HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

Over the years, I have gotten one too many notes about rescues that are closing. Of course, sometimes they close for good reason - the principle parties move to another area, the organization transforms into something new, etc. In otherwords, the whole “onward and upward” reason. Also, small groups sometimes fold due to the toll it takes on people who throw so much of their life into it just burn out. The reason that sometimes rankles me is when I receive info on a group asking for donations or help because the reason for closing is that they are not allowed to have a rescue on the land or in the building they have.

A knee jerk reaction would be to say that the “system” is against them. More often than not, it really comes down to poor planning. You can’t honestly think a rescue will last long on the premises if the deed restrictions to your community indicate that you can only have three dogs. That may not seem fair, but the rules were not written necessarily by people who don’t like animals. The bottom line is, that the individual knew the rules when they decided to embark.  Another complaint is that their insurance comes after someone who lives on a half acre of land because they have twenty dogs and no kennel license. Another common misconception is that if you have a big backyard, you are qualified to run a rescue from it. Wrong again. In some neighborhoods, when housing that many pets, you would be required to have a kennel license. Or, the other scenario is if you are having meetings, having adopters come in and out, and having dogs come and go, you may be considered a business.

Before getting carried away with a vision, it is a good idea to consult with someone who knows commercial space. Whether it is in a small town, a rural area or even London, Tokyo, Boston, or Austin Commercial Space. You get the idea.  There are just so many variables of negotiating a lease, or even more so, buying the place that really is zoned for what you are doing.  Nothing is worse than getting into a lease and then finding out you cannot retrofit the space. I know Don Cox Associates handles such matters in the Austin area.

The big taboo is the word “business.” Rescuers think that it means they are being lumped in with breeders who sell dogs. On the contrary, it doesn’t mean that the group is selling for profit, it just means that their establishment is a public place.   People other than the principles of the group may be coming to visit.  While you don’t necessarily have to rent a space if the pets in the rescue’s care are all in foster homes, but it sometimes helps to have a public place with neighboring establishments that compliment it.   The space could even start out at first with a volunteer to answer the phone and to meet with potential adoptive families, even if you are not at the point of being able to have a large scale shelter.   Want to fight city hall about the pet limits in town?   More people will listen if you are a good neighbor in the business district.

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