Looking to adopt a horse from a rescue???

READ THIS FIRST!

If you are thinking about adopting a horse from a rescue, PLEASE research the facility that you are thinking of adopting from.  Ask questions, lots of them.  Be informed and make sure that the rescue practices what it preaches. 

Currently Pennsylvania does not have state licensing requirements for horse rescues, although we hope that it does in the future.  What does that mean?  Currently, there is no requirement for rescues to be inspected or regulated.  Horse rescues must be operated by experienced and qualified personnel that understand the unique needs of these large animals.

Although there are many different rescues out there, if you are truly looking to help a horse in need and contribute to the cause, which is great, especially in today’s economy, research the rescue and ask where the horses came from and under what circumstances.  By asking the rescue’s position on horse-related issues that are important to you, you will learn a lot about the horses in their care.   

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER:

How is the rescue funded?  Ask to see financial records if they are required to be made available…if the rescue is a 501 c 3 this information should be readily available in the Form 990. 

How about record keeping?  Are there shot records, de-worming records, farrier records, and dental records on the horse or pony you are interested in?  Is there a current negative Coggins test available?  If not, why not? 

What is the condition of the barn?  It need not be the Taj Mahal, but it should be clean, orderly, and safe.  The rescue should follow AAEP guidelines for horse rescues.  

Who is handling and training the horses at the rescue?  What is their resume and background with horses?  What techniques do they use?   

You should always be permitted to have a veterinarian of your choice examine the horse prior to making a decision on adopting.  Of course, this is your choice and at your expense, but this option should always be available.  If the person does not allow this, why?  This should be a red flag that there may be an undisclosed problem with the horse.

Let the rescue know your experience level.  BE HONEST about your intentions and ability level.  Make sure the horse you are interested in suits your needs.  Ask to see the caretaker handle the horse.  This will give you a good idea of how honest he or she is about THEIR ability.   

What are the adoption requirements?  Is there an application?  There should be, so expect to be required to provide your personal information and references.  This is important to the process. 

What is the adoption agreement or contract?  Does the rescue completely transfer ownership over to you?  If not, check the legality on this issue.  Many insurance companies will not insure a rescue that does not relinquish complete ownership to the adopter.  Know that you may have to agree to return the horse to the rescue if can no longer care for it for some reason. 

Is this a “No Kill” rescue, and if so, investigate what kind of “no kill” facility it is.  By doing this, you will get a real sense for the reasonableness of the person operating the rescue.  For example, if  “no kill” means they will not put a time limit on how long it takes for a horse to be adopted, and that it will remain at the facility for as long as it takes to find a home and the horse is healthy and happy, that is a noble thing.  However, if “no kill” means the rescue will not euthanize a horse or pony at any time regardless of the condition of the animal, this is not humane as many of these animals wind up with great suffering.  Often these are the kind of rescues that wind up with their own horses needing to be rescued! 

The bottom line is this…use common sense and ask a lot of questions.  Make sure you are making an informed and educated decision about the rescue you are thinking of adopting from and the horse or pony you are thinking of adopting.  We hope this helps you with your search!!!!