The Different Types of Animal Rescue

Livestock Rescue

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sneakerdog/3988150541/  Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Maryland

Typically livestock rescue is looking after orphaned animals. Many farm animals are bred to produce more, or larger, offspring, as such, death of their parents is not uncommon. Looking after young farm animals is a round the clock job, most often undertaken by children in 4H or similar agricultural clubs. Sometimes the cost of the milk replacer, and the work involved, will be higher than the value of the animal. These animals are generally more friendly and valued as pets or for petting zoos. Many will resume their roles in the food chain.

Occasionally we hear of cruelty cases involving livestock, and the proper rescues sympathize with these animals, and take it upon themselves to help them.  It is very common for farm animals to be found neglected and starving particularly when feed prices are high. 

Exotic Pet Rescue

http://www.flickr.com/photos/furryscalyman/3815720629/  Veiled Chameleon purchased from a pet store and then sent to a rescue because the owner could not take care of it.  Note how thin she is.

The word “Rescue” is often misused as a title by people who simply want to obtain cheap exotic pets. If an advertisement is placed saying “Wanted, Sugar Gliders, rescue will take any unwanted pets“, this is NOT a rescue, it is a consumer looking for free pets. No rescue ever “wants” more animals, they simply take those who are unwanted and try to rehome them when possible, generally for a low fee. Rescues frequent operate at a financial loss and may have charity status for getting financial donations. Legitimate exotic pet rescues often specialize in one type of exotic, such as birds, or reptiles, according to their knowledge.

Many exotic animals fall into rescue homes because people do not know how to care for them or get bored of them.

Cat and Dog Rescue

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aon/2197677264/  Dogs from the Washington Animal Rescue League.

Definitely the most common type of rescue, these groups range from those who rescue one specific breed, to those who rescue both cats and dogs. Many also rescue small pets such as Rabbits and Guinea Pigs. The majority of their work is rescuing unwanted pets, or surplus animals and trying to find new homes for them. Genuine cat and dog rescues will accept any pet as long as they have room for it. They do not only pick only the cute ones, or young ones. Unfortunately often more pets are surrendered to their care than they can find homes for, and as such many rescues are forced to euthanize animals when they have a surplus, or to turn away other animals.

Cat and dog rescues do not pay money for accepting unwanted pets. Official pet rescues should have charity status. Their goal is to find homes for the pets and they “adopt”out pets at low rates.

If a person finds a lost pet and takes it into their home, they are not rescuing it. They need to call the local shelter and report finding the pet, as ideally it should be reunited with its’ owner. Taking pets out of other peoples yards because you feel it is being neglected, is not rescuing it, it is theft. If a person feels an animal is not being cared for they need to call the proper authorities who will hopefully remove the animal.

If a person finds themselves in a situation where they may need to act as a rescue for their own orphaned kittens or puppies, it is important they feed them properly, there are expensive replacements for mothers milk. You cannot make due with cows milk.

Related Links

Care for Orphaned Kittens

Care for Orphaned Puppies

How to Care for an Orphaned Lamb

How to Start a Pet Rescue

The Best Way of Getting a Pet Tiger

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