Animal rescue organisations provide vital services to their communities. They rescue animals from abusive conditions and assist with the liberation of stray dogs that have been abandoned on the streets. They educate the region’s customers and try to appropriately put animals in new, loving homes. Rescues are committed to ensuring that no healthy animal is killed and that sick and injured animals get the care they need. Every animal rescue organization’s purpose is to guarantee that those who do not have a voice are heard.
Table of Contents
Follow these ten steps to start an animal rescue business:
Plan your Animal Rescue Company
Create a legal entity for your animal rescue organisation.
Register your Animal Rescue Organization for Taxes
Create a Business Bank Account and a Credit Card
Create an accounting system for your animal rescue business.
Get the Permits and Licenses You Need for Your Animal Rescue Business
Purchase Animal Rescue Business Insurance.
Create a brand for your animal rescue business.
Make a website for your animal rescue business.
Configure your Business Phone System
Starting a company entails more than just registering it with the state. This basic guide to beginning your own animal rescue company has been put together by us. These stages will guarantee that your new company is well-planned, correctly registered, and legally compliant.
STEP 1: Make a business plan.
A well-thought-out strategy is vital for entrepreneur success. It will assist you in mapping out the intricacies of your organisation and uncovering some unknowns. Consider the following crucial topics:
What are the initial and continuing expenses?
Who is your intended audience?
How much money may you charge your customers?
Fortunately, we have done a lot of the legwork for you.
What are the expenses of starting an animal rescue business?
Many rescues prefer not to have a housing facility to save money. Foster volunteers are used to shelter each rescued animal, and fundraising events are held at area businesses. All medical treatment, medication, and food are provided by rescues. As the rescue grows, it may be essential to create a modest office where administrative chores may be handled. Administrative personnel, veterinarians, and other medical care providers will consume the majority of your cash.
Other startup expenditures include:
Certification for non-profit organisations
Legal costs to guarantee that your rescue is correctly set up
Insurance
Website
Computer
Shelter administration software
If you decide to invest in a facility to house your rescues, The Humane Society suggests 90 to 100 square feet per dog and 45 to 50 square feet per cat. Your area must have adequate space for the animals to run about and stretch their legs, as well as numerous pleasant rooms where prospective adopters may meet the animals they’re interested in.
While these expenditures might easily pile up, there are several fundraising and grant opportunities available. Contact a local attorney to help you establish up your non-profit and complete the essential paperwork. Additionally, The Humane Society’s Animal Sheltering Program is an excellent resource for people looking for funding opportunities.
What are the continuing costs of running an animal rescue organisation?
The Humane Society anticipates that yearly expenditures will be $110,000. Veterinary care, food, supplies, training events, legal expenses, insurance, promotion, volunteer recruiting, and key staff member salaries are all included.
Who is the intended audience?
Any person or family wanting to adopt the sorts of animals you rescue is your immediate target market. In this sector, you must also appeal to people who are really involved in animal protection. Animal rescue is a communal effort; it is your role as the rescue leader to ensure you and your team try to attract people and companies that support your cause.
How does an animal rescue organisation earn money?
Animal rescue organisations demand a fee for each animal placed in a new home.
How much money may you charge your customers?
Adoption prices vary based on the kind of animal, veterinary expenses, and area. The Animal Foundation provides the following price guidelines simply as a guideline:
$125 – $250 for dogs
Cats cost between $25 and $50.
Horses cost between $250 and $500.
Birds range from $10 to $200.
Rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, and so on: ranging from $25 to $75
Reptiles range from $5 to $100.
How much money can an animal rescue company make?
Animal rescues often find the best success and money by forming a non-profit organisation. Key personnel are compensated pretty well based on the number of animals rescued each year. However, the majority of cash and fees are reinvested in the company.
How can you increase the profitability of your company?
Consider selling stuff such as t-shirts, koozies, leashes, pet food, and other things that adopting parents may need to increase your profits. Offering courses might be advantageous if a member of your team is trained in dog training. If space permits, your rescue could also explore providing grooming services.
STEP 2: Establish a legal entity
Sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), and corporation are the most frequent business structure forms.
If your animal rescue company is sued, forming a formal business organisation, such as an LLC or corporation, prevents you from being held personally accountable.
STEP 3: File your taxes
Before you can begin for business, you must register for a number of state and federal taxes.
To register for taxes, you will need to get an EIN. It’s really simple and completely free!
Taxes on Small Businesses
Depending on the business form you choose, you may have multiple choices for how your company is taxed. Some LLCs, for example, may benefit from being taxed as a S company (S corp).
These guides will teach you more about small company taxes:
Taxes on LLCs
LLC vs. sole proprietorship
Corporation vs. LLC
S Corp vs. LLC
How to Form a S Corporation
S Corporation vs. C Corporation
There may be state taxes that apply to your company. In our state sales tax guides, you may learn more about state sales taxes and franchise taxes.
STEP 4: Establish a company bank account and credit card
Personal asset protection requires the use of distinct business banking and credit accounts.
When you combine your personal and business accounts, your personal assets (your house, vehicle, and other possessions) are at danger if your company is sued. This is known as penetrating your company veil in business law.
