Membership Application

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

Instructions:

1. This is an on-line application. If you prefer the print/mail version, click here.
2. A confirmation page will appear after you click the "Submit Application" button.
3. Your information will be held with strict confidentiality .
4. Please note that fields with a red "*" are required

YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

*Name of Organization:
*Mailing Address/Street:
*City:
*State/Prov:
*Postal code/Zip:
*Country:
*Physical address IF different than above: Street:
*City:
*State/Prov:
*Postal code/Zip:
*Country:
*Date your organization was formed. If your organization is not formed yet, enter "not formed". (mm/yyyy):
*Legal structure of your organization:
*If 501(c)(3), effective date (dd/mm/yyyy):
*If incorporated, which state?
*Number of adoptions processed in past 12 months?:
*What is your website address?:
*What primary species does your organization work with? (dogs,cats,rabbits,etc):
*What primary breed/s does your organization work with? (Beagle, Siamese, Parrot, etc.) For all breed, enter "all breed":
*
*Does your organization work with mixed breed animals? Yes No Yes, IF predominant breed is: Sometimes
*I would like to receive the Association newsletter

YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

*Contact name (first/last):
*Title:
*Email:
*Phone:
*Fax (xxx)xxx-xxxx :

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY & WEB LISTING

*Sometimes organizations have different legal names than operational names.
*How would you like your organization's name to be listed on our web site? Same as above
*Use this name instead of the one listed above:

CODE OF ETHICS

*The Animal Rescue Code of Ethics ("COE") is the philosophy for which the Association stands. A requirement of membership is to read and
*adopt these minimum standards into your rescue organization's operation.

*(If you have NOT read the COE, stop now and do so before proceeding!) Scroll to the end of this document to read it. You may then scroll back
*to this area to continue. To download the COE, click here.

*I have read the Animal Rescue Code of Ethics and our organization agrees to abide by them.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

*Membership dues: $25.00 annually. You will proceed to the payment page after hitting "Submit Application".

*Thank you for becoming a member of the Animal Rescue Association of America!!

ANIMAL RESCUE CODE OF ETHICS

ADEQUATE CARE

1. Veterinary care.

All animals must receive adequate veterinary care including health screening and vaccinations. Microchip or other permanent identification is preferred. Where resources are available and the benefit-to-cost relationship is appropriate, additional veterinary care should be provided.

2. Shelter, food, & water.

Provide all animals with appropriate shelter, food, and water.

3. Compassion, respect, and kindness.

Treat all animals with compassion, respect, and kindness. The reward is confidence and trust - by the animals and the observing community.

4. Know your capacity.

Taking in more animals than you can handle is overwhelming and affects quality animal care. Maintain appropriate levels of care and capacity at all times. Ask for help when capacity is stretched.

ADOPTION PROCESS

5. Rescue-for-life.

Animals adopted through your organization should be welcome to return at any time.

6. Educate and screen adopters.

Educate adopters about the species or breed. Screen adopters carefully to ensure a reasonable fit with the animal.

7. Full disclosure to adopters.

Provide full disclosure to adopters including health and behavioral history and temperament (bite history, separation anxiety, etc.). Vicious or dangerous animals must be explicitly and completely disclosed.

8. Post adoption follow-up.

Follow up with the animal's progress after adoption. Continue the education process with the adopters.

GENERAL

Spay/Neuter.

All dogs, cats and other species, where applicable, must be spayed or neutered, preferably prior to adoption. If they are not altered prior to adoption, policies and practices must be in place to ensure sterilization within a reasonable time.

Ethical intake.

All animals taken in must be with the owner's permission or provided by the proper authorities.

Abide by shelter rules.

Honor any agreed upon commitments with shelters. If the shelter has stated rules, abide by them. Credibility and trust with shelters must be earned.

Stray Notification.

Communicate the intake of strays with the appropriate local shelters or authorities with the goal of reuniting the animal with its owner.

Not-for-profit philosophy.

Operate as a not-for-profit whether or not you are recognized as such by federal taxing authorities. Be financially responsibility. Keep proper records and separate bank accounts for rescue activities.

Personal pets: don't abuse provider discounts.

Do not abuse the rescue system by using provider discounts for personal pets. Credibility and trust with providers must be earned.

Professionalism.

Practice good "sportsmanship" in our trade. Do not speak negatively about other organizations (shelters, rescues, etc.). If there is a problem, take positive action to address the situation. Communicate these issues to the Animal Rescue Association for possible investigation or assistance. A professional attitude and demeanor will build credibility.

Honesty.

Be forthright and honest in all interactions with the Animal Rescue Association.