Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about partnering with ShelterAid International, our assessment process, operational support, and how we work together to save more lives
Who is ShelterAid International?
ShelterAid International is a nonprofit organization that partners with animal shelters and rescue organizations around the world to strengthen their operations, improve animal care, expand their reach, and build the capacity needed to save more lives. Want to know more? click here
What does ShelterAid International do?
We provide strategic guidance, operational assessments, and hands-on support tailored to the needs of each partner organization. Our goal is to help shelters identify challenges, strengthen their organizations, and develop sustainable solutions that work in their specific context. To know more, click here
Who is behind ShelterAid International?
ShelterAid International brings together animal welfare advocates, non profit leaders and professionals with expertise across animal care, rescue operations, organizational strategy, fundraising, finances, facility management, adoption networks and more. Our team combines hands-on animal rescue experience with professional expertise in building and strengthening organizations, united by a shared commitment to helping shelters create lasting change.
Why does ShelterAid International focus on organizations rather than individual animals?
Every rescue organization has the potential to help many animals. By strengthening the systems, people and processes behind a shelter, we can help create lasting improvements that benefit animals not just today, but for years to come.
Who can apply to become a ShelterAid International partner?
ShelterAid International works with animal shelters and grassroots rescue organizations that are committed to improving their operations, animal care and long-term sustainability.
How does a shelter apply?
Organizations begin by completing an application online that helps us understand who they are, what they do, the challenges they face, and what they hope to achieve. We then assess alignment, needs and readiness to work together before determining the most appropriate next steps.
What does “readiness for change” mean?
Readiness for change does not mean having a perfectly organized shelter. It means being open to looking honestly at how things currently work, identifying opportunities for improvement, and working collaboratively to make changes.
Does a shelter need to be large or well-established to apply?
Not necessarily. ShelterAid International recognizes that organizations operate in very different circumstances and with levels of resources. We are interested in understanding each organization’s reality, needs and potential for impact.
What happens after I apply?
Once you submit your application, the ShelterAid International team will review the information you provided to understand your organization, its needs and whether our partnership model is a good fit.
If your organization is selected to move forward, we will invite you to the next step, a guided initial assessment designed to help us develop a deeper understanding of your operations, challenges and priorities. The assessment is the starting point of working together to identify together where and how ShelterAid International can best help you.
What happens during the initial assessment?
The initial assessment is designed to develop a clear understanding of how your organization operates today. Depending on your needs, it may look at areas such as animal care, medical protocols, facilities, volunteers, adoptions, fundraising, finances, leadership and organizational strategy. We then work with you to identify priorities and develop a practical roadmap for improvement.
Will the assessment judge or rank our organization?
No. The purpose of the assessment is not to judge organizations or compare them with one another. It is to understand where your organization is today, identify what is working well and where there are opportunities to strengthen your operations, and determine how ShelterAid International can best support you.
What information will we need to provide?
We will ask for information that helps us understand your organization, its operations, resources, challenges and goals. The information requested will depend on the scope of the engagement. Our aim is to understand your reality, not to create unnecessary administrative work.
What happens after the assessment?
Together, we identify the priorities that will make the greatest difference for your organization and the animals you serve. ShelterAid International then works with your leadership and team to develop a practical roadmap and, where appropriate, supports implementation.
Will ShelterAid International simply give us recommendations, or help us implement them?
We believe sustainable change requires more than a report. Where appropriate, our experts work alongside shelter leadership and teams to help put recommendations into practice, adapt solutions to the organization’s reality, and build the capacity needed to sustain them.
What areas can ShelterAid International help with?
Support is tailored to each organization. Depending on its needs, a partnership may involve areas such as animal care, veterinary and medical systems, facilities, volunteers, adoptions, international transport, fundraising, financial management, communications, or long-term strategy.
There is currently no cost to participating shelters and rescues. ShelterAid International is a nonprofit organization supported by people that have volunteered their time and experience. They are passionate about strengthening animal welfare and helping more animals find their second chance.
ShelterAid International was created for organizations that are passionate about helping animals and want to strengthen the way they work. You don’t need to have all the answers, or even know exactly what needs to change. Our role is to help you understand your challenges, identify opportunities, and work with you to build practical solutions that fit your organization.
Does your organization struggle with “We are trying to save these animals. We are overwhelmed. We know we could do better. We want to but just don’t know how.”
ShelterAid International was created to help organizations answer these questions and develop solutions to overcome its biggest challenges!