How to Start and Run a Rescue

Rescue organizations abound, and it seems that each day more people become aware of the need of countless small and large animals who are unwanted and cast aside, suffering from abuse or starving from neglect. While some animal lovers choose to join existing rescues, many decide to embark upon the difficult task of creating their own organization and others become the leaders of existing groups. In How to Start and Run a Rescue, Jennifer Williams discusses the complex issues involved not only in starting a rescue but also in the long-term management of the organization. While Dr. Williams experience is in horse rescue, this book should appeal to anyone interested in starting their own rescue or improving their rescue operations for animals of any species. Dr. Williams, who has started and successfully run two rescue organizations, covers topics such as formation of a non-profit, formulating policies, fundraising and public relations. Readers involved in rescue at any level or interested in learning more about rescue should enjoy How to Start and Run a Rescue for its practical advice, insight into successful rescue operations and stories of real horses helped by rescue organization.

Jennifer Williams says she cannot remember not knowing about needy animals. In fact when she began taking riding lessons at age 12, she decided she wanted to open her own lesson barn. Her goal with that barn was to purchase horses at local auctions to spare them a trip to the slaughter house, use them for lessons and then sell them to her lesson students, enabling her to save more horses. As she grew her goals changed, but horses and rescue were always a part of her vision. The drive to help horses led Jennifer to obtain a Masters and Doctorate degree from Texas A&M University in Animal Science, with an emphasis on equine behavior, learning and welfare. While at A&M, Jennifer also co-founded Lone Star Equine Rescue and ran the organization for seven and a half years. During her tenure as president, the rescue brought in over 500 horses and helped countless more through educational programs. In 2005, Jennifer left LSER to co-found and run Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, an organization helping equine animals throughout both Texas and Arkansas. Bluebonnet s strong focus on educating horse owners so that they can keep their horses when possible and on networking with organizations and agencies throughout the United States allows the organization to help many needy horses. Through How to Start and Run a Rescue, Jennifer hopes to share her experiences so that other animal lovers can create and run successful rescue organizations. Jennifer feels that working together we can help many more animals than we can help alone.