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AFFILIATION WITH PUREBRED CAT BREED RESCUE
AFFILIATED RESCUES Purebred Cat Breed Rescue makes every effort to work with all Purebred and Breed Rescue groups. However, if a rescue group works closely with or through Purebred Cat Breed Rescue, we do insist that we know that they are a legitimate, organized, cohesive group and that they work within generally established guidelines. Our own rescue guidelines and policies for accepting affiliates have been formalized as our Policies and Procedures. Affiliation is not required for listing as a rescue on this website. While a few shelters will place cats with just about anyone saying that they are a rescuer, more and more shelters are requiring more and more proof that the rescue is legitimate and that any rescue pulling cats from the shelter are incorporated and have 501(c) status. Sometimes even their affiliates must have written, established policies and forms that they can review. Some, in addition, require veterinary references and even site visits and/or visits to the foster homes. Many, indeed, have reason to do so. They have had bad experiences with rescues that they did not screen extensively, and even with a few they did screen quite well initially, and the cats and their shelter's reputation have suffered. As a group originating in and closely linked to the cat fancy, we often encounter increased suspicion and scrutiny when we first introduce ourselves to a shelter. The same issues apply when we approach Animal Control authorities. As a result, we and our affiliates need to meet the highest standards if we are to retrieve purebreds from at-risk situations. We also want to ensure our activities reflect well on the fancy. When a rescue is handled through Purebred Cat Breed Rescue, we take responsibility for the animal, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Therefore, we need to know the rescue groups we work with and that they meet generally accepted criteria for responsible rescue.
If an unaffiliated rescue group wishes to be involved in rescuing a cat of their breed in a situation we are involved in or in helping us, we do welcome their involvement. Barring a problematic history or major concerns, the Purebred Cat Breed Rescue Coordinator may approve their temporary affiliation for a period of up to three months, after which they will be required to apply formally to the Board of Directors for affiliation. Formal application includes the submission of the unaffiliated group's written Policies and Procedures, foster and adoption applications, foster and adoption and relinquishment contracts, and, on occasion, providing a veterinary reference and/or allowing a site visit, when requested by our Board of Directors. If a rescue group is unaffiliated and the Purebred Cat Breed Rescue Coordinator is unable to obtain adequate information to approve a temporary affiliation, or there is a history that raises some concern, we do need to screen any foster home before a cat is placed with your rescue. They must follow our policies and procedures, and our forms must be utilized. If a rescue group is approved for affiliation, our forms do not have to be used and we do not need to screen the group's fosters. Affiliated rescue groups have their own policies and procedures that every member is aware of, shared and uniform adoption/foster screening forms, foster/adoption contracts, a means to keep these records current, and a means to supervise activities of fosters and approve adoptions. Such policies and procedures are aimed, first and foremost, at protecting the cats in their care and ensuring their ultimate placement in permanent caring homes. THE EXCEPTIONS Rescues we have worked with successfully prior to the establishment of our policies and procedures, who have long established track records of successful rescue activities, and whose policies and procedures, by reason of our working relationship, we are already well aware of, have been "grandfathered" in as affiliates for a period of 5 years, barring unexpected problems arising. In five years, they will be reevaluated and may be asked for updates on their policies and procedures and forms or to sign an agreement of affiliation - that decision is still under review. Most, if not all, present 501(c)3 Purebred Rescues are long established with a track record of successful rescue activities and have websites which explain their well established policies and procedures as well as provide access to clearly written forms that protect the cats. For this reason, we do not generally require 501(c)3 rescues to formally submit this information. If a new 501(c)3 rescue shows up and this information is not public and readily available, however, or if there are reported problematic issues, this and other information may be required. On the other hand, some Purebred Rescue groups, while doing a great service to some individual cats by aiding in the rehoming of owner relinquishments, are simply not equipped, adequately organized and cohesive, or, sometimes, even motivated to deal with shelter pulls or large scale rescue situations. While we salute the caring shown by these groups and the niche they choose to fill, they are not appropriate affiliates. AFFILIATE RESCUE PERKS Affiliate rescues are valued members of our team. When appropriate and possible, we try to help them with initial basic veterinary expenses (FIV/FeLV testing, vaccinations, spay/neuter, flea or mite treatment, emergency surgeries that cannot wait for transport to the rescue), as well as by coordinating transport of the cat(s) to their rescue. We always let affiliates know immediately when there are cats at risk in their area or of their breed. We also pull cats from shelters to transport to them, and otherwise try to help ease the way for the cats to get to the appropriate rescues. In addition, we also offer help with fundraising for their rescues whenever possible. We also provide space at our Purebred Rescue Booths at cat shows and expos for written material such as pamphlets and business cards, photos of available cats, and other advertising materials to be displayed. We will provide sponsorship for affiliated non-501(c)3 rescues. Such sponsorship is also known colloquially as "putting them under the 501(c)3 umbrella" and will allow them to pull from shelters without our direct intervention. However, we will need to be kept informed of each time this is done and told of the subsequent disposition of the cat. We may also sponsor them with PetsMart or PetsMart Charities, Petco, and, even with their vet, to try to help them get lowered animal welfare charity rates. These days grant money is tight and those groups that network to help large numbers of cats are more likely to be awarded grant money. At this time, with more than 40 affiliates, we are well positioned to apply for regional grants to maximally benefit the cats and help our affiliates maximize their rescue efforts successfully. HOW TO BECOME AFFILIATED To have your Rescue considered to be an affiliate, please download the Affiliate Request Letter, fill it out, and fax it to: (815) 455-3452 along with the required documents OR mail to:
DOWNLOAD AFFILIATE REQUEST LETTER: (.doc) (.pdf
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