To Whom it May Concern: What is a sanctuary? To me when I think of a sanctuary, I think of a wildlife sanctuary or a privately funded (i.e. one that does not take outside donations) sanctuary. Now I know I will get flamed, but I am discussing this academically and since I do not know how Zoo's Sanctuary is run, this is in reference to Sanctuaries as a whole. Lets start with the definition: sancátuáaráy (sngkch-r)*n.* *pl.* *sancátuáaráies* *1. **a. * A sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque. *b. * The holiest part of a sacred place, as the part of a Christian church around the altar. *2. **a. * A sacred place, such as a church, in which fugitives formerly were immune to arrest. *b. * Immunity to arrest afforded by a sanctuary. *3. * A place of refuge or asylum. *4. * A reserved area in which birds and other animals, especially wild animals, are protected from hunting or molestation. Now that we have a definition, I know we are not discussing a consecrated or holy place, and I know at least most animals are not resisting arrest. So we must conclude a reserved area that birds and other animals are protected from hunting or molestation. Well, if we go by that definition than everyone that owns a pet is a Sanctuary. We all have a reserved space be it our house or a room in the house. We also all protect our animals or at least should. So there must be something more to this. If you go by that the animal is high or special needs, then I and a lot of other people that foster or adopt animals would qualify. The first ferrets my husband and I adopted were high needs. One was Flease who was found in a dumpster, the other was Samantha, her partner who was at least eight years old. We fell in love with them and provided a great home. They got to be in their forever home and know they were loved. Most of our ferrets are 5-6 years old, as are a lot of peoples. Should we all establish our selves as Sanctuaries and receive donations? I guess my point is, what are the guidelines for a Sanctuary? Education, well I and a lot of other ferret owners educate pretty much anyone we meet on ferrets. Re-homing, a lot of us do that as well. We hear of a ferret and post or ask friends if they can take them in. It's not like we are bringing them in to our house, taking them to the vet and getting blood work done as well as adv testing, before they go to their new home. Are sanctuaries required to keep personal pet bills separate? Most shelters I know have shelter ferrets and personal ferrets, and only donations go to the shelter ferrets, not for upkeep of their personal ferrets. Most Sanctuaries have to keep bills separate since they are housing wild animals, so it is hard to slip a dog bill as part of the Sanctuaries operating funds. Since we are taking companion animals, shouldn't there be an age requirement before they are admitted. Say set the age at six years old for ferrets or 10-15 years old for cats and dogs. That would really work in tandem with shelters. Though a lot of shelters do have these Sanctuaries. They are called foster homes, and though some foster parents have the shelter pay for medical, their are a lot that pay those bills themselves. I have no issue with Sanctuary operators getting a puppy, kitty, or kit, don't get me wrong. Though since they are the most easily adopted out at that age, I don't believe donations should go toward care for that animal. Now, if someone wills their animals to a Sanctuary or friend or where ever, even if the animals are younger, there is not an issue since they also will money for their care so donations are not going toward their care anyway. I guess the whole point of this post is their needs to rules or requirements for Sanctuaries as well as shelters, or any cause the receives donations. That is the exact reason I do not donate HSUS, (thanks Alicia for your ongoing work informing the public) or any other organization that operates that way. I also believe the public should be educated on how each organization operates, so that they know their money is going to really help the cause they support. In conclusion, this was not a direct attack, though I will probably get flamed as if it was. The is an educational debate to get other input and give people food for thought. Their are many Sanctuaries out their, and each operates differently. One I know of got land donated to them to keep feral cats on, which are all fixed, and that pays for the whole cost themselves. Other Sanctuaries use it as a way to fund their personal animals. I think their really needs to be regulations as to what a Sanctuary really is. Is it only for wild animals? Or should companion animals be included, and what should be the rules governing these operations. Sincerely, Ireann [Posted in FML 5732]