Shelters vs. Rescue Organizations: What's The Difference?

I'd like to discuss today the differences between shelters and rescue organizations because I've had a lot of people over my years of doing rescue be confused and ask questions about this very topic.  It can be very confusing when several places are supposedly doing the same thing.

Here's the difference:  most shelters do euthanize animals on at minimum a weekly basis while rescue organizations do not.  A local organization in my area has said they are no kill, but this has only served to confuse people because they think the shelter is no kill when in fact it's the adoption center that is no kill.  The shelter euthanizes animals on a regular basis.

Shelters do what they can to find homes for the animals brought to them but the reality is not every animal can be saved and there just isn't enough money, manpower or space to help all the animals that are in need.  I would love to say there is, but that's not reality.  The ultimate reality is these animals are in the cages like you see below, they get upper respiratory infections (most of them, especially the babies) and once they do they are euthanized because there isn't enough money to care for them.

Rescue organizations do not have enough of those things either (money, manpower or space) but most have a cap on the number of animals they bring in so they can wait until the right home for their animals is found.  Then they can take in more.  Pleas for help are constantly coming in so people do not have to take their animal to the shelter but another reality is there aren't enough foster homes for these animals.

Ok, so to answer the question "what's the difference?"  There ultimately is no difference except for grant money and the people backing the organization.  They are all working toward the same goal...the welfare of the animals and finding them new homes.

So the bigger question is what can you do to help?  If you have room for one animal to foster in your home, if you can volunteer your time, if you can donate some of your money then it will help.  Here are some rescue organizations in the Raleigh, NC, USA area that would be very glad to have you help out with anything you are able:

www.calvinspaws.org
www.bfpa.org
www.safehavenforcats.org
http://www.secondchancenc.org/
http://www.snowflakerescue.org/

These are just a few of the very many in the area.  Of course there are also breed specific groups as well if that is your interest for both dogs and cats.  Most of the groups I listed above have dogs and cats so if you want to foster or sponsor an animal just let them know.

Our economy is so tough right now and everyone is feeling the tightening of the belt, so to speak, and many of our animals are being surrendered because of finances.  Please search for groups to see if they can help out or if there are avenues so you can keep your animal with you so they aren't euthanized.  If it's not possible, then please consider fostering while the group is looking for a home for your pet.  That way there are few moves as possible which creates stress on the animal and that can create medical issues.

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