Stray animals often can be reunited with their owners.
Running any animal shelter requires business management and fundraising skills. In addition, you need all the things required to house and feed animals, plus access to routine veterinary care. When operating a facility that takes in stray dogs and cats--many of whom have wandered from their homes--additional requirements should be put in place to make sure owners can be reunited with their animals as soon as possible.
Instructions
1. Manage the business side of your shelter with small business software. You'll need to track all operating expenses--rent, utilities, etc.--as well expenses for feeding and caring for the animals, including any minor medical care they may need when you take them in. Your software will also help track revenue from fundraising efforts.
2. Keep records for each animal that enters your shelter. File cards should include an animal's description, notes on its physical condition and whether a collar with or without tags was found. Number each card and file within easy reach of anyone running your waiting area. Cards should be updated as animals are reclaimed by their owners.
3. Establish a holding period for stray animals. Unlike other animal shelters, which seek to adopt out dogs and cats that come into their care, you will not be keeping strays indefinitely, and you must have a set time period to allow owners to claim their animals. The holding period is usually determined by state or local laws, according to the Humane Society of the United States, and should be at least five operating days, including a Saturday.
4. Determine where the stray animals will go if you are not running a full rescue. Rescue organizations define themselves as no-kill facilities or traditional operations that euthanize animals after a period of time. If your operation will be neither, work with your municipality's shelters to transfer animals that are not claimed within your established holding period.
5. Separate animals within your facility. Dog and cats should be held in different areas, and sick animals should be separated from healthy ones. Also keep males and females out of the same areas, and prevent contact between aggressive and docile animals. Cages should be large enough to house one animal each.
6. Clean cages daily, provide fresh water at all times, and feed all animals based upon estimated age. Puppies and kittens may need more food, for example, than older animals. Consult your veterinarian for advice on whether dry or wet food should be fed, and to which animals.
7. Organize fundraising events. As a nonprofit organization, your stray animal shelter will need a constant influx of funds. Pursue donations from community individuals and businesses. Plan dog washes or bake sales. Make note of the ways other local nonprofits raise money, and consider how you can adapt those ideals for your shelter.
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