If you’re looking for guidance on how to start an animal rescue center, you’re in the right place. Below, our legal team walks you through each step of the process. We’ve supported hundreds of nonprofits in achieving 501c3 status and building successful organizations. If you’d like help navigating the process, feel free to reach out. Our startup packages include all legal filings from incorporation to 501c3 approval and start at $1600. Whether you’re starting a 501c3 dog rescue or an all-species animal sanctuary, we’ll guide you through each step to become a nonprofit animal rescue.
How to Start an Animal Rescue Step One: Incorporating Your Animal Rescue
Starting an animal-related nonprofit requires several important steps to ensure your organization is legally recognized and can operate effectively. First, you’ll need to legally form your organization. Depending on the state, this document may be called the “Articles of Incorporation,” “Certificate of Formation,” or a similar term. As you begin, keep these three key points in mind:
- Your “statement of purpose” (also called purpose language) should clearly state that the nonprofit is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and/or rehoming animals in need. The wording should match what both your state and the IRS recognize as charitable. If not, it could create obstacles when applying for 501c3 nonprofit status.
- Approval times differ significantly by state. We’ve outlined timelines for all 50 states below, but keep in mind delays can happen due to staff shortages or high submission volumes.
- All states require a filing fee to submit incorporation paperwork. These fees can range from as little as $8 to several hundred dollars, particularly if you choose expedited service.
How long will it take for my Animal Rescue’s Articles of Incorporation to be Approved?
Wait times vary by state. Many state government websites, such as those for the Secretary of State or Division of Corporations, will post estimated processing times. In some states, you can pay an additional fee to speed up the review process, but not every state offers expedited service. As always, timing depends on staffing, workload, and seasonality. We’ve included state categories below based on our experience to help set expectations. Note that these estimates apply to online filings; mail or fax submissions almost always result in longer delays in states that still allow those methods. These timing details can help you plan your launch more effectively as you work to become a 501c3 animal rescue.
Quickest Approval Time States (Approvals in 1 week or less): Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, West Virginia.
Average Approval Time States (Approvals in 1-3 weeks): California, Washington D.C., Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Slowest Approval Time States (Approvals taking more than 3 weeks): Delaware, Maryland, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota.
States that Offer Expedited Service for an Extra Fee: California, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin.
What Kind of Information is Typically in Articles of Incorporation?
- Name of the organization
- Address
- Purpose of the organization
- Contact information and mailing information for the person who will be the registered agent
- If you will have members or not (Note: This is different from having board members. Most animal rescues don’t have members.)
These are the details most commonly included, but keep in mind that each state has its own nuances. Some states have specific rules about what your nonprofit animal rescue can be named. Others require a handwritten “wet signature” instead of an electronic one. Our team is well-versed in each state’s Articles of Incorporation (or its equivalent) and the unique filing rules. If you’d prefer legal professionals to handle this paperwork for you, we’re here to help. We’ve assisted hundreds of clients in launching successful 501c3 nonprofit organizations.
Structuring the Animal Rescue: Creating a Board
Every nonprofit needs a board of directors. The board serves several important roles throughout the life of the nonprofit which can include:
- Voting on important matters like updates to the bylaws, changes to the executives’ salaries or making large purchases like a new building
- Holding leaders, such as an Executive Director, accountable to ensure they act with integrity, compassion and wisdom in overseeing the organization’s mission and operations
- Creating a strategic plan for the rescue to ensure there are straightforward goals in place to accomplish your mission
- Ensuring proper financial procedures and financial management are in place to keep nonprofit’s finances secure and ensure the long-term health of the organization
This list is far from exhaustive. There are different board officer roles like Board Chair or Secretary that come with extra responsibilities and permissions. We go into more detail about the duty of the entire board here. Choosing the right board members is crucial when you start an animal rescue center.
How to Start an Animal Rescue Step Two: Creating Bylaws and Other Corporate Documents
While your state is reviewing your Articles of Incorporation, the next step is to create corporate documents for your nonprofit, including bylaws and a conflict of interest policy.
