So, You Want to Establish an Animal Sanctuary?

Best Friends has resources for every step of the way.

By Rita Sharma, Best Friends Network Volunteer

There is always a need for more safe havens for animals, and Best Friends offers a variety of resources to help you in this endeavor. While having acreage and a brick-and-mortar facility may seem to be the ideal setting, they’re not necessary. Many creative approaches abound, including having ‘virtual’ sanctuaries with the help of foster homes and a strong community presence. Hands-on learning by volunteering at a local sanctuary would surely prove invaluable, and often sanctuary directors are more than happy to share their story including how start-up trials, tribulations and triumphs.

We have an abundant and ever-growing supply of resources on practically every aspect of starting your own sanctuary or rescue organization. These resources are available anytime to inspire, offer direction, and bring your dream to reality!

Getting Started

A series of articles focused on starting a sanctuary are found at the
Best Friends Resources page.

One of particular relevance is a comprehensive article by Faith Maloney entitled
“How to Start an Animal Sanctuary”.

For an deep, comprehensive experience, related workshops are held at the Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab regularly, with the next one coming up March 16 through 22. Click
here for more details.

Setting Up Your Non-Profit Status

Also essential to the creation of an animal sanctuary is the full understanding of specific tax laws and the details behind creating a non-profit organization. We have many Colorado-based resources for individuals and organizations.


Colorado Non-Profit Organization Resources


Community Resource Center

NOLO Press offers a book called "How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation."

Fundraising and Grant Writing

In order to ensure you obtain the financial support necessary to run your sanctuary, fundraising is essential. We offer a detailed guide to help grassroots organizations succeed in obtaining funds.

Animal People published a comprehensive document entitled “Fundraising & Accountability for Animal Protection Charities.”

A true wealth of information, including fundraising resources, is also found at the “No More Homeless Pets” area of the Best Friends website.

Our Animal Welfare Organization Resources section includes a whole area on fundraising.


Grant writing can seem daunting, and this article helps demystify the process as well as offers tips on achieving success (and grants!).

Creating a Volunteer Program

Your sanctuary or shelter will surely benefit from time and effort from the community in addition to funds. Volunteers can provide a variety of functions and our Animal Welfare Organization Resources Library has great information:

http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/resourcelibrary/fororganizations.cfm#volunteers

http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/resourcelibrary/adoptionsindex.cfm

http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/weeklyforum/forumarchives.cfm#adoption

http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/resourcelibrary/fororganizations.cfm#volunteers

http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/pdf/fostercarebrochure.pdf

http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/pdf/shelteringispointless.pdf

The Volunteer Match website can also prove helpful.

Whew! We still have more!

Organizational Management

The various components of management including community support, infrastructure and setting up a Board are discussed here.

One internal policy that can be a subject of debate is “No Kill”. Nathan Winograd speaks frequently on the topic and one article is found here.


“Building a Successful Coalition: The 12 Cardinal Rules.”

<a href=" http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/weeklyforum/forumarchives.cfm#workingwithothers"; target="_blank">
“Working With Others.”</a>

Learning from Others

As you shape and create your sanctuary, you will surely be inspired by successes that others have had. Our Model Program pages feature several operations where, with perseverance and tireless efforts, great strides have been made.

And example of a very effective program is
Stop Overpopulation of Pets, spearheaded by Peter Marsh.

Both Peter Marsh and SPAY/USA’s Esther Mechler offer additional thoughts and advice on spaying and neutering as featured Special Guests in the No More Homeless Pets Forum.

Public Awareness / Spreading the Word

Once your sanctuary is established, support from the community will be essential. While there are many ways to market your efforts, a few suggestions can be found here:

http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/resourcelibrary/fororganizations.cfm#publicawareness

http://www.bestfriends.org/nomorehomelesspets/weeklyforum/forumarchives.cfm#marketingmedia

The Next Steps are Yours!

There are many knowledgeable individuals and organizations willing to advise those looking to create an animal sanctuary. The Best Friends Network offers you a wealth of information at your fingertips, yours for the finding. These articles and resource avenues can spark your inspiration to create a local place where rescued animals can be given that second chance or danger-free zone that they deserve.

Photo Courtesty of: Best Friends Network