How to Start an Animal Rescue Business

Animal rescues do incredibly important work within their communities. They free animals from abusive situations and help liberate stray pets that have been cast out onto the streets. They educate consumers in the region and work to properly place animals with new, loving homes. Rescues are dedicated to ensuring no healthy animal is euthanized and that the sick and wounded receive the treatment they deserve. Every animal rescue’s mission is to ensure those without a voice are heard.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

 Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start an animal rescue business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Animal Rescue Business
  2. Form your Animal Rescue Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Animal Rescue Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Animal Rescue Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Animal Rescue Business
  7. Get Animal Rescue Business Insurance
  8. Define your Animal Rescue Business Brand
  9. Create your Animal Rescue Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your animal rescue business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Animal Rescue Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening an animal rescue business?

To keep costs at a minimum, many rescues choose to forego a housing facility. They rely on foster volunteers to house each rescued animal and host fundraising events at local businesses. Rescues provide all medical care, medicine, and food. As the rescue begins to grow, it may be necessary to open a small office where staff can handle administrative duties. Administrative staff, veterinarians, and other medical care providers will comprise the largest portion of your budget.

Additional start up costs include:

  • Non-profit certification
  • Legal fees to ensure your rescue is set up properly
  • Insurance
  • Website
  • Computer
  • Shelter management software

Should you decide to invest in a facility to house your rescues, The Humane Society recommends ninety to one hundred square feet per dog and forty-five to fifty square feet per cat. Your space must include enough land for the animals to get out and stretch their legs, as well as several comfortable rooms for potential adopters to meet with the animals they’re considering for adoption.

While these costs can add up quickly, there are many fundraising and grant options available. Contact a local attorney to assist you in setting up your non-profit and filling out any necessary paperwork. Additionally, The Humane Society’s Animal Sheltering Program is a great resource for those exploring grant options.

What are the ongoing expenses for an animal rescue business?

The Humane Society estimates ongoing expenses of $110,000 annually. This includes veterinary care, food, supplies, training events, legal fees, insurance, advertising, volunteer recruitment, and key staff member payroll.

Who is the target market?

Your direct target market is any individual and/or family that is looking to adopt the types of animals you rescue. In this industry, you must also appeal to those interested in animal advocacy on a deeper level. Animal rescue is a community effort; it is your job as the rescue leader to ensure you and your staff work to attract individuals and businesses that support your cause.

How does an animal rescue business make money?

Animal rescues charge a fee for each animal they place in a new home.

How much can you charge customers?

Adoption fees vary according depending upon the type of animal, veterinarian costs, and region. The Animal Foundation offers the following pricing as a guideline only:

Dogs: $125 – $250

Cats: $25 – $50

Horses: $250 – $500

Birds: $10 – $200

Rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, etc: $25 – $75

Reptiles: $5 – $100

How much profit can an animal rescue business make?

Animal rescues typically find the most success and funding by establishing themselves as a non-profit. Key staff is awarded a fairly significant income, defined by the number of animals saved each year. However, most funding and fees are funneled back into the business.

How can you make your business more profitable?

To generate more profit for your business, consider selling merchandise such as t-shirts, koozies, leashes, pet food, and other items adopting parents might need. If a member of your staff is educated in dog training, offering classes would also prove beneficial. Additionally, if space allows, your rescue should also consider offering grooming services.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your animal rescue business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your animal rescue business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an animal rescue business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Certificate of Occupancy

An animal rescue business is generally run out of a shelter or kennel. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

  • If you plan to lease a location:
    • It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
    • Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to an animal shelter business.
    • After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
  • If you plan to purchase or build a location:
    • You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
    • Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your animal shelter business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Animal Rescue Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Animal Rescue Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an animal rescue business

As mentioned, this work requires the support of the entire community. As part of your marketing efforts, hold a public meeting. Clearly define your organization’s goals and how you hope to give back to the community. As a non-profit, you will need to build a board of directors. Make sure every member of your board is equally as passionate about your cause and possesses the skills necessary to help further the business’ mission.

