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Starting an Avian Rescue: The Legal Side

© Mary Wilson

The outpouring of support among animal lovers for aoption/rescue organization truly amazes even the most hardened individual. Whether for horses, birds, cats, dogs, or the lowliest gerbil, people instinctively wish to help animals in trouble. For most individuals, helping needy animals comes in the form of donations to animal shelters or volunteering time there. Others, feel a stronger calling, and desire to start their own organization.

When the inspiration to start an animal organization strikes, many people do not think of the legal aspects of such an undertaking. I know when I thought to start Finches With Wishes, I did not think of what it would take to legally begin such an undertaking.

The first step is to decide how the organization will be run. Personally, I recommend incorporating as a nonprofit organization. While the paperwork might seem daunting, the structure of a nonprofit corporation is such that it lends itself to a variety of programs, animal adoption and rescue included.

I recommend the use of a good book on the topic, such as Joan H. Hummell's "Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization." A good, basic book such as this one can guide the novice through the intricate processes involved.

First, the budding organization needs to define it's goals. Will only one species of birds be accepted, or will any pet bird needing a home be taken in. Add to this, the goals of the organization. Is it going to be local in scope, or will the organization be national?

With that decided, the organization needs to appoint a board of directors as well as draft bylaws. There are also state and national rules that need to be followed, such as the acquisition of a tax identification number and registering the corporation with the state government.

While this is not an all inclusive list, it is an overview of some of the items that needs to be taken care of in the starting of a nonprofit organization. This is also not meant to scare those who wish to begin such a project. While I will admit that the initial work can be extensive, the satisfaction that comes with helping animals can be worth it.

I wish you luck in your avian endeavor.

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