Whenever there is an animal rescue taking place in the U.S., it’s usually for dogs, cats or sometimes horses. The number of 501(c)(3) non-profit charities dedicated to rescuing these animals might lead you to believe that they are the only types with dedicated rescuers. You’d be wrong.
Myth: Animal rescues save only dogs and cats
The largest number of animal rescue organizations focus on dogs
Animal rescue organizations come in all shapes and sizes and we have discussed in other blog posts the requirements or lack thereof to become one. They focus on many different aspects of animal welfare. The largest number of organized animal rescue organizations tend to focus on dogs, likely due to their popularity in the U.S. among households. Many animal rescue organizations dedicated to helping dogs have further segregated themselves by characteristics like breed, type, or some condition like deafness, blindness or even age.
Practically all types of animals have animal rescue professionals dedicated to helping them
The exciting news is that practically every type of animal has some sort of animal rescue organization or professional group focused on helping them. So there are your typical dog and cat rescue organizations, but also rescue organizations dedicated to helping rabbits, birds, reptiles, rats, wildlife (with their many sub-categories) and of course equine rescues that support those species of animals with their unique requirements.
Animal sanctuaries are often overlooked for their life-saving focus
Also remember that there are animal sanctuaries in the U.S. and around the world that focus on all types of animals. Many people think of wildlife sanctuaries but there are also farm sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries and other companion animal sanctuaries as well. These organizations are not often lumped into the same category as “animal rescues” even though their mission, purpose and focus is on the particular animals that they help. Sometimes people think of “rescue” as a verb meaning you have to keep performing a life-saving act like transporting or adopting when in reality, just caring for animals well-being is a life-saving act and these sanctuaries often will help animals to live out their lives with the care and compassion that they have waited their whole lives for.
Marine animal rescuers are ready 24 hours a day to help animals in need
While we know we will not be able to give props to every type of animal rescue organization around the world, considering that 2/3 of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, we want to make sure to mention those organizations and people focused on marine rescue. Likely you’ve heard of Greenpeace and seen the dedicated volunteers who intercept whaling and fishing ships to prevent the slaughter of animals, but there are many, MANY more rescuers that you never hear of that drive up and down the beaches and coastlines of countries around the globe. They focus on helping sea turtles to nest safely, on preventing manatee’s from being injured by boats, and on rescuing marine life that has become entangled in the world’s garbage.
The Animal Rescue Professionals Association salutes all of the professionals, volunteers and people around the world working to help animals. You are the true heroes!