Build the foundation of your marketing and fundraising efforts by compiling a mailing list of you and your board members’ animal-loving friends. Keep in regular contact, via mail and/or email. Educate your readers on who is involved in the rescue and what your mission is. Create flyers and post them at vet clinics, pet supply stores, groomers, and local businesses. Notify the media of all community events and keep them apprised of your rescue’s accomplishments. A well-maintained website will also be critical to your businesses success.

How to keep customers coming back

While every entrepreneur’s goal is to generate an income, animal rescue owners do not consider this their primary mission. With saving animals your top priority, it’s important to always keep in mind quality is more important than quantity. Never take on more than your rescue can afford to, both time-wise and financially. Every animal should receive quality care and no animal should be adopted out unless they are healthy or currently in treatment. Be open and honest about any behavioral issues and make sure that every adopter knows your rescue will accept any returned animals without any questions.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Have you always had a soft heart for animals? Do you feel passionate about raising awareness for animal advocacy? Are you the friend that is always saving injured animals or helping others find their four-legged “perfect match”? If you answered yes to any of these questions, starting an animal rescue may be the business venture that best suits you.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

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

The specifics of your day-to-day routine will vary, depending upon what types of animals you rescue, the condition they are in upon intake, and the adoption process your rescue implements. 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 rescues specialize in felines and canines, while others work only with farm animals. Some rely solely on foster homes, while others have a facility that houses rescues awaiting their new home. During the planning phase of your business’ development, explore all of your options. Research to determine what is most critically needed in your community. Once you have defined the parameters of your organization, you can begin to develop a business plan around that, reaching out to those that are most equipped to assist you in your endeavor.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful animal rescue business?

Building a successful animal rescue requires patience, people and animal skills, and a genuine passion for animal advocacy. Since your success will rely heavily fundraising, volunteers, and the rescue’s notoriety in the community, it’s important that your team possess strong fundraising and networking skills.

While the animal rescue industry is an honorable career, it is important to remember that this is a business. Therefore, knowledge in business administration and bookkeeping is also recommended. Aspiring rescue owners are urged to volunteer at local shelters prior to taking on this responsibility. This will provide invaluable information regarding how a successful rescue operates. It will also help prepare you for the disappointment that comes with working in this industry. Not every animal can be saved and animals will be lost along the way. For the sake of all animals that come both before and after, owners must keep a clear and level head, channeling all energy into the positive work you do.

What is the growth potential for an animal rescue business?

According to a recent IBIS World report, annual revenues from this industry have grown to over $600 million. Six to eight million dogs and cats are rescued in the United States each year. These numbers do not account for the various other animals rescued annually. Awareness regarding abuse, neglect, and euthanasia continues to rise, solidifying this industry’s expected growth over the next decade.

Not sure if an animal rescue business is right for you? Try our free Business Idea Generator and find your perfect idea.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting an animal rescue business?

The animal rescue industry is a very tight knit community. Experienced rescuers offer the following advice:

  • To find success in this line of work, it’s important that you start your research prior to opening the business. Talk to others within the community and ask the important questions. What animal rescue needs are not currently being met? What needs are currently met and are in danger of over saturation? How could your organization meet these needs?
  • Learn everything you can about non-profits and what it takes to manage such an operation. Consider taking a few business courses on the subject or hiring a professional.
  • If you plan to open a shelter, the animals will be reliant on you for everything from food, water, and shelter, to veterinary care, psychological needs, and training. Make sure you have the proper resources available 24/7.
  • You will be approached to take in animals often. Avoid overcrowding – every one of your rescues it at risk when there is not enough space for everyone.
  • Carefully consider and define your rescue’s euthanasia policies. Have a written policy and make sure every staff member is properly educated.
  • Click here to gain valuable insight into how to start IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
  • To remain abreast of industry developments, consider attending animal-related conferences and reading periodicals. The No-Kill Conference is highly recommended

How and when to build a team

Unlike many start up businesses, an animal rescue cannot be managed by one person. Build a qualified, passionate group of individuals who are dedicated to supporting each other and the animals you are advocating. Carefully select each individual based on their skill set and what they are able to contribute to the organization’s mission.

Once you have hired your key staff members, make sure everyone is clear on the organization’s mission and policies and procedures. Both initial and ongoing training is critical.

Useful Links

Real World Examples