Opinions needed on how to "run" my rescue!!!

[moosmom]

Kimlovescats,

You got some very good advice here. And you really are to be commended to the great work you're doing.

I always add $50 to an adoption fee. $75-$125 for an adoption fee is not unreasonable. I let them know that $50 would be refunded once proof of spay/neuter is shown. I always show a perspective adoptee all the paperwork on the kitty so they know exactly how much it cost me and how much time I saved them.

And like Wayne said, don't be afraid to add a few bucks for your time and for food, shelter, etc. Getting a vet reference is great way to check a perspective adoptee's record. If they can't afford the adoption fee, they CERTAINLY can't afford the yearly upkeep of a pet.

When I took Eli, I was set on finding him a home. I ended up spending over $200 by the time I had him fixed, all shots, etc. There was no way I was giving him away. Turns out I fell in love with him and kept him.

Good luck and...

WAY TO GO, GIRL!!!

[Russian Blue]

Originally posted by slick
We do mandatory follow-up for a couple of months after adoption. We also give the prospective parents an opportunity to "foster" if they have any doubts at all. The parents must sign an adoption contract stating that if, for any reason, they no longer want the kitty, he/she must be returned to us. Hope this helps.

I cannot stress the importance of follow up to the adoption. One person I know who also does this, did not follow up. To make a long story short, she ended up taking two cats back after seeing the home they were living in! She did charge a fee, but the place was a dump, where the litter was never cleaned, dirt everywhere etc. It was heartbreaking, and the cats were just terrified.

Another thing I recommend is to ask if the person is renting or owns their home. If they are renting, request a letter from the landlord stating that the animal is approved under their rental contract. Many people take animals, and then have to give them up because they are breaching the contract. Other landlords will only accept cats who are declawed! So it's important to find out the living situation.

Another reason to charge a fee is to deter people who are trolling the classified ads for 'animal stock' for labratory experiments.


The last thing is to provide the new owner with information and prepare them for possible future costs (medical bills, food costs, litter etc). Many people do not know how much vets charge till after the animal comes home and then cannot pay for them. This can all be done in the interview stage.

It was a great suggestion to get a vet reference since most of the above concerns will be answered!


Good luck !!

[L. Wayne]

Kim, unfortunately, there is the legal side of all this. You might seriously consider getting a legally-binding contract, that is binding within your state, (I know that most state rescues have these) -one that once signed, the new owners will be obliged to obey the agreement. The contract should contain a promise by the adopter to keep the pet indoors, to feed, care for, and love them. To keep them from harm, and to take care of any medical needs that may come up. To verify that the adopters own or rent their places, and if renting, then they must produce the rental agreement showing that they can have pets or contact the landlord. That if they are only looking for a "barn cat" that perhaps you could re-direct their efforts to some one who is willing to supply that need. I am thinking that you could name your place some title that infers home kitties only. (Like; Kims Kitty Rescue or something of the sort.) Make a clause in there that if for some reason the cat does not work out, they can return the animal to you and either get an exchange furkid or a refund. That if for some reason they must give up the furkid that they will automatically return it to you. Also, check to see if cats that have been de-clawed are the only ones allowed in the rental property. (I'm sure that you will rescue a few de-clawed furkids.) You might ask them if they have had pets in the past, and what happened to them. It may be necessary to notarize such a document in order for it to be legally binding. Of course, the necessity and depth of such an agreement will depend on where you live, and what the state laws are concerning the keeping of a cat. Take time to get to know the prospective owners. Also to cover youself if a legal problem comes up, (and you never know when someone will attempt this against you) I'd get a consultation with a lawyer in order to get an idea of what you are getting into, and check out any insurance plans for your endeavor.
Do you have to obtain a license from your state for this kind of service?

.........wayne

[emily_the_spoiled]

You might want to investigate the possibility of setting up a charity or a non-profit organizational structure for your rescue operation. This way you would be able to accept donations from people even if they can't take a pet and you would also be able to write some of your expenses off on your taxes. I am not sure what it would take in Tennessee to do this, but if you are going to consult a lawyer (as Wayne suggested) you can add this question to the list. This might also help with legal and insurance issues.

Cheryl

[kimlovescats]

Thank you for more great advice!

[moosmom]

Kimlovescats,

You might also want to apply for non-profit 5019(c)(3) status. You won't have to pay taxes. I was in animal rescue for 6 years and always wrote something up that also says if for any reason it doesn't work out, the adopter is to bring the animal back to you, rather than taking it to a shelter or giving it away.

As far as declawing is concerned, ask the adopters their opinion of declawing. You'd be surprized at the number of people who think nothing of it. Too bad the vets don't inform their clients of the procedure, what it entails and what to expect afterwards.

I give you alot of credit. It's draining at times, but can also be very rewarding. I wish you luck. If you need anything, let me know.