What is a Nonprofit?
The terms “animal shelter,” “animal rescue,” “nonprofit,” and “licensed kennel” are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to very different types of organizations with different rules, oversight, and operating structures. Understanding these differences can help consumers ask better questions, review records more carefully, and better understand how an organization operates.
Nonprofit Rescue: Typically a smaller foster-based organization run by volunteers.
Humane Society: Typically a larger physical facility with paid staff.
Licensed Kennel: A kennel that has been licensed by a state Department of Agriculture. Licensed kennels can include nonprofit rescues, humane societies, government facilities, commercial breeders, dealers, pet shops, and other operations that house, breed, transfer, or sell dogs.
Before adopting from a shelter or rescue ask these questions:
- Is the organization registered as a nonprofit?
- Can I view the IRS Form 990 filings?
- Who runs the organization?
- Where do the animals come from?
- Are animals sourced from breeders, auctions, brokers, or imports?
- Does the organization publicly share veterinary and behavioral information?
- Are there complaints, lawsuits, or inspection records?