Starting & Managing an Animal Rescue or Sanctuary

Certification Course

Starting & Managing an Animal Rescue or Sanctuary Certification Course

Registration Begins Monday May 12nd Register HERE

Join us for an 8-week course in starting (or perfecting) an animal rescue or a sanctuary. In this zoom course, participants will learn everything that they need to know to operate a successful animal rescue or sanctuary in the United States. In addition to the classes listed below, participants will have one-on-one time with the instructor to ask questions, and access to the members only Slack group where other rescue or sanctuary owners, vets, and lawyers can answer question and share experiences.

Participants will complete this course with all of the information necessary to apply for appropriate permits and licenses, as well as a personalized business plan, and marketing plan. People who complete the course and a business plan, will received a certification and be entered into the LAW Certified Rescue and Sanctuary Network, a new certification system for ethical animal resources.

  • Format: 8 Live Online Sessions (90 minutes each) + 2 Private 45 Minute one-on-one Coaching Calls (scheduled in week 4 and 8) + Customized Strategy for your unique rescue/sanctuary vision + Membership to Private Slack Group

  • Duration: 8 weeks (one session per week)

  • Final Requirement: Submission of a basic rescue/sanctuary business plan for certification

  • Certification: Awarded upon successful completion

Course Pricing & Payment Plans

  • Course: $997 (or $799 Early Bird before midnight June 23rd)

  • Payment Plan: 3 monthly payments of $350

Payment Link will be sent via email upon registration. Register HERE

Week 1: Foundations of Animal Rescue & Sanctuaries

  • Understanding the difference between rescues and sanctuaries

  • Defining your mission, vision, and target animals

  • Legal structures: nonprofit vs. for-profit models

  • Overview of local, state, and federal regulations

  • Guest Speaker: Founder of a successful animal sanctuary

Week 2: Legal, Permits & Compliance

  • Navigating 501(c)(3) nonprofit status (if applicable)

  • Zoning laws and animal welfare regulations

  • Liability, insurance, and risk management

  • Contracts, waivers, and adoption agreements

  • Assignment: Research and outline necessary permits for your location

Week 3: Fundraising & Financial Sustainability

  • Creating a fundraising strategy (grants, donations, sponsorships)

  • Crowdfunding and social media fundraising techniques

  • Budgeting for an animal rescue

  • Managing operational expenses

  • Live Exercise: Drafting a basic fundraising plan

Week 4: Facilities & Animal Care Best Practices

  • Designing a safe and efficient facility

  • Daily care routines and medical needs

  • Working with veterinarians and specialists

  • Emergency response and disaster preparedness

  • Guest Speaker: Veterinarian specializing in rescue animals

Week 5: Volunteer & Staff Management

  • Recruiting, training, and managing volunteers

  • Creating a strong leadership structure

  • Avoiding burnout and compassion fatigue

  • Building a positive, ethical rescue culture

  • Assignment: Develop a volunteer program outline

Week 6: Community Outreach & Adoption Programs

  • Effective marketing and storytelling

  • Creating adoption and foster programs

  • Partnering with local businesses and vet clinics

  • Running educational events and tours

  • Live Exercise: Drafting an adoption application and screening process

Week 7: Scaling & Long-Term Sustainability

  • Growing from a small rescue or sanctuary to large-scale operation

  • Diversifying income (merch, memberships, events)

  • Succession planning and leadership continuity

  • Measuring impact and setting long-term goals

  • Guest Speaker: Founder of a large-scale animal sanctuary

Week 8: Business Plan Presentations & Certification

  • Participants present a basic plan for their rescue/sanctuary

  • Q&A session and final feedback

  • Course review and certification issuance

  • Certification Requirement: Submission and approval of a basic business plan

Bonus Module: Marketing & Branding for Your Rescue/Sanctuary

  • Creating a powerful brand identity

  • Social media strategies for engagement & fundraising

  • Building an email list & donor database

  • Using storytelling to attract supporters

  • Website essentials & SEO for nonprofits

  • Live Exercise: Crafting a compelling mission statement & creating social media campaigns

Additional Course Benefits

✅ Course workbook with templates

✅ Lifetime access to session recordings

✅ Private support community (Slack group)

✅ Certification of Completion and Inclusion in the LAW Certified Rescue or Sanctuary Network