08/12/2025
Rescue is NOT Retail and here’s why that matters
One of the biggest misconceptions we face in animal rescue, whether it’s parrots, cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, ferrets, or reptiles is the idea that we operate like a store-type business.
We don’t.
And we can’t.
Here's why rescue doesn’t (and shouldn’t) follow a retail model and why we ask for patience, compassion, and partnership instead of consumer convenience:
🔸 We don’t sell animals.
We are guardians, ambassadors, advocates, rehabilitators, and matchmakers. Our focus is on welfare, not inventory turnover. Each life matters deeply and uniquely.
🔸 We don’t work “normal” hours.
Rescue often means 3 a.m. gavage feedings, receiving late night ICU kids, vet transports that take all day, and emergencies, not full-time availability to answer non-urgent questions about an animal’s adoption status. We're not being rude, we're triaging lives, cleaning enclosures, doing feedings, answering emails (usually “late”), doing fundraising, preparing educational materials, etc.
🔸 There are no guarantees or even “forever” homes.
Unlike buying a product with a receipt and return policy, adopting is a long-term commitment based on relationships of trust and education, not transactions. Things can and do go wrong, and we need to be here to help with that, too.
🔸 We are mission-driven, not profit-driven.
Every decision, from who adopts to how and when, is made in the best interest of the animal, not to “make a sale.”
🔸 We have limited resources.
Space, time, medical care, and trained foster/volunteer help are finite. This means waitlists, evaluations, and sometimes hard decisions.
🔸 We don’t operate on demand.
We can’t create animals to suit preferences. We work with those who need help, and what they’ve survived, often trauma, neglect, injury, medical issues, to mourning and loss of their families.
🔸 Our work continues after adoption.
Education, support, and community are part of the commitment. We don’t just "hand over the animal" and move on.
🔸 We advocate for the voiceless.
Which means sometimes, we say “no.” Not to offend but to protect.
