How to open a rescue or shelter

[michelle8702]

I was thinking about opening up a rescue or a shelter... I am wondering what requirements are needed and how to start. I also would like to know what are the basic rules and supplies that I would need? This is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember! I really want to help and make a contribution. We donate 4 times a year to our local animal shelter but it just doesn't seem to be enough..... I know it probably will never be enough, But I want to help!

If anyone has any good info, or stories of how they got their start please post them I would love to hear about it. I would also appreciate the down side of it too I know it can be heartbreaking but I think my skin is thick enough for it!

 

[gmacleod]

Are you based in Germany or in Florida? I would imagine the relevant laws you'd need to comply with, and the way to become a registered not-for-profit organisation would be rather different depending on location.

 

[michelle8702]

In germany Now

But Relocating to Michigan.... We aren't looking to do anything right away but we (my husband and I) Want to get more information on the subject and see just how much we would have to do in order to get it started and keep it running. We are getting a Lot of property and plan to use it for this purpose later on but I was also unsure about the zoning laws, and if It would even be legal to open such a shelter on Private property.