Signs of a reputable boxer rescue....

johann · #1 07-22-2009, 04:49 PM

Well, the title pretty much says it all. I'm hoping to start volunteering some of my free time with a local boxer rescue. Hopefully we'll be in a position to foster in the future, but thats not possible right now.

I figure they must need help following up with emails, home visits, etc. My only problem is there are quite a few in the Southern Maine/NH/Mass area. Some seem (based on websites and word of mouth only) better than others, but its hard to tell.

Any good questions to ask a rescue organization? I want to make sure that I'm helping, not contributing to shady rescues.

djheitz · #2 07-22-2009, 07:19 PM

When I decided it was time to become a volunteer, I found the rescues that operate in my area and pretty much stalked their websites on a daily basis

. Seeing how often updates are posted, what dogs they take in and how quickly (or not) they get adopted was helpful. The rescue I chose is approved here on BW and I actually made contact with them by posting here. My first meeting was at an outreach event where I got to meet several of the local volunteers, see how they operate and decide if it was the right fit for me. It's been over a year, so I think I'll keep them!

You can look up a group on this website Search for Charities, Online Version of Publication 78 to make sure they are a registered charity. You can also ask about minutes from their board of directors meetings. Ask what a volunteer is expected to do and how information is broadcast out to the members. Are any of the members paid for their time or is truly an all volunteer effort? What happens to the dogs that don't get adopted? Is the rescue dedicated to making sure the dogs are safe and treated well the entire time they are in their care? How are they funded and how do those funds get spent? Do they put any limits on medical care while a dog is in foster? What expenses are the responsibility of the foster family? Call your local shelter and ask them which rescues they have dealt with and what their experiences have been. Ask about the approval process for new adoptive homes - how thorough are they?

Thank you for helping whichever group you decide on and good luck!

johann · #3 07-22-2009, 09:20 PM

Thanks Debbie. That gave me some good questions to ask.

Off to do some research and send some emails.

Claudia807 · #4 07-27-2009, 11:07 AM

You could also check to see if the rescue is a member of the American Boxer Rescue Association (American Boxer Rescue Association > Home). That is not to say there aren't good rescues that are NOT ABRA members, but ABRA checks its member rescues out very carefully.

Attending a meet-n-greet is a great way to meet other volunteers and ask questions, too!