Rabbit Rescue planning

[Amys Animals]

Some of you who are on my facebook will know that I am planning to start my own rabbit rescue some time in the next 3-5 years.  Who knows it could be even sooner.  Right now I am in the planning stages and gathering as much information I need. I am hoping my rescue will succeed when I start it.  I know it is difficult to have a successful rescue especially when no one wants to adopt.  My rescue will be based out of southern California so I will need volunteers, fosters, and very educated people to be on my board. Of course there is always something to learn so I am not expecting you to know EVERYTHING.  I am still learning myself and I firmly believe there is ALWAYS more to learn. Because I am passionate about these rabbits and I did my first rescues a couple weeks ago it fueled the fire inside me to save rabbits.  I was thinking of having a rabbit and cat rescue but I think just rabbits for now and if my rescue succeeds then maybe I will rescue cats too.  The reason I say cats is because when I was at the shelter I saw how many there were and how many kittens and newborn kittens there were. It was so upsetting.  My rescue will be very educated on rabbits and proper house rabbit care.  

 

If you live in southern California or just California in general and would like to get involved with starting this rescue, please PM me!  The link to my facebook is on my BB profile so if you would like to add me there feel free!  =)  

 

I know rescues are demanding and very hard work but it is what I have always thought I need to do.  It is my goal in life to save rabbits/animals.  I will do everything in my power to have a successful rabbit rescue. We need more rescues here in SoCal.  Too many rabbits abandoned.  =( 

[LongEaredLions]

Can’t wait! ?Wish I could help!

[jerseygirl]

Volunteering at various different rescues should give lots of insight. Even if you don’t plan to do a site-based rescue, they’d still be a lot to learn there. Especially if you can work alongside the founders.
Funding is a key issue.

[Sarita]

It would be a good idea for you to become a House Rabbit Society volunteer and network with them.

I have started a rescue before (rabbit) and helped with 2 different rabbit rescues as well and was also a board member with them. Best to get some experience under your belt to see what is truly involved – you need a board of directors – fill out state paperwork and then eventually you can become a 501c…not sure what is currently involved in the 501c paperwork – we filled ours out over 15 years ago and got approved.

Get a good CPA as your board member if you can – the expenses and donations and all that money stuff – very important….

I have to say that there are already many rescues in California and it would be wise to volunteer with them and learn all you can.

I know your heart is in the right place but you need alot of money – all my initial costs (vet care, spay/neuter, housing, food, etc….100% out of pocket).

[Sarita]

Here is a the volunteer application for House Rabbit Society.

http://www.surveymethods.com/Previe…_THIS_LINK

 Hope that link works….

[Beka27]

If there are rescues in your area, I agree with the advice to work with them. Starting a NEW rescue is a HUGE undertaking, but piggy-backing on an established rescue will satisfy your desire to help, without having the load solely on you!

I know it can be years before a rescue is operating “in the black” (if ever!) You mentioned the rescue being “successful” a couple times. Not many people can run a rescue and have that as their sole source of income. You’d still need to work in whatever your field is, the rescue would be more of a side venture.

[Amys Animals]

The reason why I decided I wanted to have a rescue of my own is because I am involved with a rescue. The rescue that I got Rascal, Valentine, Marley, and Freddy from. They are amazing there. I do have a relationship with one of the head people of the rescue and also am in touch with someone from the San Diego HRS. The rescue I got my bunnies from is a satellite of the SDHRS so I have good connections in that sense. I know how over crowded the rescues are here and I know they could use another rescue in SoCal. I want to do more volunteer work because right now I am fostering two bunnies. Their first adoption event is in a couple weeks.

I got in contact with the animal shelter I saved the bunnies from (finally) and they invited me to go to a meeting and help educate the staff on rabbit care which I think is AWESOME. I just have to be ready for it. I am not the best speaking in front of people…In fact I am terrible at it. This is for a good cause, though.

[Sarita]

Well fostering is a good start for sure – that is what I did and that is a huge help.

There is a heck of alot to learn and it sounds like you have some connections that can tell you not only the good things but the pitfalls as well of having your own rescue/foster group which is totally different than running one on your own. Try to get some local insight into the hardships of rescuing because there is alot of hardships as well. I’m not trying to discourage you which is why I gave you some good advice.

Like I’ve said, I’ve been and HRS educator/foster in the past, been on 2 boards for local rescue groups and started my own with a group I met at one of the rescues. I’ve seen all sides and it’s not all pretty – it’s pretty hard in fact so just know what you are getting into and don’t let the rosy side be the only side you see.

[LongEaredLions]

Not trying to contradict any of the good advice given here, but I think you can do it! I can tell this matters to you, so make it happen!

[Author]

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