7 Signs of a Reputable Animal Rescue Organization

For many owners of rescue dogs (including myself), the checklist of what a reputable dog rescue organization looks like is discovered long after the adoption takes place because the excitement of dog ownership takes precedent over the practicality of researching a rescue beforehand.

While many rescue organizations have their hearts in the right place in wanting to place dogs in the right homes many fail to comply with the standards that cause a rescue to be considered reputable.

The following 7 signs will help you choose the right rescue organization that is right for you.

1) Makes sure animals are up to date on all vaccines, and microchips where appropriate to ensure all pets are healthy, up to date on all shots, heartworm tested/on prevention, and received necessary vet care before placement.

Most rescues obtain an Intrastate Health Certificate which means it is only good for transporting reasons. If you adopt from a rescue be sure to take your new pet to your own vet for a check up. 

2) Takes responsibility for the animals adopted through them for the span of each animal’s life and not "just” for the span of foster care or transport.

Many of our clients who have adopted dogs from rescues STILL receive yearly or twice-yearly check-ups from their rescue agency. Now, that's impressive! 

3) Will never “hurry up” a process or waive requirements simply for the convenience of the adopter.
 

Putting pressure on the public to adopt by a certain date in fear that the dog(s) will be euthanized or put back in van for a lengthy trip back to the rescue organization is unfair to potential adopters and equally unfair to the animals who have been transported to an adoption site. 

In my opinion, it is the rescue organization's responsibility to have a foster home or animal shelter reserved for the dogs in case adoption does not occur at the adoption site.

4) Will help adopters make decisions about which animal is a good fit for their home, and will offer advice and assistance on meeting the correct animal for the adopter.

5) Educates new adopters and may require adopters to participate in training courses to assist in a good adoption.

6) Keeps animals in foster care to screen for health or behavior problems.

Rescue workers should have foster homes in place and they should keep in touch with them regularly. Every effort should be made to place dogs in a permanent home as soon as he/she is ready.

7) A reputable rescue is not for profit, and works on adoptions, not sales.
 

Before adopting from a rescue organization be sure it is licensed to operate as a shelter and not as a pet store. 

If you are considering adopting a dog from a rescue organization, please take this checklist into consideration. You'll be happy you did!