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Animal Shelter & Rescue Care Standards Despite many similar names, most humane societies, SPCAs, and other types of animal rescues operate independantly of each other, and of national organizations. These local shelters and rescues establish their own Board of Directors, which decide the organization's guidelines and animal care standards that are most appropriate for the rescue, the animals, and the local community. No matter, all animal rescues and shelters should obey minimum local, state and federal standards of animal care requirements. If you believe standards of animal care are not being met, please consider all of the below to effect positive change at your local animal shelter.
- The Animal Shelter Board of Directors: contact the Board with an initial letter voicing concerns regarding the shelter. Follow with telephone dialogues and request to attend a Board Meeting if necessary provide factual information to illustrate concerns.
- City/County Board of Supervisors: important contact to make, as this group most often provides funding to county/city shelters.
- Local Law Enforcement (Sheriff, Police Department, etc.): network to find possible investigative departments or other resources to effect positive change.
- Local Newspaper/Nearest Major City Newspaper: bring the shelter issues to the public’s attention. There may be a reporter with interests in animal-related stories.
- Law Enforcement/Prosecuting Attorney/Judge: contact sheriff, police department, constable, etc. to report suspicions of neglect/cruelty and to advocate for enforcement of local and state animal protection laws.
- Town Officials/Mayor/State Senators & Representatives: contact political figures to help bring animal protection issues to the public's attention and enact/revise related laws.
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