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Frequently Asked Questions
What
is the mission and purpose of American Pet Cross?
American Pet Cross is designed to be a national focus and funding
organization supporting through monetary contributions and unique
program concepts, other animal support organizations, as
well as programs of its own.
Won’t American
Pet Cross compete with those other organizations?
No. American Pet Cross has been designed to act as a giant funding
funnel, if you will, for people who might otherwise not know where or how to give for animal support. Our purpose is to make those funds available
on a case-by-case basis to improve and expand the existing operations
of established animal support groups, as well as to introduce
new programs of our own that will be platforms for collaboration
with those groups.
How do I know
my contributions will go to worthwhile organizations and not be
spent on illegitimate expenses (expenditures)?
American Pet Cross will conduct due diligence on a requesting
organization, as well as follow-up due diligence on the use of
the funds by that organization. American Pet Cross will have a
results-based philosophy of awarding money and creating programs.
In other words, each requesting program must have a very specific
goal for the money, a strategy for deploying that money, and a
measurable results-based outcome. This will allow American Pet Cross
to determine after the release of funds whether the
requesting organization has exercised its fiduciary responsibility
in the use of those funds.
Won’t the
large and more established organizations like The Humane Society
or The ASPCA consume the vast majority of the funds?
No. Many of the established organizations, like those mentioned
above, have existing programs and donor bases. The purpose of
American Pet Cross will be to contribute to those programs financially,
but also to recognize other organizations that aren't as fully developed
yet have a track record of progress and only need additional support.
Why isn’t
American Pet Cross a duplication of other animal organizations
and efforts?
American Pet Cross is not a duplication but an extension and expansion
of the already fine work being done by many organizations through
its aggregate national funding strategy. In addition, American
Pet Cross will introduce new programs like the Registered Pet
Offender, The Pack and an Animal Legal Advocate throughout the
animal protection community. These are new and exciting programs
that are currently nonexistant in any of the established
organizations.
Won’t American
Pet Cross divert both attention and funds from already established
organizations?
Not really. American Pet Cross believes that it will
actually boost the number of contributions going to
existing organizations by raising awareness of the issues affecting
animals through its national symbol and presence.
How will American
Pet Cross act to bring about collaboration with animal support
groups?
First of all, it’s a philosophy of abundance, not the lack thereof,
that is the basis for American Pet Cross. We believe that as the
base of donors gets bigger, it creates more opportunity for everyone.
Our intent will be to work with each and every organization that
would like to work with us. The American Pet Cross Care Center,
and the American Pet Cross Rescue Camp concepts are scaleable
throughout existing organizations throughout the country. These
programs will attract new donors as well through the uniqueness
of their concepts.
Aren’t
there enough animal support programs in the United States already?
It would seem so. But there are still thousands of animals needlessly
euthanized, abandoned, and abused despite the presence of those
organizations. American Pet Cross believes that all those organizations
can use a helping hand from time to time. The purpose of American
Pet Cross is to make the American public aware of these growing
needs, and to expand the range of help and influence it can offer
for animals in need of support.
Will American
Pet Cross be active politically?
Most certainly. American Pet Cross has created a unique community
called The Pack which will act as its grassroots policy effort.
The power of the microchip, the connection capability of the internet,
and the willingness of Americans as a group to come together and
influence legislation in the area of animal rights creates a "perfect
storm" of opportunity. Our political agenda is threefold:
- To make animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect resulting
in the serious injury or death of an animal a felony punishable
by fines, imprisonment, or both, as well as a lifetime ban on
owning any animals in the future.
- To completely eradicate within a decade the ongoing criminal activity of animal fighting and promoters by
asking ordinary citizens to become watchdogs and to reward them
financially for doing so.
- To tighten the laws, regulations, and standards
for animal breeders throughout the country, eliminating as much
as possible the operation of “puppy mills”, the
breeders who run them, and the outlets who sell those animals.
Will
American Pet Cross be just a national organization, or will there
be state and local chapters?
Our first goal is to establish the national organization, expanding to each state and into cities and towns that
would like to establish an American Pet Cross chapter. This is
an ambitious goal that will take a number of years to accomplish.
Our desire is that we have an American Pet Cross State Organization
with local city or state chapters. The American Pet Cross model
of organization and expansion will follow the lead of many successful
organizations like The United Way, Rotary, Kiwanis, the Jewish
Federation, etc.
How do I establish
An American Pet Cross state foundation or local chapter?
Complete the information requested under the “Form an American
Pet Cross Chapter” on our website and submit it.
Who will lead
American Pet Cross on a National Level?
American Pet Cross is currently in the solicitation and interview
phase of selecting its national board. An interim board has been
established to allow American Pet Cross to begin functioning.
Should you know someone who would have an interest in serving
on this board, or would like to nominate someone, let us know by
filling in the request form on our website for “National
Board Nominations”.
How do I contribute
to American Pet Cross?
It's easy. Simply send a check made out to American Pet
Cross or click here to donate through our website.
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