A dog rescue business is certainly a rewarding business to own. Dog rescue does important work that helps to free animals from abusive situations and help stray dogs from living out on the streets.
If you’re interested in starting your own dog rescue business, you might be wondering about everything you need to successfully get started. It takes more than an escape-proof crate that can stand up to stray canines to make the business thriving. Today we’re going to provide a comprehensive guide to help you start your dog rescue business.
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5 Steps to Start a Dog Rescue Business
Just as with any business, a dog rescue business will take hard work, dedication, and extensive planning. There are so many factors to consider to ensure that you build a rescue business that is sustainable long-term.
With that said, we’ve gathered 5 steps for you to follow to ensure your rescue business is a success.
Begin Researching and Develop a Solid Plan
The first thing you want to do before anything else is to research and plan. You want to start your rescue business off on a solid foundation, and the best way to do that is by educating yourself and being overprepared.
For this reason, it’s important to talk to people who have experience in the field to gain valuable insights. You will want to find out information such as the dog homelessness rate in your area and what dog resources are currently lacking. This will help you determine where you fit in and how much of a demand your dog rescue business will be.
Other great places to talk to will be veterinarian clinics, local animal control, and kennels. It’s also a good idea to volunteer yourself if you aren’t already to get first-hand knowledge of what is needed.
Once you’ve gathered enough data, you need to make a business plan. This plan will need to include important information such as your company’s description, market analysis, the service you’re providing, and funding.
Get Organized
Creating a business plan is the easy part. The next important step is to understand how you’re going to effectively run your dog rescue business.
For instance, do you already have a dedicated group of volunteers? If not, you’ll need to recruit some who will be willing to help run the company. The good news is that you should be able to build some quality connections when you’re researching.
If you don’t have all of your volunteers lined up, be sure to post listings in as many places as you can and set up volunteer job posts on popular job boards. You’ll be surprised at how many people are eager to volunteer with a dog rescue company.
Find a Location
Once you have an idea of who your volunteers will be, you will need to find a location. You can easily find a location online or connect with a commercial real estate agent.
It’s important to note that the location you choose will need to adhere to local zoning regulations required for animal shelters.
Another thing to consider is what will be required for your shelter. If you’re purchasing an existing commercial space, you might need to convert it to meet the needs of the shelter.
Name, Logo, and Mission Statement
If you’ve already done your business plan, then you should already have all of this information. But if you haven’t figured this part out, you will want to get started as soon as possible.
Create a name, logo, and mission statement that reflects the vision of your dog rescue business. Be sure to spend time brainstorming ideas, and don’t be afraid to ask for opinions to see how receptive others are.
If you’re having trouble with a logo, it’s a good idea to hire a professional graphic designer who can come up with some great ideas that reflect your business’s mission. Additionally, ensure that your mission statement is clear, concise, and impactful.
Fundraising
One last step is to fundraise. This is a critical part of your dog rescue business. These funds are necessary to get everything up and running.
With that said, apply for as many grants as you can and set up fundraising events to get the capital you need. The good news is that fundraising is easier than ever thanks to crowdfunding sites that allow you to set up a campaign and get funding from investors.
However, traditional fundraising is just as effective, especially if you know a lot of people or live in a tight-knit community.
To help you get more donations, consider filing for non-profit status. An attorney or accountant can help you do this. Setting up your rescue business as a non-profit will encourage donations because donors will be able to write their contributions off on their taxes. This also enables you to fundraise tax-free.
Starting a dog rescue business is a great way to protect helpless dogs in your local community. While the process of starting a business involves a lot of steps, it can certainly be done with the right knowledge, plan, and organization skills.
With that said, it’s important to start researching and developing a business plan. The next step is to figure out what volunteers you will have to help you run your business.
You’ll also need to find a location that meets local zoning requirements for animal shelters. In addition to this, be sure to take the time to come up with your name, logo, and mission statement. Lastly, get prepared to fundraise.
