Rescue, Sanctuary and Rehoming Explained

Terms such as rescue, sanctuary and rehoming are often used interchangeably, but they can describe very different activities.

Animal rescue

A rescue generally takes responsibility for animals that need another placement or immediate care. The organization may rehabilitate them and eventually place them in adoptive homes.

Animal sanctuary

A sanctuary generally emphasizes long-term or lifetime care. Some sanctuary animals may never be available for adoption.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the process of helping an animal recover physically or behaviourally before its next placement or long-term care decision.

Rehoming

Rehoming can occur without a rescue organization. An owner may find another suitable private owner and transfer the animal directly.

Not every organization uses these terms the same way

There is no reason to assume that every organization using the word “rescue” operates the same model.

Ask what actually happens to animals after intake.

The name matters less than the practice.

Look at animal care, capacity, adoption policies, transparency and what happens to animals over time.

Questions worth asking

Does the organization adopt animals out?
Does it provide lifetime sanctuary?
How many animals are currently in care?
What veterinary and preventive care is provided?
How are adopters screened?
What happens if an adoption fails?
How is the organization funded?

Sources & Further Reading

These primary sources provide additional information and regulatory context for this article.

Last reviewed: September 2026.