The Rescue Ranch in Mcrae-helena, Georgia

The Rescue Ranch is at 783 Highway 441, Mcrae-helena, GA 31055 in Telfair County.

No opening hours are on record. Call at (229) 868-9820 or check its website before visiting; many shelters keep separate hours for adoptions, intake and lost-pet searches.

Start on therescueranch.org, where most shelters and rescues list their adoptable animals and application form. Expect an application, a meeting with the animal and an adoption fee, which usually covers spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations and a microchip. Rescues often place animals from foster homes, so meetings are by appointment.

Call the shelter before you bring an animal in. Many shelters and most rescues take owner surrenders by appointment only, some charge a surrender fee, and some keep a waiting list. Ask whether they offer a rehoming program or pet food and vet assistance first; many surrenders can be avoided with short-term help. The municipal animal control shelter is usually required to accept animals from residents of its city or county.

The Rescue Ranch matches an IRS record for a tax-exempt animal welfare organization (EIN 42-1598987), with reported annual revenue of about $1,021,278. Donations to 501(c)(3) charities are usually tax-deductible; ask the organization for a receipt. Many shelters also post a wish list of supplies they need.