up the more impressive and convincing you will be to potential donors, grant organizations, and other agencies and organizations that will be involved in your approval process, permits and overall success. Some superb workshops are American Humane' s Animal Shelter Operations School and Animal Shelter Operations School for Managers. Another amazing resource is the Humane Society of the United States' Humane Society University. HSU offers both on-line courses and on-site workshops. They even offer specific degrees and certificates! For more great resources to independently educate yourself check out sites such as Animalsheltering.org. and Petfinder.com. Both have terrific resource libraries. You also may want to consider having one or more people involved in the organization become animal control officers. Though Maryland has no state animal control association, HSUS lists the following contact on their website:

PAWS of Maryland, Inc.
Paul Miller, Vice President
Humane Society of Washington County
13011 Maugansville Rd.
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-733-2060
Fax: 301-733-0248
E-mail: pmiller@hswcmd.org
Step 2

Assemble a board of committed individuals for the project. Each board member should have an assigned, written duty and a time line in which to complete it. Examples of important community members to have on your board would be a veterinarian, grant writer or fundraiser, animal control officer, local entrepreneurs, and other serious individuals who have a passion for animals.
Step 3

Write a business plan. A business plan is an outline of what you want your organization to be, why you believe that your goals are achievable and what steps you will take in order to get there. Your business plan should include your organization's mission statement, background information, how you plan to market your organization to the public and donors, a financial plan and an outline on how you plan to operate your facility. Since you are most likely going to be a non-profit or not-for-profit agency you want to make your business plan appealing to potential donors and grant organizations. The need for your organization should be expressed in your business plan. For more information on business plans for non-profits see the link included below.
Step 4

Obtain the services of a lawyer. Do your research! Use a lawyer that has experience both with animal organizations and non-profits. Contact local animal welfare organizations to see if they can recommend someone to you. Most lawyers that work in that sector will charge reasonable fees and retainers.
Step 5

Acquire your non-profit status. This may take a little time and there is a small fee involved. For this step you should use the services of your lawyer. Obtaining your non-profit status before you go any further will assist you in winning grants and raising donations and other monies for your goals.
Step 6

Choose your location. Are you planning on building a new facility or are you retro-fitting an already existing building? Cost is the major factor to consider. If you are just starting out and have little or no money put aside consider retrofitting an existing facility. Make sure your plans comply with all state and local laws and regulations before you begin any building. Also make sure all applicable permits are obtained. Before the actual purchasing of property you may want to check with the municipal zoning agency to see if such a facility will be permitted at that particular location. For great facility ideas and resources check out Animalsheltering.org.
Step 7

Obtain copies of all local and state laws and regulations pertaining to animals and the operation of an animal shelter facility. You may need some help from your lawyer with this one. Some agencies to contact that will be involved in your process are your local and state health departments for sanity operation regulations, your local animal control officer for general animal welfare laws on a state and local level, and your municipal office for permit information and if you plan on building a facility your local municipal building and code enforcement department for permits.
Step 8

Now that you have all the prior steps in place its time to go for the money! Start soliciting donors and writing grants. Ponder creative ways to raise capital. You might want to consider hiring a professional fund raiser and/or grant writer. Sometimes we have to spend money to make money! Use your business plan to approach potential corporate donors. Some corporate donors participate in programs where they will match any funds you raise. Grants are another excellent way to generate money for your project. Most grants are pretty specific about what the money can be used for and how the proposal should be submitted so do your research before you put pen to paper! For grant resources see the links below.
Step 9

You've generated your plan, complied with all local laws and regulations, obtained your location and permits and generated your funds. Now comes the hard part--longevity. Stick to your plan but constantly develop new ideas and roll with the times. Don't get stagnant! It is also important to maintain a positive public image. Falling out of favor with the public is a sure-fire way to loose donors and adopters. It is very important to provide responsible adoption services. Making sure you that you match the right dog to the right home is very important for your organization's persona. Every dog should be evaluated before placement. A good rule of thumb is not to adopt out aggressive dogs. If a dog has behavior issues due to the lack of training or poor treatment of prior owners consult with a trainer and a behaviorist on correcting any issues before the dog is offered for adoption. Remember, your organization's goal should be to find dogs their "forever homes". If a dog is returned for biting, aggressiveness or otherwise poor placement it is traumatic to the dog, shelter personnel and the adoptive family. Irresponsible adoptions are the downfall of many organizations. Also be sure to develop an aggressive education program. This not only benefits your cause but it helps keep your organization's face out in the community. If people see that you are constantly active yours' is the organization they will be willing to donate to.
Step 10

Stay positive, stay committed and keep your chin up! In this field we witness many sad things. It can be very easy to become stressed and overwhelmed. Talk with others, share your thoughts, feelings, frustrations and triumphs. Staying connected and remembering why you do rescue is the key to moving forward. Remember, the animals need you and in their own special way they thank you!

Comments

WickedZoot said

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on 5/3/2008 Thank you for this guide! I'm hoping to open an animal shelter (for handicapped and 'people ruined' animals-- you know, those ones that are "too far gone", that absolutely deserve another chance at happiness), and I've had no clue where to start. Very good information here!