Can you make money running a dog rescue?

A pet shelter business’ profitability isn’t widely known, because most shelters are run as non-profits. Non-profit shelters often employ a director, vet tech and other staff. A for-profit business can earn enough to pay for a team’s salaries, which often total six-figure sums, and still provide a profit.

As dog lovers, we value the effort that nonprofit dog rescues put forth. All dogs are unique, but rescue dogs frequently require more tolerance, affection, and care. Dog rescues frequently depend on donations to provide this.

However, how does it work, are dog rescues non-profit organizations, how do we know which ones are deserving of our donations, how do we know when online ads for rescue dogs are real, and why are they deserving of adoption? This article will explore all of these questions and discuss how to set up your own shelter.

Most of the time, dog rescues are not-for-profit organizations. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t make money. Shelters, like everything else, need money to function. Rent, bills, staff salaries, veterinarian bills, and, of course, dog food and supplies must all be paid for. But unlike a business, they aren’t in it for the money, and they don’t get paid through sales. Their motives are charitable, not financial. The only revenue they receive is from donations and small adoption fees, and it all goes toward maintaining the shelter.

We’re all familiar with the larger organizations, like the ASPCA adoption centers, but if you’d prefer to support a smaller, more neighborhood-based pet adoption service through a donation or volunteer effort, you can find the ones closest to you by searching for “animal shelters near me.”

You can check a charity registry for your nation to confirm legitimacy if you’re not sure if a non-profit animal organization is in good standing. Look up their annual filings and financial reports that are available to the public as well.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

For the protection of one’s personal assets, it is crucial to use specific business banking and credit accounts.

Your personal assets (such as your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk if your business is sued if your personal and business accounts are combined. This is known as “piercing your corporate veil” in business law.

Additionally, learning how to establish business credit can assist you in obtaining credit cards and other financing in the name of your company rather than your own, as well as better interest rates, larger credit lines, and other benefits.

Opening a business bank account is necessary for several reasons, including:

  • Separates your personal assets from your companys assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
  • Find the top national bank or credit union by reading our review of the Best Banks for Small Businesses.

    Net 30 accounts are used to increase cash flow and establish and strengthen business credit. Businesses use a net 30 account to purchase goods and pay the entire balance back within a 30-day period.

    The three main business credit bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business Credit) receive reports from many net 30 credit vendors. This is how companies establish their credit history to be approved for credit cards and other types of credit.

    Read our best net 30 vendors article to learn how to establish business credit.

    Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business expenses all in one place.
  • Build your companys credit history, which can be useful to raise money later on.
  • Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from Divvy and build your business credit quickly.

    What happens during a typical day at an animal rescue business?

    The particulars of your daily schedule will change depending on the kinds of animals you rescue, their state upon intake, and the adoption procedure your rescue employs. Your daily tasks will include, but are not limited to:

  • Visit shelters within the community to identify animals in need. Communicate with shelter volunteers regarding each animal’s specific needs and fill out necessary paperwork for release.
  • Work with local veterinarians to ensure each new rescue animal receives a complete evaluation, as well as any necessary treatment.
  • Plan and host adoption events in the rescue’s region. This is a great way for the rescue to gain exposure and for animals and potential adopters to meet.
  • Perform home visits to ensure animals are being adopted out to qualified adopters. Many rescues require that each potential adopter fill out an application that includes references and current veterinarian information. All information must be verified.
  • Plan and host fundraising events. Many rescues rely heavily on volunteers and donations, funneling a majority of their earnings back into helping animals.
  • Check on rescue animals that are currently up for adoption. Provide medical care, transport, feed, and clean cages.
  • Network with other animal advocates in the community. These relationships are critical to your business’ survival. An open line of communication should be maintained at all times to ensure the best care and affordable rates.
  • Some animal rescues only work with farm animals, while others only work with cats and dogs. Some only use foster homes, while others have a facility where rescue animals are kept while they wait to find a new home. Examine all of your options while your business is still in the planning stage. Conduct research to determine what your community most urgently needs. Once you have established the parameters of your organization, you can start creating a business plan around it and contacting people who are best suited to help you with your project.

    Is this Business Right For You?

    Starting an animal rescue may be the business venture that best suits you if you have always had a soft spot for animals, are passionate about spreading awareness for animal advocacy, or are the friend who is always saving injured animals or assisting others in finding their four-legged “perfect match.”

    Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

    FAQ

    How do you make money running an animal sanctuary?

    The costs of food and transportation as well as the animal’s medical care while seeking a new home are covered by adoption fees. These costs assist with taking care of the other animals in the shelter or rescue organization whose medical expenses might be significantly more expensive than any potential adoption fees.

    Why do rescue dogs cost so much?

    Here are 12 jobs working with animals that could pay the bills:
    1. Groomer.
    2. Kennel attendant, pet sitter and dog walker.
    3. Veterinary assistant.
    4. Laboratory animal caretaker.
    5. Trainer.
    6. Veterinary technicians.
    7. Animal control worker.
    8. Conservation and forest technicians.

    How can I make money helping animals?

    Animal shelters and animal rescue organizations both look out for homeless animals. However, because they receive no government funding, they are run and supported by volunteers. Rescue operations operate out of private homes rather than public facilities with kennels.