Be cautious about giving your name out to too many groups at once - I think I put my name out there too much too fast, and I had no idea how much of a need there REALY IS for reptile rescue. I'm asked to place 70 or more animals a year now, just turtles and tortoises, and there's no way I can take in that many. The public doesn't understand when you are full and can't take thier animal - they think you should be the end all, cure all for their problems. Make sure you have all of your ducks in a row before putting your name out there too much, or you'll be quickly overwhelmed by the numbers of surrendered animals.

The first thing to do would be to check your state and local ordinances to make sure it's legal to run a home-based rescue or even a shelter or sanctuary (if you can afford something that large) in your area. More and more states are trying to pass laws requiring licensing and inspection for anyone placing more than 25 animals a year. This is where other local rescues can help. Then get the paperwork in order - surrender forms, adoption application, adoption contracts, ect.

Decide if you want to become an official non-profit. There's a good book out there, "How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation" by Anthony Mancuso that is a valuable resource. While you don't have to be a 501(c) non-profit to do rescue, it lends credibility in the eyes of many authorities if you are.

Katrina

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