[livingdustmops]

I don't agree that a reputable rescue has to have a 501c3 because it is very time consuming and expensive to receive this status (see below). It is wonderful when an organization has one as they don't have to pay taxes and as a donor I can get a tax write-off but many small rescues just can't get one due to time & money. Some lawyers could easily charge up to $5000 to help an organization get this status. The only reason I pay attention is if they state they are one and I check GuideStar and they are not listed. This tells me they are lying so what else are they then lying about. This year the IRS is going to start going after many nonprofit organizations that have received this status to see if they are doing their taxes correctly and they are what they say they are.

Please see in bold what organizations a 501(c)3 covers...it is just not animal rescue.

501(c)
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Colloquially, a 501(c) organization or simply "a 501(c)" is an American tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation or association. Section 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)), provides that 26 types of nonprofit organizations are exempt from some federal income taxes. Sections 503 through 505 set out the requirements for attaining such exemptions. Many states refer to Section 501(c) for definitions of organizations exempt from state taxation as well.

501(c)(3) — Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organizations

I would never hesitate to deal with a small time rescue (which the majority of them are) in a city that doesn't have this status. Most rescue people would rather spend the $$$ on the dogs then in this status.