Animal rescue shelters resemble any other business, bringing challenges to those who run them. Successful managers stay on top of laws and regulations, financial and budgeting duties, animal care, and coordinating volunteers and employees, and know when to delegate. You will need help to run an animal shelter, but it can be a most rewarding job.
Laws and Regulations
Before starting your animal rescue shelter---particularly if opening a physical location---research all state, county and city laws regarding housing and caring for animals. Check with an attorney about filing for nonprofit status, and inquire about incorporating. It may be necessary to hire employees, to reap certain tax benefits. Also, schedule a meeting with an accountant to go over your finances and tax concerns.
Finances
Caring for animals is a costly venture, and does not bring in significant revenue. Your main sources of income are going to be adoption fees, fundraisers and donations. Carefully calculate your costs, including medical, transportation, supplies and other overhead such as rent and utilities. Fundraising is an ongoing process. Hire someone, or find a volunteer, willing to commit to full-time fundraising and marketing activities.
Animal Care
The animals you rescue likely will need more care than the average animal. They may have health issues that led their owners to abandon them. They also may have behavioral and temperament issues to be dealt with before they can be adopted. In addition to providing medical care, your shelter must provide other care---exercise, bathing and clean up. These animals need not only food, water and shelter, but also appropriate socialization time and physical activities, or more behavioral problems can arise.
Staffing
Create work schedules for all volunteers and employees, and keep a file---with emergency contact numbers and signed releases---for each person. For paid staff, you need appropriate tax forms completed and on file. Keep your animal rescue shelter fully staffed to make sure the animals are receiving the care they need.
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