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Step 1
Adopt a pit bull. Pit bulls can be a difficult breed since they are large and energetic. The best way to learn the characteristics of the breed is to live with one. Knowing their virtues and flaws will help find appropriate permanent homes for your rescue dogs. The website Pit Bull Rescue Central lists Oklahoma pit bulls in need of a new home and facilitates adoptions (see Resources below).
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Step 2
Volunteer for a rescue group. B.A.R.K, Bulldog and Rescued K9s of Oklahoma is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to rescuing pit bull terriers and other bully breeds (see Resources below). Offer to perform as many different functions as possible. Foster dogs, process adoption applications, transport dogs to veterinarians and raise funds. Learn by doing the different functions that are necessary to operate a rescue group.
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Step 3
Find an attorney. A lawyer will help navigate the process for becoming a nonprofit animal shelter. Discuss liability issues with an attorney so you are protected legally. Have an attorney review all adoption and foster contracts to make certain they are enforceable. The Oklahoma Bar Association provides a service to match lawyers with specialties needed by clients. (see Resources below).
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Step 4
Comply with dog laws. Rescue groups care for foster dogs in homes. Cities and towns in Oklahoma make their own laws concerning the number of dogs allowed on property, fencing and noise. Contact your municipality prior to opening a rescue to make certain that you comply with all laws. Some jurisdictions may ban pit bulls. The website Pit Bull Rescue Central maintains a listing of jurisdictions that ban pit bulls; check it to see if your city bans pit bulls (see Resources below).
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Step 5
Solicit adopters. Because of the prevalence of pit bull fighting rings, special care must be taken to find good homes for rescue pit bulls. Work locally to find quality adopters, and screen adopters well. Ask for veterinary references and charge an adoption fee to ensure that the dog is not going to be used for fighting. A good place to look for adopters is at local dog parks (see Resources below).
