Question:
Hi guys, I need the help of those of you willing who do rescue work I'm still trying to finish my website, and the section about rescues is the one part that's going to be very empty for a little while. One of the things I wanted to have on there was "What it takes to be a rescuer", so i'll need to know the trials and accoplishments, and all things that come with the title. I am also looking for people with 'exotic' animal rescue stories who would like to share them with the world and let people have a peek into the life.
If you're willing to help me out with this I thank you kindly! It'll mean a lot to me to get this section of the page done! I'll also be happy to list you for your rescue work, and how to contact you. Eventually, when i'm done with the site and have more time, i'm going to be attempting to make a small page for any rescuer who doesn't have one and would like one (or has one and would like one anyways), which would include some history/about info, a photo gallery of your animals (with or without description on the photos), and your contact info.
Thanks in advance!
(the pet section of the page can be reached at http://www.pandaxian.com/pets.htm


Answer:
The most important thing that it takes to rescue, IMHO, is money. Rescues often have health problems and I feel that if you are going to take an animal in, you must be willing to provide the best possible care...the most expensive part of this is vet care. Secondly, it takes A LOT of time. Nursing animals back to health does not just "fit in" whenever there is time...it can be (and often is) an around the clock job. Thirdly, you need to have the room to take in the rescues. This means that you need adequate quarantine areas and cage space (for small animals).
There is much more to rescuing than this but I feel that those are some of the most important aspects that go with rescuing.


Answer:
Candace is right- rescuing is VERY expensive, and very hard work, even if you find a vet that is willing to work at his/her cost for rescue critters. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, cancelling any other plans you might have on a moments notice, getting up in the middle of the night because someone has an emergency,... having plenty of food, bedding, cleaning supplies, etc. on hand at all times (very expensive here, as well); having money for vet care on hand at all times; plenty of extra cages that can be quickly and easily disinfected; lots of empty space for quarantining individual rescues away from any and all others; a good quality ventilation system to prevent illness/disease from spreading through the shared air; no sick days, no vacation time, no personal time, very few donations, little outside help, and 100% of your time and dedication are a good start. (This is from experience- I have been there, I did it for 7 years straight until medical problems made me give it up.)


Answer:
Wow, i'm sure that a lot of people, like myself, will be pretty suprised to hear just how hard it is! This is a great start, thank you two!


Answer:
Originally Posted by Evolve_Dammit
Candace is right- rescuing is VERY expensive, and very hard work, even if you find a vet that is willing to work at his/her cost for rescue critters. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, cancelling any other plans you might have on a moments notice, getting up in the middle of the night because someone has an emergency,... having plenty of food, bedding, cleaning supplies, etc. on hand at all times (very expensive here, as well); having money for vet care on hand at all times; plenty of extra cages that can be quickly and easily disinfected; lots of empty space for quarantining individual rescues away from any and all others; a good quality ventilation system to prevent illness/disease from spreading through the shared air; no sick days, no vacation time, no personal time, very few donations, little outside help, and 100% of your time and dedication are a good start. (This is from experience- I have been there, I did it for 7 years straight until medical problems made me give it up.)
hell i find that just about describes a great animal owner as well!!


Answer:
I'm no rescuer, but I do agree, it takes MONEY and the willingness to be in debt for the well-being of the animals since rescuers aren't usually millionaires! Also a good network of friends and fellow rescuers who share your passion always helps to relieve the stress of the work.
None of my friends or family understand why the heck I don't just drop Keesha & Ally off at the humane society or animal control instead of trying to rehome them myself. I know it's cheap to surrender animals but the system is already over-taxed and I know the shelter environment is very stressful and there simply isn't enough space. So even though rehoming them myself is putting me further into the hole with debt, I'm not going to just drop them off at the shelter for the sake of saving money and convenience. I feel they will have a better chance in a new home that will keep in contact with me and who understand their issues before adopting them.