Bylaws and Mission Statement
Bylaws are the rules that govern how your organization runs. This could include:
- When your fiscal year starts (most use January so their fiscal year is the calendar year)
- How the board is run, including how long board members will serve on the board, how often they meet, and how to remove a board member
- The duties of each board officer, including Treasurer, Board Chair and Secretary
- Your mission statement (detailed below)
In many nonprofit organizations’ bylaws, they include their mission statement. A mission statement clearly outlines the core purpose and goals of the organization. If you are associating formally with a larger national organization, check with the governing authority to see if they require specific language in your mission statement. Examples of mission statements can be found across the internet, so review the websites of reputable animal rescue centers to find examples within your area of focus. Mission statements typically cover broad objectives like rescuing animals, promoting animal welfare, and educating the public about responsible pet ownership. Your board will need to approve and officially adopt the bylaws, including the mission statement, at your 1st board meeting.
Conflict of Interest Policy and EIN
A conflict of interest policy defines what counts as a conflict, how to recognize one, and what steps to take if it occurs. Ideally, this document is clear enough that potential conflicts are easy to spot. Once a conflict is identified, it explains how to handle the situation in a way that protects your nonprofit’s tax-exempt status. For instance, if the executive director’s spouse is a board member and the board needs to vote on that director’s salary, the spouse should recuse themself from the vote. This kind of policy can be incredibly useful for 501c3 animal rescue founders navigating IRS requirements for charitable organizations.
You should also apply for an EIN during this stage. An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is assigned to your nonprofit by the IRS and is essential for getting set up correctly. It’s required to legally hire employees and open a bank account to accept donations. There’s no cost to obtain an EIN, and the filing is done through the IRS rather than your state. Once your nonprofit begins collecting donations, your EIN will also need to appear on every donation acknowledgment. Getting an EIN is a necessary step in setting up any type of nonprofit such as animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, cat rescues, and more.
How to Start an Animal Rescue Step Three: Filing for 501(c)(3) status
As long as they meet the IRS criteria for what defines a charitable organization, animal rescues can apply for tax-exempt status (also known as 501c3 status). If you’re approved for tax exempt status, you’ll receive a determination letter from the IRS. An official determination letter brings legitimacy to your organization and provides assurance for potential donors, grant funders and corporate sponsors. A determination letter is an official document from the IRS that confirms your animal rescue is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization. Often, vendors, donors, and potential funders will ask for this letter as proof that your organization is a legitimate, charitable entity. Many companies offer nonprofit discounts, but in order to obtain them, you’ll often need to show your determination letter as proof of tax exemption. Grant funders also often require your determination letter.
Form 1023 and Form 1023-EZ
To gain 501c3 status, there are two possible forms your animal rescue center could potentially complete: Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ. Essentially, these are two different versions of the same form. The IRS has different qualifications for which types of organizations are allowed to file each form.
If you’re anticipating the nonprofit could bring in $50,000 or less in revenue each year in your first three years of operation, you could be eligible for Form 1023-EZ, which is a shorter, less expensive version of the form. Typically, the IRS takes 1-2 months to approve applications using Form 1023-EZ. The filing fee is $275.
If your nonprofit already has over $50,000 in expected funding, you’ll need to file Form 1023. This form can be complex, especially for those new to the process. It requires detailed narrative responses, a financial section, and multiple attachments. The IRS reviews the application closely, looking for specific language and evidence that your organization’s work is charitable in nature. If you’re forming a 501c3 animal rescue, this means clearly showing how your rescue activities align with IRS standards for charitable organizations. Approval usually takes between six to nine months. The IRS also posts current wait times on its website. Occasionally, they may follow up with questions, which can delay things further. Be cautious of any service that promises instant approval. IRS processing times depend on staffing, workload, and other factors. The filing fee for Form 1023 is $600.
