What is Animal Rescue?

There is a lot of misconception about what animal rescue is, or how to go about "rescuing" an animal. I have seen and read many accounts of disasters as a result of misinformation. Some people mean well but do not have the resources and as a result animals are not helped, rather they are harmed. Other people use the term loosely in an attempt to disguise their own selfish actions of hoarding animals or as a way to get free pets. This is an act of avarice not an act of compassion. I want to clarify that I am not opposed to pet ownership, but call it such, rather than misleading people under the name of rescue.

There are four main avenues of "rescue", these are wild animals, livestock, exotic pets, and cats and dogs, I shall attempt to address all four.

Wildlife Rescue

Unless a group or individual is set up with correct knowledge and permissions, in most areas it is illegal for them to take any wild animal into their care. That is to say, if you find an injured animal, or "abandoned" baby animal, you cannot bring in into your home and try to "save" it. There are wildlife experts who are set up in most areas to do this. Also it should be noted that many young animals have been killed by well meaning people who think they were abandoned by their mothers. In fact many wild animals leave their young while they go off to forage. However, if you find a fawn, for example, and know the mother is dead (hit by a car) the fawn should be put in the care of a wildlife specialist. Most veterinarians can direct you where to take the animal, or whom to call. Generally you should not handle an animal yourself, but call an expert to do so. You can subject them to undue stress if you handle them incorrectly or could put yourself at risk of injury.
Please note in most places it is illegal to catch any wild animal and keep it as a pet, including small animals such as frogs and snakes. If you wish to set yourself up as a wildlife rescue you should talk with the authorities in your area about accreditation and laws. The main goal should be to return the animals to their natural environment, or placing those who can not be rehabilitated into good zoos or permanent care facilities.

Livestock Rescue

Typically livestock rescue is limited to 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.

Exotic Pet Rescue

This 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.

Cat and Dog Rescue

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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.