How to Donate to a Rescue

If you love animals, you hate the thought of them being neglected, abused or unwanted. Unfortunately that's the fate of too many animals around the world. You can help them though by making a donation to an animal rescue.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Money or items to donate

1. Decide what to donate. Cash donations are always appreciated because they can be used when needed. However donations of items like food, bedding, hay or items that can be sold to raise funds are also appreciated.
2. Decide what type of rescue to donate to. There are rescues for horses, dogs, cats and just about every other species. They all need help.
3. Find the right rescue to donate to. Review rescue websites and ask friends and family for recommendations. Look over the rescue's policies to make sure you donate to a rescue with whom you agree.
4. Make sure the rescue is a 501(c)3 organization if you would like your donation to be tax-deductible. Ask for a copy of the organization's determination letter. This is a letter from the IRS that grants the organization 501(c)3 status. Do not take a rescue's word for it--ask to see the paperwork.
5. Ask to see a copy of the rescue's financial report. You want to be sure your donation is going to help the animals.
6. Send or take your donation to the rescue.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't donate money or goods, consider volunteering and donating your time.
• In the past few years, some people have claimed to be rescues. Instead of using donated money and goods to help needy animals, they pocket the money and use the goods themselves. Ask to see a copy of the organization's financial statements and IRS determination letter to help ensure you are donating to a legitimate organization.