Animal Welfare Professionals

I've seen a few rescues in my area have sections on their website that say "rescue partnerships". When I ask them what that means, they reply that they're just friends with the rescue and want to spotlight them. 
I was always under the impression that a "partnership" or a "rescue partnership" was more than spotlighting. 
What's everyone's own definition of "rescue partnership" and how would you go about having one?

#CommunityPartnerships*

------------------------------
Brittany Vanderstine
Founder
Wild Exotics Animal Refuge
NJ
------------------------------

Good question. To me a rescue partnership is one where two or more rescues work together to help the community as well as each other by helping promote adoptable animals, sharing the other rescues needs, and sharing resources. We've had partnerships where we have created specific events and programs with other nonprofits as well.   

------------------------------
Lisa Burn
Co-founder/VP
Farmhouse Animal & Nature Sanctuary
Myakka City, FL
https://farmhousesanctuary.org
------------------------------

Yeah, I kind of thought that as well but I suppose it's not securely set in stone what partnership may mean to everyone. Our rescue has a few rescue partners that we work with regularly. We offer low-cost vaccine and neuter clinics in partnership with those rescues and our vet so we consider those organizations to be our partners. I suppose if you were to work with another rescue to intake animals or TNR or something, that might be considered a partnership as well. Either way it's nice to spread the word about rescues doing good work!

------------------------------
Hannah Soboleski
Executive Director
Binx's Home for Black Cats
Asheville, NC
------------------------------

This is such a great question! I've always thought of rescue partners as rescues who transfer animals to/from each other.  I absolutely love the idea of spotlighting other rescues on each other's websites, though. The rescue world is tough, and, sadly, they're not all created equal. It seems like such a good idea for reputable rescues to promote other reputable rescues to keep those top of mind within the community.

------------------------------
Meredith Evens
Founder
Olyver & Co
WI
------------------------------

Our foundation is looking to make rescue partnerships. We support families who are financially constrained when an animal needs immediate medical assistance. I've met with a handful of rescues in different states to discuss what resources they are looking for and input on offering rescue specific grants. Any rescue we work with, we'd be happy to spotlight on our website. We list the practices we partner with as well. I think a partnership should be a mutual relationship supporting one another! 

------------------------------
Maria Putnam
Founder/CEO
All About the Animals Foundation
CT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-16-2025 07:58 AM
From: Meredith Evens
Subject: Rescue Partners

This is such a great question! I've always thought of rescue partners as rescues who transfer animals to/from each other.  I absolutely love the idea of spotlighting other rescues on each other's websites, though. The rescue world is tough, and, sadly, they're not all created equal. It seems like such a good idea for reputable rescues to promote other reputable rescues to keep those top of mind within the community.

------------------------------
Meredith Evens
Founder
Olyver & Co
WI
------------------------------

For my org, if we say "rescue partners" it can either mean a shelter we pull from, that is committed to becoming no kill, or a local rescue/shelter we work with on rescue missions or other initiatives.  If we refer to someone as a community partner or sponsor, they support our organization in another way, such as grant funding, donations or providing other resources.

------------------------------
Meagan Koehler
President & Founder
It Takes A Village Animal Rescue and Resources
IA
------------------------------

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

Hi Brittany,

To me, a partnership is someone who houses animals when needed as well as offers monetary and product support. This is to me personally, but it seems odd that they only want to spotlight you rather than offer other kinds of support.

Tooteloo!