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Learn how to work more efficiently and effectively with your community rescue groups thanks to these ten tips gathered from our webinar, "Working With Rescue Groups to Save More Lives," presented by Christa Chadwick, CAWA, the ASPCA's Senior Director of the Animal Stats Database, and Staycee Dains, Shelter Operations Supervisor of the City of San Jose Animal Care and Control Services (third-place finisher in the 2010 $100K Challenge).
Take Your Time
Collaborating with rescue groups saves more lives, but can be tricky and requires careful planning and conscientious execution.
We're All In This Together
Philosophical differences don't have to make collaboration impossible if you talk through them (you may find some of your assumptions to be incorrect), find common ground and agree always to be respectful of each other.
Stick With It!
Be ready to hear the truth, even if it hurts. Conflict can be constructive. For progress to be made, we have to ask the tough questions. And be forgiving. We all make mistakes. Learn from them and let them go. We can't move forward by walking away.
In Or Out?
Decide whether you will transfer animals out to groups better able to find them homes, or transfer animals in when you are better able to find them homes – or both.
Communication Station
Work with rescue partners to develop solid agreements for working together (which animals will be available for transfer, how the partner will be notified, what days animals can be transferred, what services you will provide, etc.) and put one person in charge so partners always have someone to go to and get consistent information.
Housing for Special Needs Pets
Check your data to know which animals in your shelter are most at risk (i.e. pit bulls, feline leukemia cats, heartworm positive dogs) and look for rescue partners best able to find homes for those animals.
What's In It For the Rescues?
You might offer to assess, microchip and/or spay/neuter all animals before transfer. You can also promote their animals and give them regular shout-outs on your website.
Stay On Top of the Heap
Along with partnerships come mountains of paperwork. Check paperwork regularly, and share with your rescue partners. Ask for feedback, and do everything you can to make it easy for the rescue partner to do the work on their end.
Congrats To You, And You, And You!
Share stats with your rescue partners and let them know on a regular basis how you are doing. Your success is their success and vice versa.
Remember, Grasshopper…
In collaboration, everybody wins. Reach out and reach wider.
Listen to the complete recording of this webinar and download the slides for more tips on working with rescue groups. |
