How to Start an Animal Rescue Business

Part 1 - How to start an Animal Rescue business - Background

Animal rescues do incredibly important work within their communities. They free animals from abusive situations and help liberate stray pets that have been cast out onto the streets. They educate consumers in the region and work to properly place animals with new, loving homes. Rescues are dedicated to ensuring no healthy animal is euthanized and that the sick and wounded receive the treatment they deserve. Every animal rescue’s mission is to ensure those without a voice are heard.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start an Animal Rescue business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening an animal rescue business?

To keep costs at a minimum, many rescues choose to forego a housing facility. They rely on foster volunteers to house each rescued animal and host fundraising events at local businesses. Rescues provide all medical care, medicine, and food. As the rescue begins to grow, it may be necessary to open a small office where staff can handle administrative duties. Administrative staff, veterinarians, and other medical care providers will comprise the largest portion of your budget.

Additional start up costs include:

• Non-profit certification

• Legal fees to ensure your rescue is set up properly

• Insurance

• Website

• Computer

• Shelter management software

Should you decide to invest in a facility to house your rescues, The Humane Society recommends ninety to one hundred square feet per dog and forty-five to fifty square feet per cat. Your space must include enough land for the animals to get out and stretch their legs, as well as several comfortable rooms for potential adopters to meet with the animals they’re considering for adoption.

While these costs can add up quickly, there are many fundraising and grant options available. Contact a local attorney to assist you in setting up your non-profit and filling out any necessary paperwork. Additionally, The Humane Society’s Animal Sheltering Program is a great resource for those exploring grant options.

What are the ongoing expenses for an animal rescue business?

The Humane Society estimates ongoing expenses of $110,000 annually. This includes veterinary care, food, supplies, training events, legal fees, insurance, advertising, volunteer recruitment, and key staff member payroll.

Who is the target market?

Your direct target market is any individual and/or family that is looking to adopt the types of animals you rescue. In this industry, you must also appeal to those interested in animal advocacy on a deeper level. Animal rescue is a community effort; it is your job as the rescue leader to ensure you and your staff work to attract individuals and businesses that support your cause.

How does an animal rescue business make money?

Animal rescues charge a fee for each animal they place in a new home.

How much can you charge customers?

Adoption fees vary according depending upon the type of animal, veterinarian costs, and region. The Animal Foundation offers the following pricing as a guideline only:

Dogs: $125 – $250

Cats: $25 – $50

Horses: $250 – $500

Birds: $10 – $200

Rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, etc: $25 – $75

Reptiles: $5 – $100

How much profit can an animal rescue business make?

Animal rescues typically find the most success and funding by establishing themselves as a non-profit. Key staff is awarded a fairly significant income, defined by the number of animals saved each year. However, most funding and fees are funneled back into the business.

How can you make your business more profitable?

To generate more profit for your business, consider selling merchandise such as t-shirts, koozies, leashes, pet food, and other items adopting parents might need. If a member of your staff is educated in dog training, offering classes would also prove beneficial. Additionally, if space allows, your rescue should also consider offering grooming services.

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at an animal rescue business?

The specifics of your day-to-day routine will vary, depending upon what types of animals you rescue, the condition they are in upon intake, and the adoption process your rescue implements. Your daily tasks will include, but are not limited to:

• Visit shelters within the community to identify animals in need. Communicate with shelter volunteers regarding each animal’s specific needs and fill out necessary paperwork for release.

• Work with local veterinarians to ensure each new rescue animal receives a complete evaluation, as well as any necessary treatment.

• Plan and host adoption events in the rescue’s region. This is a great way for the rescue to gain exposure and for animals and potential adopters to meet.

• Perform home visits to ensure animals are being adopted out to qualified adopters. Many rescues require that each potential adopter fill out an application that includes references and current veterinarian information. All information must be verified.

• Plan and host fundraising events. Many rescues rely heavily on volunteers and donations, funneling a majority of their earnings back into helping animals.

• Check on rescue animals that are currently up for adoption. Provide medical care, transport, feed, and clean cages.

• Network with other animal advocates in the community. These relationships are critical to your business’ survival. An open line of communication should be maintained at all times to ensure the best care and affordable rates.

Some rescues specialize in felines and canines, while others work only with farm animals. Some rely solely on foster homes, while others have a facility that houses rescues awaiting their new home. During the planning phase of your business’ development, explore all of your options. Research to determine what is most critically needed in your community. Once you have defined the parameters of your organization, you can begin to develop a business plan around that, reaching out to those that are most equipped to assist you in your endeavor.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful animal rescue business?

Building a successful animal rescue requires patience, people and animal skills, and a genuine passion for animal advocacy. Since your success will rely heavily fundraising, volunteers, and the rescue’s notoriety in the community, it’s important that your team possess strong fundraising and networking skills.

While the animal rescue industry is an honorable career, it is important to remember that this is a business. Therefore, knowledge in business administration and bookkeeping is also recommended. Aspiring rescue owners are urged to volunteer at local shelters prior to taking on this responsibility. This will provide invaluable information regarding how a successful rescue operates. It will also help prepare you for the disappointment that comes with working in this industry. Not every animal can be saved and animals will be lost along the way. For the sake of all animals that come both before and after, owners must keep a clear and level head, channeling all energy into the positive work you do.

What is the growth potential for an animal rescue business?

According to a recent IBIS World report, annual revenues from this industry have grown to over $600 million. Six to eight million dogs and cats are rescued in the United States each year. These numbers do not account for the various other animals rescued annually. Awareness regarding abuse, neglect, and euthanasia continues to rise, solidifying this industry’s expected growth over the next decade.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an animal rescue business?

The animal rescue industry is a very tight knit community. Experienced rescuers offer the following advice:

• To find success in this line of work, it’s important that you start your research prior to opening the business. Talk to others within the community and ask the important questions. What animal rescue needs are not currently being met? What needs are currently met and are in danger of over saturation? How could your organization meet these needs?

• Learn everything you can about non-profits and what it takes to manage such an operation. Consider taking a few business courses on the subject or hiring a professional.

• If you plan to open a shelter, the animals will be reliant on you for everything from food, water, and shelter, to veterinary care, psychological needs, and training. Make sure you have the proper resources available 24/7.

• You will be approached to take in animals often. Avoid overcrowding – every one of your rescues it at risk when there is not enough space for everyone.

• Carefully consider and define your rescue’s euthanasia policies. Have a written policy and make sure every staff member is properly educated.

• Click here to gain valuable insight into how to start IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

• To remain abreast of industry developments, consider attending animal-related conferences and reading periodicals. The No-Kill Conference is highly recommended

How and when to build a team

Unlike many start up businesses, an animal rescue cannot be managed by one person. Build a qualified, passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to supporting each other and the animals you are advocating. Carefully select each individual based on their skill set and what they are able to contribute to the organization’s mission.

Once you have hired your key staff members, make sure everyone is clear on the organization’s mission and policies and procedures. Both initial and ongoing training is critical.

Part 2 - Is an Animal Rescue business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Animal Rescue business in 90 days