An Avian Rescue

[Nazir's]

I am considering starting a rescue. Any and all ideas will be greatly accepted and appreciated. My biggest concern at this point is space and limitations (i.e. accepting only specific types of birds, ages, temperments) and what will I set them to be?

I imagine, I'd start very small while looking to expand. Possibly only taking in no more than 5 at a time, for now. The purpose of a rescue is to get them in safely and back out into a loving forever home. Therefore, I must have limiations or else birds will come in, out live me, and never leave. Those are my concerns for now. Any input, marketing tactics, personal experiences, etc.?

[birdlady49]

I can't really help since I haven't been involved with a startup rescue. But I bet Julie Murad of The Gabriel Foundation would love to help. Send her an email through the Foundation's website: The Gabriel Foundation®. If you could become affiliated with them, that would be even better!

I would urge you to look into becoming a 501(c) nonprofit because I think you would be more credible to people who don't know you. Personally, I shun most rescues because I'm of the impression that they just want free birds or supplies. But if they have the paperwork to back them, I'm more than willing to help if I can.

[Nazir's]

Originally Posted by birdlady49

I would urge you to look into becoming a 501(c) nonprofit because I think you would be more credible to people who don't know you. Personally, I shun most rescues because I'm of the impression that they just want free birds or supplies. But if they have the paperwork to back them, I'm more than willing to help if I can.

You are absolutely correct. I've been looking into incorporating and 501(c).
Thank you.

[PowerBBS]

Legally, to call yourself a rescue you might have to be permitted and bonded as well. I think some cities/counties have ordinances and animal regulations that you would have to follow as well. I'd do some asking around about that. The only hard thing about getting any of that information is that you're dealing in an area(s) that most likely even your county isn't familiar with in their own area.

You may also want to check with regulations concerning insurance and bonding if you want to become a rescue. Even your own homeowners insurance company should be notified as this could affect your rate/risk assesment.

I would just hate to see you fined and the birds taken away (or even terminated) because of a county/city animal control/care regulation violation. So my piece of advice is to contact your county to ask about any regulations and even do some research yourself. You may find there is a permit you'll need to apply for/buy.

Just trying to give you ideas on how to keep everything on the "up and up".... Good luck and if you start a rescue... we all want pics! Heck even if you don't start a rescue... we still want pics!

[Nazir's]

Permitted, yes. Bonded, no.

ALL businesses here in my county MUST be registered and if accepting donations, must have a permit to do so (to ask for them). I will be able to easily obtain and complete most parts of the paper work. Should I feel the need for any additional assistance, counsel is offered for free by the state and will direct me through the rest. That's the easy part for me because that’s where I've already ventured to, with me already being a licensed/register business owner in the area. The legal and business aspect of this will be carried out efficiently. To me, that is easiest part because there are rules and guidelines already printed out for one to follow. You just have to know where to obtain them from. For the most part, I've got that covered. The hard part is the unknown, the information that you must later find out on your own or through someone else with previous experiences. That is the information that I am most interested in obtaining at this point. Although, all and any input is greatly appreciated.

This will probably be a year in the making prior to me actually noticing a break through in anything--even my thoughts. I've set a few goals, with only a few limitations to my time. Please, do understand that this will not occur over night. I have time and am in no rush! At this point, I am just seeking great aspects, recommendations, experiences, along with some other things to keep in mind for when the time does comes.

Thanks