German Shepherd Rescue FAQ's
About the Rescue
Who runs the rescue?
The rescue was started by Jayne who has many years of experience with GSD's and German Shepherd rescue. The rescue is a voluntary organisation and relies totally on German Shepherd lovers who are prepared to give up some time to help with rescue and rehoming.
How is the rescue funded?
GS Rescue is funded totally by donations from the general public and people who adopt dogs from us are asked to make a donation in order that we can continue with our work.
Why is the rescue a limited company?
The rescue was set up as a limited company (limited by guarantees) on the advice of professionals. To name but a few, the following organisations are also limited companies - RSPCA, SSPCA, RSPB, NSPCC.
Why are you not a charity?
At the present time we do not feel that charitable status would benefit the rescue. Becoming a charity brings with it - committees, office bearers, AGM's etc which in our experience hampers rescue work.
Is anyone paid a salary or expenses?
Nobody is paid a salary but a small amount of our limited funds are occasionally used to meet excessive out of pocket expenses such as high mileage. We do try to cut down on calls to mobile phones to minimise costs for all of us. Most of the volunteers will not accept expenses and operate on an out of pocket basis.
The RSPCA and SSPCA pay all their staff with chief executives earning £50-£60K per annum and many employees have company cars.
How are donations used?
Most of our limited and precious funds are spent on veterinary treatment and kennel costs. We do not have our own kennels so have to rely on commercial boarding kennels although we always try to negotiate special rates as with vet treatment . Anything else we try and beg, borrow or steal!! This rescue like many other small rescues really is run on a shoestring.
Do you have any accounts?
By law, any limited company must produce accounts and these have to be lodge with Companies House, where copies can be obtained by any member of the public. Our accounts are produced by a qualified independent chartered certified accountant.
Why don't you spay/neuter dogs?
Some dogs will be spayed or neutered but the rescue does not have enough funds to meet the costs of spaying or neutering all dogs rehomed by us. In England the Dogs Trust helps rescues with vouchers but this is not yet available in Scotland. We have negotiated a special rate with our own vets. All people adopting dogs from the rescue are required to sign a legally binding document which requires that they spay/neuter their dog and they are not allowed to use the dog for breeding purposes.
What about vet treatment?
Dogs that come through the rescue are given appropriate veterinary treatment regardless of costs . In some cases we do pay for ongoing treatments. We have rehomed a few dogs that have EPI and require expensive medication for life. We limit the number that we take on but will help as many as funds will allow.
Do you microchip?
No we don't, simply because we operate over such a vast geographical area which would make it almost impossible to organise. We do always recommend that people adopting should have their dogs microchipped and they should insure their dog. Veterinary treatment is very expensive.
Please help us by making a donation so that we can help re home more unwanted German Shepherd Dogs. Donations can be sent to Jayne Shenstone, German Shepherd Rescue, Little Vauld, Marden Hereford HR1 3HA. We also accept Paypal payments - just click on the Paypal button below. Thank you.
