Due to problems with four animal rescue centers, some people in Tennessee want to regulate private animal centers.  This actually may not be a bad idea.  There have been problems with shelters in Texas (one in Montgomery County springs to mind immediately), which seemed to be more a front for animal hoarding than actual shelters. 

It would be wonderful if all the shelters had some basic requirements, but it never seems to be so.  I am proud to be associated with Noah's Ark Bayou Sanctuary here in Brazoria County, and I am personally amazed at Pam Sanidakos' energy and drive.  She is very careful with the animals, and they all seem to thrive in her care.

She has gone the extra mile of getting her sanctuary incorporated, finding vets who will help her with basic care, setting up contracts in an attempt to make sure the animals are getting good care after they leave her.

Most other shelter workers are like Pam, but there are some who screw it up for everyone else.  Since most shelters are running at a loss, the bad shelters screw up the donations the others need to keep saving animals.  Maybe it is time to make all shelters promise to take good care of the animals, like Pam does with new pet owners.  If nothing else, it will make it easier to take the pets and place them with another shelter where they may thrive.  Just a contract with the state saying, yes, we will care for our animals.