Twenty to 30 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred.
The goal of an animal shelter is to provide a safe and loving environment to homeless cats and dogs before they are either claimed by a new owner or placed with another organization. Most animal shelters operate as non-profit organizations. To start an animal shelter in California, you will need knowledge of non-profit laws and licensing, as well as some business management skills to operate the shelter. Animal shelters in California need a business license and non-profit status to operate.
Instructions
1. Form a committee of like-minded members. According to the Friends of San Francisco Animal Care and Control, "the initial committee members could become your first board if they were willing to accept that responsibility after incorporation." Try to make sure each member of your committee has an area of expertise in non-profit fields such as event planning, law, fundraising or management. Two to five members is ideal for a new non-profit just starting out.
2. Register with federal and state agencies. Incorporate your animal shelter as a non-profit organization by filing articles of incorporation with the California Secretary of State. Your articles must include the mission statement of the animal shelter. Also file with the California Franchise Tax Board for recognition in the state of California. Apply with the IRS for a 501 c3 tax-exempt status by filing IRS form 1023. Getting 501 c3 status from the IRS can take anywhere from six months to a year. Filing fee depends on the amount you plan to raise.
3. Form your email and postal mail list. Search the yellow pages for animal-related businesses, boarding kennels and veterinarian offices. Ask the city if it will let you use its animal-shelter client list of past adopters. You also have the option of renting a list with 5,000 or more names for a one-time use fee that varies depending on your location.
4. Send out news releases to the local media. Write press releases about your new animal shelter, and send them to the local media in your city in California. Have a website where people can follow up, donate money or find your location.
5. Build volunteer lists through events and community support. Create a newsletter or consistent monthly or weekly events designed for volunteers. Partner with schools and other animal-rescue groups in the area to build a consistent group of volunteer support.
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