How to Start a Toy Poodle Rescue in Ontario

Toy Poodles are an energetic, outgoing breed of dog. Closely related to their larger cousins, Toy Poodles are most commonly seen as lap dogs and companions due to their friendly nature and cheerful dispositions. The Toy Poodles is a very popular breed, and has been since it's development nearly three hundred years ago. However, this popularity has not spared them from the need for rescue. Even Ontario, with its high success rate for reuniting pets and owners, has a need for Toy Poodle rescue.

Things You'll Need

• Kennels Toys Treats Food and water bowls Dog food Collars and leads

Instructions

1. Secure your home before taking in any rescues. Close off any stairs, patch up holes in your fence and keep all electrical cords out of reach. Ontario weather is often snowy and icy, so keep chemicals and snow removal tools out of reach. Petacular sells a number of home safety products to keep your new rescues out of harm's way.

2. Talk to your tax advisor before opening your rescue. Many rescue organizations run off of donations, and you'll need to know how to properly document and use these items to avoid violating any tax codes. PRD Tax Services, focused on Ottawa, Ontario is an excellent resource for any tax questions you might have.

3. Research dog ownership laws in Ontario. Most areas allow a certain number of dogs and require they be licensed, so speak with a representative your city to make sure you're legal. The Ontario Provincial Police is a good resource for pet law information.

4. Prepare an isolation room for intake of all new Toy Poodles you rescue. Ontario's urban areas have a fairly high rate of transmittable diseases such as parvovirus and canine influenza. Make sure that you carefully sanitize any objects or people coming in and out of your isolation room.

5. Advertise your rescue in local newspapers. Exposure can help you reach as many needy pets as possible, so choose publications with a large reader base. The "Ottawa Sun" and "Toronto Star" are good resources to begin with.

6. Make fliers and ask local veterinarians and pet rescues to promote your rescue. The Toronto Humane Society often has Toy Poodles that need placement in approved rescues and will gladly accept help from rescues.

7. Small, frequent socialization trips will help your new rescues quickly adapt to a more normal life. Metro Hound, located in Toronto, is a large full service pet shop and grooming salon that offers you the chance to socialize your newly rescued Toy Poodle in a safe and friendly environment.

8. Introduce new rescues into your existing home life slowly. Toy Poodles enjoy human company and love to be lavished with attention, so let him spend as much time with your family as possible. Play with him, encourage him to relax and show him how rewarding a life in your new Toy Poodle rescue will be.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when rescuing any new Toy Poodles. Abused dogs can be very difficult to deal with, and taking in more than you can reasonably handle will result in a lack of proper care for all of your pets.

• Never allow sick dogs to come in contact with your household pets. Keep them isolated and disinfect all items entering or leaving your isolation room thoroughly to avoid transmitting illnesses.

Resources

• Ottawa Sun
• Toronto Start
• Ontario Provincial Police
• Toronto Humane Society
• Metro Hound