Dont know where to start...

[Bclover92]

Okay so I have this big Idea but I have NO idea where to start.

I want to start my own bussiness. But it wont be a normal bussiness more of a rescue organization.

I want to have a rescue where I take in dogs that are just not being adopted. dogs with troubled pasts and everything. Then I am also going to bring in inner city/troubled kids and have them help me with these dogs. I want to basically help these kids and dogs. I want them both to see that there is people out there who love you and can help you.

Eventually I want this to grow to a farm and have more animals. First I am gonna start with dogs though.

I have always wanted to do grooming, I probably will someday. But right now this is REALLY calling to me and telling me do it! This way I can help all the breeds I love so much! I also can do some grooming on the side like grooming the dogs I get and so on, friends dogs.

I still plan to find a job at a groomer and maybe volunteer at the shelter. This will probably be a long process before it really starts.

I still have a lot to plan out, but where do I start?

Some ideas for fundraising I have are...
A website where I sell pictures and pet things
A auction at my church(already talked to people there who want to see this happen)
donation jars to leave places
a huge friends/family garage sale

I dont have a name for the organization any ideas for that? I also need somewhere to host this. I would foster dogs in my house but I want a building to do this in for the meetings and somewhere I can have a office for this. I want to have a room for dogs with kennels for when we are there, a small grooming room, a meeting room, and a training room. Also maybe a small office or two. Where do I look for somewhere? any ideas how to get someone to donate a building for use(or pay rent)?

Soooo much needs to be done, but I have seriously never felt so passionate and excited to get something done and do it!

I gave my youth leaders chills and made them cry just talking to them today about it.

So ANY info or ideas are welcome!

[Dauxside]

Oh girl, sounds great but also remember a few things - working with children is going to raise your insurance rates to a HUGE extent! Consider that also.

Next, the idea of volunteering is superb. As a trainer and a groomer. Help those puppers to find new homes. My suggestion is to do it as a contractor - that way you can offer to continue training (for a small fee) after a dog is adopted should the new owner be interested. Same for grooming.

Once you've established your "name" in an area then you can start looking into a site, funding and all the other fun things involved in starting a business .

Xing all paws you realize your dream!

[fairlight]

Daux is right BC....not to shatter your dream but when you have under age kids on your property ANYTHING can happen, especially with troubled kids. They will lie, sneak, and possibly do harm to some of the animals. Your heart is in the right place but be very careful.

[Bclover92]

I know that, I hope to find someone else who wants to get in on this with me...if the kids part doesnt work out now I at least want to do the rescue to start.

[fairlight]

Rescue is a great idea to start with and then once you are established you may want to add some kids...but take your time and take it one step at a time.

[Aurezalia]

Abby, I don't have any helpful advice for you... but I think this is a GREAT idea and it's totally awesome for you to be considering something like this.

[Save the Pits!]

This is EXACTLY where my heart is! I hope I can help you out one of these days.

[shepherd]

I know theres already organizations like that so I'd search the internet for them and email them with questions on how they got started ect...

[OnyxsMom]

Im in the process of opening an obedience school in my town, I know its not the exact same, but I can give you some of the pointers that helped me out huge.

1st... fundraising is a GREAT idea. Dont stop at just your initial start up fee's though. Keep in mind, you will need funding for vet calls, shots, bloodwork, testing, meds, alterations, etc... the list never ends.

Your going to need some volunteers! Once you have everything underway, contact local high schools. There are tons of kids out there that ADORE animals, and would love the hands on experience to help their career paths as well. Keep this in mind for adults as well. Post signs at the local unemployment center or in the newspaper.

Open a bank account to manage your $$$ for the shelter. Talk to the people at the bank about helping you finance, and manage. They can teach you tons.

Contact your local ASPCA and HS - their are certain bylaws you have to follow with having a shelter. You will also have to agree to frequent maitenance inspections to ensure everything is kept up to par.

As far as buildings, equiptment, and so on... the big ticket items... there are a number of government grants available to assist you. Your local HS might be able to get you some info on this. Also, a great source of info is your vet.

I know things are alot different here then they are there, but all this ^^^^ helped me out tons.

Before you begin your task, you will need to first, get out a god quality pen, and alot of paper, and make a plan. Precise and complete! There is loads of help available out there, but alot of your sources will be hesitant if they have the slightest doubt you are biting off more then you can chew. The #1 biggest question you will hear when looking for help is "what are you going to do, and how will you manage to keep up financially (rent/hydro/heat/vet bills) when the money isnt available". You will have to plan for this as well.

Good luck!!!! If you need any more info, PM me.

[Bclover92]

Thanks, I am already planning everything out...I have been reading and looking at everything I can!