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More animals will be adopted into caring homes; fewer animals will be euthanized.
Shelters
The local shelter (often called the "pound") and Humane Societies have limited capacity and must often euthanize perfectly adoptable animals. Shelters will release animals to trusted animal rescue organizations knowing that they will be properly cared for and end up in a caring home.
Owner Release
For a multitude of reasons, owners find themselves in a position to rehome their pets. If they are unsuccessful at finding a suitable home themselves, they often turn the animal over to a shelter or preferably to a trusted rescue organization. Awareness of and ability to find the appropriate local rescue organizations is important.
Veterinarian Release
Injured or ill pets whose owners have limited financial resources are often faced with the difficult decision of having their veterinarian euthanize their pet. As an option to euthanization, veterinarians can turn to a trusted rescue organization to take the animal, complete the medical care (and costs) and subsequent adoption.
Medical Care
Each animal has a complete medical examination, is neutered/spayed (dogs and cats, in particular), vaccinated and microchipped (or other means of identification). Other medical care is provided as necessary including behavioral care and physical rehabilitation.
Fosters / Housing
During the rescue activities the animal is often housed with volunteer foster families. These volunteers feed and care for the animal as if it was their own. Volunteers form the back bone of most animal rescue organizations.
Adoption Screening
After gathering adoption applications great care is taken to ensure that the adopting family is well suited for a particular animal. Physical home visits, reference checks and telephone interviews are typical.
Adoption
The adopting family is always fully informed about every known aspect of the animal. Placement meetings, educational information, etc. are all common activities to help transition the animal into its new home.
Follow-Up
Proactive follow-up helps the adopting family adjust to their new pet. If for any reason the pet and adopting family are incompatible the rescue organization will take the animal back into its program and look for another better-suited home. The Rescue-For-Life policy is a hallmark of all quality rescue organizations.
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