Starting a Rescue

Since we have moved to PA, I have searched out where the pug rescues are, and the one which operated near our region, in central/western PA closed a few years ago. I know there is a senior pug rescue for Southwest, PA, but nothing around here, and we are in a pretty heavy puppymill region.

How complex is it to begin a rescue? I have asked a few people that I have met who have one or two pugs, and they are interested in being foster parents. I just have no idea where one would begin to set it up. My husband has this idea that, if I started the rescue, WE would end up fostering, but that isn't necessarily true, right?

This might be too big of a question/answer, but even a couple pointers would be appreciated. It concerns me deeply that a rescue is needed around here.

Thanks y'all!
Kelli

I'm sure the experienced rescuers will chime in, I'll just wish you the best of luck and thank you for caring!

Would it be possible to talk to a couple of nearby rescues and see about doing a PA division instead of starting a whole new 501c3? I know that SEPRA is based in GA, but they cover from Missouri to FL thanks to a great network of volunteers. DeAnna has built up a strong Missouri presence since they face some different challenges being to close to the millers too. Same with Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue. They go from TN to Maryland. It is one organization, but just spread out. Being part of an existing pug rescue might give you more opportunities to volunteer, phone, email, home visits, transport and fosterting vs having to manage a website, paperwork, finances plus all of the pugs. Just a suggestion.

Before you can begin to take in pugs, you will need money. Which isn't the easist to get unfortunately. For donations you'd want to be 501c3 and you'd have to apply for that. You'd have to incorporate before you apply for 501c3. Not hard to do, but costs a few hundred bucks.

I've read some good articles recently on starting a rescue, try and google it and see what you can find. All say to organize and raise money first, then take in dogs.

I do know PA needs a rescue, but I think PPRA covers part of PA maybe? Check with them too. www.ppra.org (I think)

And, no you wouldn't have to foster as long as you have people who will foster for you.

I like jana's suggestion, I think if possible, it would be good to be a "branch." When we started, we had the help of the ladies who used to run the rescue in Vegas, who helped us start our own-but even then, it was a lot of work. While you don't necessarily have to foster, I will say that those first couple of years, it was basically just us board members doing everything-transport, foster, adoptions, fundraising, etc. The last few years (we started in late 2005), we have finally built up relationships and have a good network going, and have slowly built up fosters but it's hard. The thing is, fostering is hard-a lot of people want to try it but really only a few stick with it.

The 501c3 paperwork isn't hard, but it is "nit picky"-there is a lot of stuff you have to do in exactly the right way or it gets returned, so, if you can find a non profit who can help you with this (or pay to do it), it will also help.

It's a lot of work. We didn't know what we were getting into when we started, and it will take over a lot of your life. I love doing it (well, ok I love the pug part) but it's just something you need to be prepared for.

Saira is right about the paperwork. The IRS is picky about the forms and the non-profit tax returns are getting more complex. I just finished up the last 3 years of non-profit tax returns for Polar Pug Rescue! If you pay someone to help you with the paperwork, keep in mind you would likely need to see an attorney and a CPA. They each deal with different parts of the process.

I like the idea of becoming a branch of an existing rescue. The access to resources would be invaluable!

I feel like finding quality foster homes is one of the toughest parts. Many people have the desire to help, but not the strength to take on the job. Every time a foster leaves, my heart gets broken. I have many friends that say they could never do it.

Good luck!

I didn't even think of becoming a branch. For someone inexperienced, this sounds like the wiser choice. I think I will do some networking with surrounding pug rescues and ask them to guide me and allow me to be a branch. This isn't something I'm going to do tomorrow. I'm thinking in a year or so. I just believe by starting now to research, etc., I will be prepared. I might find that it is beyond my scope, but at least after networking, I will know who is doing the rescuing and possibly help out in other capacities.

Thank y'all for your advice and input. I really appreciate it!

Kelli

Kelli, I too LOVE the idea of becoming a branch. Why re-invent the wheel when you can harness the support, knowledge and experience of an existing rescue and concentrate your energies on the rescue part!