Avian Protection Society
Mentoring; How to Start an Avian Rescue/Sanctuary Organization
There is an overwhelming need for more safe places for unwanted birds to go in the United States. Many of the current sanctuaries and rescue organizations are currently full and must turn birds away, sending many needy birds into animal shelters that are not equipped to properly care for birds and adopt them out to qualified individuals. Some animal shelters are reporting increasing numbers of birds being dropped off year after year; some are also reporting that they are using euthanasia for "unadoptable" birds.
If you are sure you're ready to make a serious committment to providing for the needs of unwanted, abused, and neglected exotic birds, we hope you've asked yourself the following questions:
Do I have the space to take in birds? Will I utilize foster homes or care for them in my own home or facility?
Do I have the finances to get this started? What will I do if I can't get funding? Will I file for non-profit status or fund this myself?
Have I figured out how many birds I can reasonably care for by myself?
Will I have volunteers and/or paid staff? How will I recruit these people and make sure they'll be reliable?
How long can I expect to be able to do this job? What will happen when I am ready to retire from running an avian rescue?
What are my ethics as to the breeding of exotic birds for the pet trade? Will I be breeding birds at the same time I am running my rescue? Will I adopt birds into breeding situations? How will this affect my credibility?
Please see the resources below for further information on beginning and running an animal sanctuary or rescue organization:
Where to Start, Standards, etc.
Many Ways to Fulfill a Dream
Dream of having your own sanctuary? Check out these alternatives first! An article by Faith Maloney of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
So You Think You're Ready for Rescue Work?
An article from VetCentric.
Starting A Non-Profit Organization to Help the Animals
This manual explains, step-by-step, how to start a grassroots humane group. It includes a basic plan for developing an organization and offers advice to help you meet common challenges successfully, including rallying public support for your efforts. Provides referrals to other helpful resources.
How to Start Your Own Animal Sanctuary
This manual is a "must read" for anyone thinking about starting a sanctuary. It provides an overview of key considerations including zoning, land, and buildings; medical care for the animals, legal issues, insurance, fund-raising, staff and volunteers, adoptions, networking, and alternative ways to help animals.
Workshops on How to Start Your own Sanctuary
People from all across the country journeyed to Best Friends this week for an intensive week of learning how to start their own animal sanctuaries.
Getting Your Paws on More Money
This basic guide helps grassroots organizations overcome obstacles and succeed in their fundraising efforts. Topics covered include key ingredients for successful fundraising, exploring various options and methods, developing and implementing your plan, building a mailing list, and getting publicity.
Volunteers: Getting Ready For Them, Finding Them, Keeping Them
This guide offers advice on preparing to bring volunteers on board, recruitment, training and keeping volunteers happy and active. Also includes a list of resources.
Building A Volunteer Brigade
Tips for putting together a volunteer team to help out at local shelters, modeled after the Best Friends Brigade in Los Angeles.
Learn from Your Dog
Your dog can teach you everything you need to know about running an animal shelter like a business. Merritt Clifton's speech at the International Companion Animal Welfare Conference in Prague November 2002.
Burned Out?
When you've done all you can do sometimes the best thing you can do is go to see a movie. Seven tips for coping with burnout. An article by Faith Maloney from Best Friends Magazine, March 2002 issue.
When Helping Becomes Hoarding
When does the desire to help animals spill over into a serious psychiatric condition? Panicked cats were flying everywhere throughout the house; piles of cat waste and old empty food containers lay all around the floors. .I had seen stories about people like Doris on the news, but this was the first time I was to see the full effects of a mental condition known as Animal Hoarding. An article by Faith Maloney from Best Friends Magazine, January 2000 issue.
Media Relations for Animal Shelters
14 tips for working with the media, by Merritt Clifton, editor of ANIMAL PEOPLE.
Becoming a Foster Home
How you can save a life by giving a temporary home to a foster animal.
Model Aviculture Program Guidelines
We recommend MAP standards of care for exotic birds being kept in captivity. While written specifically for aviculturists, MAP standards provide excellent guidelines for anyone or any organization keeping a large number of birds on premises. The APS does not support the breeding of exotic birds for the pet trade, but does acknowledge the high standards of care outlines by the Model Aviculture Program.
Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services Policies and Procedures
An example of the policies and procedures of a successful, accredited avian rescue organization, MAARS.
Starting Your Own Sanctuary Foundation
Information on how to start a sanctuary foundation from The Gabriel Foundation.
Avian Medical Requirements
Outlines specific requirements regarding medical protocol and testing of any incoming birds to The Gabriel Foundation. A good reference for avian rescue groups.
Protocols of Practice
Basic outline of all protocols in place at The Gabriel Foundation.
Become an Accredited Sanctuary
Information on how to acheive accreditation through The Association of Sanctuaries, which accredits superior animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations.
TAOS Regional Training Workshops for Animal Sanctuary Managers and Boards
A schedule of workshops and training conferences for individuals and groups working in animal sanctuaries and shelters.
The American Sanctuary Association
Click "Join ASA Today" for info on accreditation.
Click "Conferences & Current Events" for info on upcoming educational conferences.
The Avian Rescue Network
A new organization made up of avian rescue organizations designed to facilitate the placement of unwanted, neglected, and abused birds. A good way to "network" with others and share ideas.
Want to Start an Animal Shelter?
Information from the ASPCA on starting an animal shelter.
Habitat Immersion; The New Wave
Information on building natural habitats for birds.
Information on building natural habitats for birds.
Animal Sanctuaries and Animal Activism
An article by Dr. Craig Brestrup of The Association of Sanctuaries.
Information on Animal Hoarding
Animal Hoarding
The Tufts University site regarding animal hoarding.
ANIMAL HOARDING:
A public health problem veterinarians can take a lead role in solving.
From the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Oct. 15, 2002.
Knowing When to Say When
Rescuers devote time, money and energy to saving homeless animals, often out of nothing more than a love for pets. But the luxury of saying "no" is less a benefit than a hardship. No one wants to turn down an animal. An article by VetCentric.
The IRS & Non-Profit Information
Information on 501(c)(3) tax status
Creating a 501(c)(3)
Associated Electronic Cooperative, Inc. downloadable manual for filing for non-profit tax status
501(c)(3) Fact Sheet
EZ/EC website
What other section 501(c) organizations are there, besides 501(c)(3), and how can they receive foundation funding?
The Foundation Center FAQ
How to create a 501 (c)(3) Non Profit Corporation
Power Point presentation.
Types of Tax Exempt Organizations