Furthermore, understanding how to develop corporate credit may help you get credit cards and other financing in your company’s name (rather than your own), lower interest rates, larger lines of credit, and other benefits.
Establish a business bank account.
Opening a business bank account is not only required when asking for business financing, but it also:
Separates your personal assets from the assets of your firm, which is required for personal asset protection.
It simplifies bookkeeping and tax reporting.
Create a net 30 account.
Net 30 accounts are used to develop and grow company credit while also increasing cash flow. Businesses use a net 30 account to purchase items and refund the whole debt within a 30-day period.
Many net 30 credit suppliers submit information to the main business credit agencies (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business Credit). This is how firms establish business credit in order to get approved for credit cards and other lines of credit.
Apply for a business credit card.
Obtaining a business credit card benefits you in the following ways:
Put all of your company’s costs in one location to separate personal and business spending.
Build your company’s credit history, which will be important for raising funds in the future.
STEP 5: Establish business accounting
Recording your numerous costs and sources of revenue is crucial to assessing your company’s financial status. Keeping precise and thorough accounting also makes yearly tax filing much easier.
Our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet simplifies LLC accounting.
STEP 6: Obtain all required permissions and licences
Failure to get appropriate permissions and licences may result in significant penalties or possibly the closure of your firm.
Requirements for State and Local Business Licensing
To run an animal rescue company, some state permissions and licences may be required. Visit the SBA’s reference to state licences and permits to learn more about licencing requirements in your state.
For information on local licences and permissions, visit:
Check with the clerk’s office in your town, city, or county.
Contact one of the local organisations mentioned in the US Small Business Associations database of local business resources for help.
Occupancy Certificate
A shelter or kennel is usually where an animal rescue enterprise operates. A Certificate of Occupancy is often required for businesses that operate from a physical site (CO). A certificate of occupancy certifies that all building rules, zoning laws, and government requirements have been satisfied.
If you intend to rent a space:
In most cases, it is the landlord’s obligation to get a CO.
Before leasing, ensure that your landlord has or can acquire a valid CO for an animal shelter company.
A new CO is often required after a big remodelling. If your location will be refurbished before opening, incorporate wording in your leasing agreement saying that lease payments would not begin until a valid CO is given.
If you intend to buy or create a location:
It is your responsibility to secure a valid CO from a local government entity.
Examine all building regulations and zoning standards for your business’s location to guarantee that your animal shelter is in compliance and may receive a CO.
STEP 7: Obtain commercial insurance.
Insurance, like licences and permits, is required for your company to operate safely and legally. In the case of a covered loss, business insurance protects your company’s financial well-being.
There are several sorts of insurance plans designed for various types of companies with varying risks. If you are unaware about the hazards that your company may encounter, start with General Liability Insurance. This is the most popular coverage required by small companies, so it’s a good place to start for yours.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance is another important insurance product that many companies need. If your company will have workers, your state may require you to purchase Workers’ Compensation insurance.
STEP 8: Establish your brand
Your company’s brand is what it stands for, as well as how the public perceives it. A strong brand will help your company stand out from the crowd.
How to Promote and Market an Animal Rescue Organization
As previously said, this endeavour requires the participation of the whole community. Hold a public gathering as part of your marketing activities. Clearly outline the aims of your group and how you intend to contribute back to the community. You will need to form a board of directors as a non-profit. Ensure that every member of your board is similarly enthusiastic about your cause and has the abilities required to aid the company’ purpose.
Create a mailing list of your and your board members’ animal-loving friends to serve as the cornerstone of your marketing and fundraising operations. Maintain frequent communication through letter and/or email. Inform your readers about who is participating in the rescue and your purpose. Make fliers and distribute them to veterinarians, pet supply shops, groomers, and other businesses. Notify the media of all community activities and keep them up to date on your rescue’s progress. A well-maintained website will also be crucial to the success of your organisation.
How to Keep Customers Returning
While any entrepreneur’s initial objective is to make a profit, animal rescue operators do not believe this to be their primary purpose. When it comes to protecting animals, it’s crucial to remember that quality is more important than quantity. Never take on more than your rescue can afford, both in terms of time and money. Every animal deserves proper care, and no animal should be adopted unless it is healthy or under treatment. Be transparent and honest about any behavioural concerns, and make sure every adopter understands that your rescue would take any returned animals without inquiry.
STEP 9: Create your company’s website.
After you’ve defined your brand and designed your logo, the next step is to build a website for your company.
While developing a website is an important step, some may be concerned that it is out of their grasp due to a lack of website-building skills. While this was a fair concern in 2015, online technology has made significant advances in recent years, making the lives of small company owners considerably easier.
The following are the primary reasons why you should not put off developing your website:
Every genuine company has a website, period. When it comes to bringing your company online, it doesn’t matter what size or sector it is.
Social media accounts, such as Facebook pages or LinkedIn company profiles, are not a substitute for your own business website.
STEP 10: Install your company phone system.
Getting a phone for your company is one of the finest methods to keep your personal and professional lives distinct and private. That isn’t the only advantage; it also helps you automate your company, provides it legitimacy, and makes it simpler for prospective clients to identify and contact you.