How to Start a Saint Bernard Rescue
Saint Bernard owners who purchased their dog when it was a cute furry puppy might no longer know how to control the dog and it may end up in the Humane Society or worse. Starting a rescue, designed to offer these massive dogs a safe haven, full of love and care until a suitable forever home is available is a noble pursuit but there are some things to consider first.
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Things You'll Need
- Large private kennels
- Business license (ask your state)
- Local permit
- Room for dogs to exercise
Instructions
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Inspect your facilities. The Saint Bernard needs more than a safe place to eat and rest. This dog needs an area where he can run and play. The Saint Bernard is notoriously a playful dog and quickly outgrows backyards. While even a small space is preferable to a home where the dog is neglected or abused, you will need to provide adequate exercise time if the dog cannot run.
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Determine how you will operate your Saint Bernard rescue. You have a few options. You can operate as a private business, in which case, you need to comply with all local and states laws, including licensing, permits and zoning provisions. You may opt to piggyback on the shoulders of an existing non-profit organization and in doing so, operate under their jurisdiction and protection or you can become a non-profit entity in your own right. Contact a business accountant to further discuss your options.
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Find out where the nearest Saint Bernard rescue is and contact the facility about your plans. If the facility handles more dogs than it can comfortably contain, employees will be glad to see you open your doors. However, if the facility has few Saints in its care, staffers may advise you that another rescue is unwarranted in your area.
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Contact local law enforcement agencies, veterinarians and the Humane Society. You will need to demonstrate that you have adequate facilities to handle the Saint Bernard. If you operate under the umbrella of the Humane Society, the organization will provide you with strict guidelines to follow in caring for the Saint Bernard in your rescue.
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Be prepared to raise money for your rescue. The adoption fees you charge will probably not cover the expenses of feeding and caring for your rescue dogs. Keep your rescue in the public eye by featuring a weekly column in your local newspaper, detailing one of your dogs or tips for proper dog care. Advertise the need for donors to drop off large bags of dog food, bedding or schedule volunteer days where the community can help erect kennels and visit the Saint Bernard dogs.
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Contact Saint Bernard breeders in your state and offer to take in returned puppies or adult dogs that the owners could no longer keep. In many breeder contracts, the buyer must return a dog he no longer wants.
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Promote education about the Saint Bernard and develop a strict screening process for adoptive homes. Print an adoption brochure from the Best Friends Animal Society to send prospective adoptive families. See the Resources section for a link.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider allowing high school students to volunteer to walk the dogs after school. Never allow a teen to walk a dog that has aggressive tendencies and make sure you have a signed permission form from his parents.
Due to the massive size, you must not underestimate the ability of a Saint Bernard to harm another dog or a person. Each rescued dog must be carefully evaluated and placed in a home where the owners know how to handle him.
Arrange for qualified help to run the rescue if you go on vacation. Running a rescue is a full-time job so train an assistant before you are called away.
Resources
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