Here's how to know you're dealing with a reputable animal rescue group in Arizona
Following the Friday arrest of a Chandler woman who police said had 50 animals in poor condition, concerns about the lack of regulatory oversight in Arizona have emerged. Advocates are now urging individuals seeking assistance from an animal welfare group to carefully verify the organization's reputation and credentials.
April McLaughlin, who ran a special needs animal rescue, is charged in suspicion of 55 counts of animal abuse and 55 counts of animals cruelty, according to Chandler Police.
"Due diligence is really critical," said Kelsea Patton, vice president of external affairs with the Arizona Humane Society.
Patton and Lauren Martich, vice president of development at AHS, said the rescue groups they work with have been screened. Both said Phoenix Animal Care Coalition 911 is a place to start. Known best as PACC911, the network works closely with partner groups, conducting inspections and ensuring their adherence to a code of ethics and a best practices manual. It's worth noting that McLaughlin was not affiliated with PACC911.
Patton, Martich and PACC911 Vice President Tina Lopez provided tips on how to effectively evaluate and determine which animal rescue organizations are trustworthy.
Check charity status
To start, an organization should be able to prove they are a charity.
Check if organization is a 501(c)3, which grants them tax-exempt status and can be located on an online search tool from the IRS.
Find the organization's EIN (employment identification number), also known as its tax ID number, which indicates the IRS recognizes their work.
An organization saying they have a gross income of more than $200,000 should be able to produce documentation showing they are recognized by the IRS as a 990, and such a group should be listed on GuideStar.org.
CharityNavigator.org also locates and rates charities.
Request references
An organization should be able to provide references.
Ask about who sits on the organization's board and how often they meet.
Ask to talk to past adopters from the organization.
Ask to talk to veterinarians who work with the organization.
Get in-person look
The best way to verify an animal rescue organization is legitimate is by getting first-hand testimony on its place of operations.
Do not stop at photos or a phone call.
Ask to see the facility the animal is being transferred to and where they will be held.
Ask to see other animals in their care.
If you cannot visit yourself, ask someone, maybe even a person with PACC911, to go in your place.
Spotting red flags
There are also a lack in practices that can serve as warning signs an organization is not reputable.
Various forms of payment should be accepted by a charity and not only for funds via wire transfer.
A charity should be able to provide a tax receipt listing its name, address, EIN and what was donated.
"There are many, many wonderful, legitimate and registered charities around the globe and in this community and in this state. And I think it's important for people to just take that extra step to make sure that their dollars are accomplishing exactly what they intend them to," Martich said.
Ultimately, Lopez said deciding whether an organization is trustworthy may come down to discernment.
"If you have any reservations, or a person on the other end of the phone or email says anything that is the slightest bit of a red flag, I would definitely listen to it because 99% of the time, you're gonna be right," Lopez said. "You just gotta be diligent and ask a lot of questions."
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Here's how to find a reputable animal rescue group in Arizona
