Creating a pet shelter can help abandoned or rescued pets.
Creating a pet shelter requires extensive planning and fundraising. Everything must be prepared, built and in place before the shelter is opened for business. The planning process includes determining the types of pets you will take in, whether it's only dogs and cats or will include exotic animals such as ferrets and snakes. Many animal advocates consider creating a pet shelter to be the ultimate response in the fight against animal cruelty.
Instructions
1. Write a business plan for the shelter, including how funds will be raised, adoption fees, how many animals will be housed and how the animals will be fed and cared for.
2. Acquire all licenses and permits required by your state, including business and operating permits and licenses. Register the business with your state as a nonprofit corporation. Apply to the Internal Revenue Service for a 501(c)(3) exemption. Consult a local attorney and/or tax professional regarding these issues to be sure your state's laws are followed.
3. Check local zoning regulations and purchase property for your shelter. You may need to purchase property zoned for agricultural or commercial purposes.
4. Build the office building. Make sure it includes a customer service area with a front desk, offices for staff, bathrooms, a break room and a room where prospective adopters can interact with animals.
5. Build a building for housing the animals. Build kennels for dogs at least 3 feet by 8 feet. Build stacked housing for cats. Build animal-specific housing for any birds or exotic animals you plan to shelter.
6. Purchase food and supplies, including refrigerators, freezers, plastic storage bins, food and water bowls for each cage or kennel, bedding materials, toys and cleaning supplies. Purchase supplies for removing fleas, lice and worms, as well as medications and pet shampoo.
7. Recruit volunteers to help care for the animals. Find veterinarians to treat the animals. Make sure at least one veterinarian is certified for any exotic animals you plan to house.
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