Before starting a rescue centre...

Setting up a rescue service is one of the most demanding services you can offer the public. It puts a severe strain on your personal life with your partner and can be upsetting for the kids, should you have a 'bad' rescue. The financial strain is enormous, and often a good business head is required.

Once you set up you are then faced with a huge amount of people who really do wish that your a genuine rescue but give you a hard time, in the mean time just to make sure. The strain of all this really is just one of the many tests you will face.

During the early days of setting up people will befriend you and offer advice. Often you have to make sure that this is not bad advice. Always follow your heart is my philosophy.

Being prepare to face almost anything is a useful tool, as often you will be facing heart breaking scenes that your mind will not be able to comprehend. You will feel that the human race is nothing more than the lowest of the low sometimes.

You will need rules and your own guidelines and this will include knowing basic law where animals are concerned. Your local council or DEFRA should be able to help there or a very good Herp Vet. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your not expected to know everything, but staying on the right side of the law is important for your rescue!

Always try to read up on any animal your expecting to get in and be fully prepared before hand. It is a must to seek several sources of information as often they will contradict one another. If in doubt ask your vet or another knowledgable source. Again your not expected to know everything but showing a willingness to learn will open many doors.

Finally once you have set your guidlines/rules and your own personal morals regarding your rescue and animal welfare, I hope that one day your not faced with the decission to have to decide between them like I have been today (morals of a rescuer or friendship). Remember why you started this work, your heart is in it, follow your true feelings as the animals cannot speak out for them selves. Stand strong and be proud you are doing the right thing! We are not rescuers for medals and glory, we are rescuers to help the animals that are true to our hearts.

Dxxx

I have to agree with what you say here. I have rescused a number of torts in the last couple of years and some of the stories are so upsetting and don't always have the happy ending you would like.

Keep up the good work. Many animals are saved because of people like yourself.

Peter

Thanks Peter, if we all do our bit then it can only improve!
You too keep up the good work.

Yes keep up the good work...

I sometimes have to put my life on the line to save animals because any rescued snake can show its appreciation by biting the rescue.

I agree that there will be a financial deficit at the end of the day but doesn’t it feel great to know that the animal was given a second chance?

Snakes Incorporated wrote:

I agree that there will be a financial deficit at the end of the day but doesn’t it feel great to know that the animal was given a second chance?

Hell Yes!!!

Good Info! Well done.

Thanks Bam

Anything else you would like to add mate?

I salute you rescuers!! Keep up the sterling work!

Awe thanks Bogga , am sure we all will do.

Reptile Rescue Den wrote:

Thanks Bam :)

Anything else you would like to add mate?

Not much I can add. You did a great job. If your heart is in it and the funds are accessible, you can be successful.