How to Start a Chihuahua Rescue in Michigan

Approximately 25 percent of the dogs in Michigan animal shelters are purebreds. Chihuahuas in need of homes can be found in shelters throughout Michigan. Most dogs in shelters are there through no fault of their own. Operating a Chihuahua rescue can be a fulfilling but demanding pursuit and will save many lives.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Volunteer with an established Chihuahua rescue group. Volunteering will benefit the rescue group and you will learn how to operate a rescue. Perform as many duties as the group will allow. Foster dogs, attend meetings, process adoption applications and arrange fundraisers. If there isn't a Chihuahua rescue group nearby, try working with another purebred group or an all-breed rescue group.

2. Visit city hall. Find out if there are kennel rules in your city or township. Ask how many dogs are allowed on your property and whether you need a kennel license to operate a rescue. It may be possible to apply for a state of Michigan shelter license, but in most cases it is not necessary. Discuss your particular situation with the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Animal Industry Division.

3. Meet with professionals, especially your veterinarian, lawyer and accountants The lawyer and accountant will draft the corporate nonprofit paperwork to file with the state of Michigan and the federal government. The accountant can help set up the books and discuss tax issues. The lawyer will advise about liability for board members and contract issues. When meeting with the veterinarian ask for discounted services and discuss issues facing shelter and rescue dogs and vaccination protocols.

4. Join the Michigan Purebred Dog Rescue Alliance. The Alliance has many resources available for rescues. It maintains a telephone line for people who need to find information about a specific breed.

5. Sign up for an internet adoption service. Online services such as Petfinder.com provide a web page and searchable posting of available pets. Posting well-written descriptions and good pictures can lead to quick adoptions.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact local animal shelters and other Chihuahua rescue groups to let them know about your services.
• Be prepared to spay or neuter all dogs before adoption. Michigan law requires rescue groups to either spay or neuter before adoption or collect a spay/neuter deposit of at least $25.
• Be careful about the number of dogs that you bring into the rescue. While Chihuahuas are small, they still need exercise and cannot be housed in cages for long periods of times. Remember that quality of care is more important than the number of animals rescued.

Resources

• petfinder.com
• Michigan Purebred Rescue Dog Alliance
• Michigan Department of Agriculture