If the prospect of filling out extensive IRS paperwork sounds overwhelming, reach out to us, and we’re happy to complete and file the paperwork to start an animal rescue center. We’ve helped plenty of nonprofits get their tax-exempt status nationwide. Packages that include all you need to start an animal rescue center start at $1600
What else should I consider when starting an animal rescue?
Every state is a little different when it comes to how it regulates nonprofits. Thus, if you want to start an animal rescue, it’s important to look into your specific state’s requirements.
Collecting Donations
Check NASCO’s list to see if your state requires you to register before fundraising. This is known as Charitable Solicitation Registration (CSR), and most states require it before your organization can legally begin asking for donations. Fundraising can include community outreach for donations or hosting events where financial contributions are encouraged. Some states let you complete CSR before you receive your determination letter, while others do not. If you’re preparing to start an animal rescue, confirming your CSR requirements early can help you avoid delays once you’re ready to begin fundraising.
Also keep in mind that donations received between your incorporation date and the date your determination letter is issued may still be tax deductible as long as that period is less than 27 months. Track these gifts carefully and be sure to send donation acknowledgments with all the required information. This is an important step in maintaining compliance for your 501c3 animal rescue and reinforcing donor confidence.
Additional Documents to Consider
Some states require extra forms to obtain property tax exemption if you have a facility, or sales tax exemption if your organization will be purchasing items. We’re happy to help with these forms as well.
Building Agreements and Policies:
Building agreements and/or policies for these organizations ensure a safe and conducive environment for housing and caring for animals. These documents detail terms between the organization and property owners if the nonprofit doesn’t own the property. Or if the rescue has its own property, a policy for the facility’s use can help with safety and liability. Often, these documents cover maintenance, safety protocols, and facility usage. Clear building agreements or policies facilitate smooth operations by ensuring compliance with local regulations and promoting a positive reputation for responsible animal care.
Animal Admissions and Adoptions:
Animal admissions records are crucial for you to document essential information about each animal entering their care. These records, meticulously maintained, include details such as species, age, health status, and admission dates. By optimizing animal admissions documentation you demonstrate transparency, accountability, and a commitment to animal welfare, which resonates positively with potential adopters and supporters.
Adoption agreements finalize the placement of animals into forever homes, ensuring clarity and responsibility between adopters and rescues. These agreements detail adoption terms, fees, and post-adoption responsibilities. Optimizing adoption agreements improves the nonprofit’s presence by showcasing a commitment to responsible pet placement and encouraging trust among potential adopters. Good records and adoption agreements can also help prevent disputes and conflict over animals.
Partners:
Strategic partnerships are key to expanding the reach and impact of animal rescues. Partner agreements formalize collaborations with veterinary clinics, pet stores, community groups, and more. These agreements outline shared goals, responsibilities, and resources. By forming strategic collaborations, nonprofits can enhance their presence through organic connections and shared outreach efforts. This broader visibility can attract greater community engagement and support from partners, ultimately enriching the resources available to aid their mission.
One common example is having an agreement with a local veterinarian. If your rescue doesn’t employ a vet on staff, it’s a good idea to have a contract in place with a local veterinarian who can offer advice, help with spays/neuters, and provide medical care when needed. If you build great relationships with local vets, they will sometimes provide care for lower costs to animals in rescues.
Volunteers:
Volunteers are invaluable assets to 501c3 animal rescue organizations, providing essential support and care for animals. Volunteer agreements establish expectations and roles for volunteers, optimizing their experience and contribution. These agreements can also protect your nonprofit from a costly lawsuit if something were to happen to a volunteer.
Some rescues have volunteers offer to foster animals to free up space in your facility and allow the animal to get more individualized attention and care. If your organization allows fostering, have a foster agreement in place with each foster home so expectations are clear.
Conclusion
Animal rescues can make a significant impact in their communities by providing care, rehabilitation, and adoption services to animals in need. If you’re looking for help with starting a dog, cat, or any other kind animal rescue, our compassionate legal team is happy to assist. Reach out to us for a free consultation.
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