Signs of a Better Adoption, and Rescue Program As

Every Program is DIFFERENT

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This isn't easy to know for sure, but here is some information to help.

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•   The program has its Adoption contract online and easy to access.

•    Ask to see their screening questions, and reference those on this website. 

• ​  The adoption contract restricts rehoming in any way unless the organization screens the new potential home and executes a new adoption contract.

•  Adoption restricts the sale, lease or transfer of the horse at any time.

•   If the adopter can no longer provide good care, a new home is sought and approved by the organization or the horse is returned to the organization.

•    Does the program have a mandatory active follow- up program for life. (This should not just be a phone call, and if only photos are required, there are specific ones that are best. There should be dates on photos or a  newspaper showing the date of the photo.)    

•    Ask to demonstrate that they carry out their follow-up.   

•   Having a 501(c) does NOT indicate anything other than that the government recognizes that the program is not for profit. This does not indicate that the charity carries out the claims they make. 

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Organizations with donations of over $500,000 must file the IRS 990 (tax return)and have an independent auditor. There is good information available on that form. 

• Check their end-of-the-year assets if you are considering donating. Organizations of all types may have large assets, particularly those that have commercials aired. If a program REQUIRES an adopted horse to return should it need a new home, reserve funds should be higher than the usual. IF a program has horses in sanctuary situations for life, reserves should alos be higher than the usual. Notice if there are outstanding loans and what for and who holds the loan, and what the interest rate is.  In general it is recommended for programs such as these that 2-3 years of the annual budget in assets is healthy. More than that one would expect that they help other horses in need.

• Some assets are restricted, such as generating interest from donations.

• Feel free to contact the organizations and receive documentation.

• Review salaries, they are listed for the managing staff, and look further it will also show bonuses. You may also note unusual activities, such as rent paid and to whom, travel expenses etc.​​​​​

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