Thinking of Starting a Purebred Cat Rescue Program?

Thank you for for your interest in starting a Purebred Rescue. We have provided the links below to help you find the answers to questions you might have about many aspects of Purebred Rescue. If you don't have prior experience in rescue, it is recommended you spend at least a year fostering for a shelter and some time working at a shelter facility. If you have no prior experience with purebreds, it is recommended you spend at least a year working with a purebred rescue and attend cat shows to speak to breeders about their breeds and see the cats in real life. If you don't find the answers to all of your questions in these pages, feel free to ask us! Once a well-planned program by a committed group of people is built, we hope your rescue will ask to be an affiliate of ours.  If not, we still would heartily welcome and applaud your efforts!

THE ESSENTIALS: COMMITMENT & PLANNING

More harm than good can be done in your animal welfare community if a rescue program is started and not followed through. Your group will lose credibility, as well as send out a message that reflects badly on all other Rescue efforts. The first step is to make sure that all members of your rescue group are absolutely COMMITTED to your rescue program. The personal pride and satisfaction you will receive when placing an unwanted cat in the arms of a responsible and loving new owner are well worth the effort.

The second step is PLANNING. Be realistic on what your group can and cannot do. Set up guidelines and procedures before you contact shelters or the public. A well thought out and planned rescue program will always succeed. Starting a program without proper planning is courting disaster and a sure way to fail.

BASIC INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:

	Why Rescue?
	What Rescue is...
	What Rescue is not...
	Network: Establishing Rescue Contacts
	Decisions: Where? What? How?
	Funding your Rescue
	Housing your Cats
	Transporting Cats
	The Adoption Process
	Finding Adopters
	Pitfalls
	Online References: Useful Web Links
	Becoming an Affiliate
	Sample Forms & Letters Feel free to modify our forms as you choose

• Policies and Procedures (.doc) (.pdf)

• Shelter Introduction (.doc) (.pdf)

• Foster Screening Form (.doc) (.pdf)

• Foster Contract (.doc) (.pdf)

• Veterinary Reference Form (.doc) (.pdf)

• Adoption Screening Form (.doc) (.pdf)

• Adoption Contract (.doc) (.pdf)

• Non-breeder-owner Relinquishment Form (.doc) (.pdf)

• Breeder-owner Relinquishment Form (.doc) (.pdf)

• Cat Veterinary Report Form (.doc) (.pdf)

• Home Visit Check List (.doc) (.pdf)

DOCUMENTATION

We all know that paperwork is a drudge. Unfortunately, it is important and necessary. Keeping documentation that you can easily access will save you headaches in the future and help protect the cat and your rescue. Such documentation should include the veterinary care provided, previous veterinary records, shelter records, foster home used, source, adoption application and contract, and final disposition on every cat in a way that is easily searchable.

LIABILITY INSURANCE

Your Rescue may want to investigate and purchase liability insurance, especially if you have a large network. The most cost effective seems to be that offered by Kennel Pak.