How do you find a reputable rescue group to become affiliated with? This is an often asked question which is somewhat difficult to answer. Until now! We here at the ERRNet offer what we call the "Rescue Resource Seal Of Approval" for rescues which meet our stringent criteria. The title of ERRNet Approved Rescue is given to organizations which prove honesty, good intentions, acceptable procedures and which have solid plans, rules and regulations in place, plus safeguards for the horses, donors and adopters/buyers.

There are many ways aside from utilizing our list of approved rescues. The best way is to investigate the rescue on your own, and form your own conclusions based upon your intuition and information received. If you hear good things about a rescue, don't automatically assume the rescue is a good group, likewise, if you hear bad things, don't write the group off until you check into them for yourself. There are other resources out there -- a good place to start is to contact others who have been involved with the organization which you want to join.

• Rescue Websites: The website of a rescue will tell you what their policies and procedures are, and their criteria for recruiting volunteers. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email, call or write the contact person or president of the rescue. If they do not answer the questions you pose in a satisfactory manner, most likely that group is not one you want to be associated with. Make sure any dealings with any group are *in writing*, and that the group follows their own policies and procedures. Perhaps the most important thing to look for when seeking a rescue group to align yourself with is a way in which you can get in touch personally with a physical human being and not have to rely on voice mail telephone numbers or post office boxes. While many rescues rely on P.O. boxes and answering services for the bulk of their business, this should not be the only way to contact them. Also, if you must contact them via email, in writing or by leaving a voice message, if they do not return your message within a prescribed amount of time (we prefer not more than 24 hours for the return of a phone call or email, and not more than five days to respond to postal mail), then we recommend you move on and look into another more responsive group.

• Message Boards: Many rescues have their own internet message boards or forums. This can be a good place to communicate freely with others who have had dealings with the rescue organization and to learn more about the group from people with firsthand experience. Beware, however, of rescues who's message forums are always or often placed on "Moderated Status". This could be an indication that those in charge of the rescue have less than high standards and could be due to the fact that there have been posters attempting to refute what the rescue has said or done and the rescue wants to control what is said about their organization. When rescues attempt to censor what others say, often there is a reason, though we urge you to research for yourself to be certain. You can also begin to communicate privately via email with the others in forums such as these. This is another excellent way to find out the idiosyncrasies of the group, their members and volunteers. There are also many message forums or boards which are entirely independent of rescue groups and this is the best way yet to locate a group which might suit your needs. You can confer and socialize with others who share in your desire to rescue horses and who will, in most cases, be more than happy to point you in the direction of groups which fall under the criteria you set. As always, do the investigating BEFORE you get involved to be sure you really want to involve yourself with a specific group. We generally recommend you communicate with multiple members of a rescue for several weeks if not months before committing yourself. This way you can perhaps be more certain they are right for you.

• Email Lists: There are any number of excellent email mailing lists to which you can subscribe, some (as with the message boards/forums) associated with a rescue and others which are independently run by individuals who have no loyalties to any one group. Most of the lists dedicated to one group in particular are reserved for announcements by that group and not for general discussion, but the lists which are for talking about rescue issues and not necessarily specific organizations are a good way to find out how others view certain groups. Don't hesitate to ask questions of list members about a group you are thinking of joining, but be sure you investigate fully any and all claims made by others. Also, if someone begins to make accusations against a specific rescue do your best to check into everything they claim and most of all, don't take hearsay as fact! Ask for documentation of all claims.

• Print Media: One of the four best non-internet ways to learn about rescue organizations is through the print media, whether magazines, newspapers or flyers found, for instance, in local feed or tack stores. Fortunately most publications do the research for you and extensive research at that. However, don't ever fully rely on the writer or editor to tell you the whole story -- you still need to check things out for yourself. Many times what appears to be a reputable organization from the outside to the publication's staff may, indeed, be a crooked group who is taking advantage of good press to in turn take advantage of unsuspecting donors, adopters and volunteers. There are people who can make themselves look good to the public, so always beware and be on the lookout for anything even remotely suspicious. Regarding flyers or classified ads touting a local group and asking for donations, we urge you to steer clear of such groups. Many of these outfits are simply looking for donations to fund their own personal pursuits and rely on the sympathy and resources of innocent, caring people. Again, always thoroughly check into any group before you partake in their efforts.

• Broadcast Media: Some groups are very media savvy and they realize how television or radio exposure can be good publicity, if done right. Many of these groups have the backing of well known or wealthy people, but do not assume because the rich and famous support a group that they are, indeed, reputable. Take everything you see and hear with a grain of salt and do the checking for yourself!

• Promotional Events: More and more, rescue groups are beginning to promote themselves at equine events such as horse shows, rodeos, open houses, fairs, clinics and horse club expos. Some even have been putting on their own events as fund raising efforts. Be sure you check into everything they tell you and be sure you are satisfied with all the answers you are provided with, naturally. Ask to see their paperwork and ask them to explain their various procedures. Request to speak with volunteers, donors and adopters directly to get their comments on their experiences with the group, preferably many such people. You want a broad base of information from various sources before making any decisions.

• Personal Recommendations: Even if a group is recommended to you personally by a friend or family member, don't take their word for it. Decide for yourself if the one who gives you the recommendation has anything at stake in the organization they are trying to promote to you. This is not necessarily bad, but any ulterior motives should be identified and explained. Again, if you don't get the explanation you want, don't get involved.

The most important favor you can do for yourself or any horses, or people, you might bring into an organization is be sure they are who they seem and that they are, indeed, folks you want to be associated with. If, by chance, you become involved with a group who's practices or conduct you find objectionable, be sure to sever your ties with that group immediately and take steps to protect others and their horses from making a similar mistake. Do NOT spread unsubstantiated rumors, however, and don't tell your story anonymously. You will lose your credibility if you do so. Most of all, keep all paperwork you receive through your involvement with a rescue. This is your lifeline should you find the group to be less than reputable. If there is illegal activity going on, immediately report it to the authorities and be sure to follow up to make certain the case is being investigated so no one else will have a similar bad experience. First and foremost in your mind must be the horses who might suffer if steps are not taken to bring bad organizations before the law and have judgement rendered upon them.

 

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