“Not Your Normal” Animals Rescue
Animals of Appalachia wants to focus on rescuing the “non-tradiotinal” animals that we keep. Cats, dogs, and even rabbits are easily given to another keeper or housed in a shelter, but what do we do with lizards, frogs, snakes, or hamsters? Sadly these critters are sometimes just discarded. AoA wants to change that. Rescuing and rehoming can be difficult for exotic animals, but that is where we come in.
Rescuing
It has became the norm to charge people that need their animal rescued, or rehomed, Animals of Appalachia wants to remove all barriers of animal rescue.
Animals can be dropped off or a pick-up can be scheduled wihtout any fees to the current animal keeper. Making someone that can’t afford to keep thier animal pay seems, to AoA, like creating artificial barriers to safely recusing an animal. The only thing we ask is that the person giving the animal to us do is also turn in all enclosures and equipment related to the animal being rescued.
There is no shame in needing to provide a new home for your animal friend. We understand that things happen. Finances change, families change, living situations change, all of that is out of your control. Don’t let shame or stubbornness prevent you from giving your animal the home it deserves.
Rehoming
Rehoming is the primary goal of “Not Your Normal” Animal Rescue.
What is rehoming?
Rehoming is taking an animal from its current home, checking their health and temperment, and finding a new home that is suitable. Animals of Appalachia does not simply want to place animals in any home. The animals we take in are not for everyone.
AoA offers education on caring for your new animal friend. There is more to caring for the unusal animals we rescue than the average cat or dog. With these animals you need to pay attention to heat and humidity as well as food, water, and waste. Caring for these animals can be difficult and time consuming, but it is infintely rewarding.
How does it work?
Animals of Appalachia wants to remove the shame and stigma that surrounds giving your animal a new home. We will gladly take any animal, except dogs or cats. This is due to space constraints and the quantity of “regular” animal shelters. Animals of Appalachia will come to your home to retrieve your animal and its current enclosure with any equipment used for that animal. There is no fee for allowing us to house your animal for rehoming.
Why do I need to give my enclosure and equipment away?
Animals of Appalachia asked for the enclosure and equipment for two reasons:
- It is expensive to purchase or even build enclosures for each animal we rescue.
- We do not want to perpetuate the endless cycle of purchasing an animal only to give it away and try another animal only to give that one away as well.
While we do understand that not everyone wants to give up their enclosures and equipment it is something we feel is necessary to prevent the same situation causing the keeper to need to give away an endless line of animals.
Are there any fees involved?
No. We want to remove all barriers of giving each and every critter the best home possible. While we do not require any fees for the animal we do accept any and all donations to help offset the cost of picking up and housing the animals.
We require everyone adopting from us to attend an educational class for the animal they are adopting. This class is free.
We offer enclosures and accessories at a discounted price to make sure the new home and caretakers are as ready as they can be for their new animal.
What is the process for rescuing?
Rescuing is a simple process. Anyone can contact Animals of Appalachia to have us pick up their animal(s). We do require that you provide the enclosure and all equipment related to the animal. This allow us to house the animal until the quarintine period is over.
What is the process for rehoming?
Rehoming can be a bit more complicated. After choosing an animal there are a few steps prior to the animal going to their new home.
If it is a communal animal it will be placed in quarintine for 72 hours. During this time the new keeper is required to show proof of a proper enclosure setup or purchase an enclosure setup. AoA can provide the proper setup for an additional fee.
AoA provides educational materials including time with our head keeper where any questions you may have are answered. This also includes any assistance you may need setting up your critter’s new home.
When the steps above are complete the animal is free to go to its new home. In the event that an enclosure needs to be ordered through AoA the animal can remained housed at AoA until the enclosure is ready.
What if I need an enclosure?
Animals of Appalachia can provide everything you need for your new animal. Enclosures, substrate, hides, food, lighting, heating, and enrichment for an additonal fee. Enclosures are provided by Frog Beans.