Who We Are
Rescue Tails Animal Sanctuary is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Hickory, North Carolina, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing large domestic, farm, and exotic animals.
We strive to be leaders in the animal care world, and our lives have been driven by the same ideas we used to found our sanctuary: animal welfare, education, and respect. We’ve seen the many ways that animals can be neglected and mistreated, and we believe that all animals deserve a chance at a healthy, happy life.
Our Mission
Our mission is to give animals in dangerous situations a second chance. We work with the local community and farms, the Humane Society, state and federal government agencies, and others, to rescue animals from neglect, dangerous living conditions, hoarding situations, abusive breeding programs, illegal activity, and abandonment.
In addition to animal rescue and care, we focus on education and raising awareness of the challenges and health issues that animals and animal caretakers face. We engage with the local community to show that there are alternatives for animals that are in danger or need, and to help create safer conditions for all animals. We engage the community by providing tours and personalized visits to our sanctuary, and maintaining a presence at local events to raise awareness and educate.
Our History
Founded by former zookeepers, aquarists, and animal care specialists, we are driven to do our part in making the world a better place. Since our founding in 2023 we have rescued and rehabilitated dozens of animals, and have many in long-term residence at our sanctuary, where they receive the attention and care they deserve.
Our sanctuary is a place for animals to recover, heal, socialize, and when possible, find new long-term homes. We recognize that animals have complex needs, and our dedication to each animal goes beyond feeding and medical care, to include daily enrichment, socialization, and play.
We are a volunteer, donation-driven organization with a gold transparency rating from GuideStar, a nonprofit watchdog group.
The Charity Auction
We will be hosting a charity auction in support of Rescue Tails Animal Sanctuary. All funds raised as part of the auction will go directly to the charity in support of their mission.
Schedule
The charity auction will be held on Sunday, October 6th. Please see the main events schedule for exact times and details. During the auction, donated items will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The winner will collect their item by donating the value of their bid directly to the charity.
Donating to the Charity Auction
You may donate items to the charity auction by bringing them to the charity table in the dealers den during CFF. If you would like to donate an item to the charity auction but are unable to attend CFF 2024, you may mail the item to us. Please email charity-relations@ncanthrosociety.org with a description of the item for mailing instructions. Mailed items MUST be received by two weeks prior to the start of the convention.
When donating an item, please provide an estimated value and desired starting bid. We may adjust the starting bid as needed.
Your donated items:
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Should be unique, or at least not easily purchasable within the dealer's den.
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Must not exceed a PG rating. In all cases, CFF staff and the charity have the right to refuse an item for any reason.
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Must be in new or like-new condition.
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Must have all price tags removed.
The following items are prohibited:
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Self-prepared food items, food items that are not in a factory sealed package, and alcohol.
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Used clothing, costumes, and toys.
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Any item which is illegal to possess or sell in Hickory, NC.
Participating in the Charity Auction
All CFF members are welcome and encouraged to participate in the charity auction.
Here's how it will work:
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Items will be introduced and given a starting bid by the auctioneer.
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To bid on an item, raise your hand high and call out your bid loudly. NOTE. All bids are final. Please be sure you are willing and able to make a donation to the charity before calling out your bid.
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The auctioneer will clearly announce when an item has sold, for how much, and to whom. They will collect the winner's badge number immediately and give them a receipt which will be verified by the charity when the item is collected.
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If you have won an item at the auction, please proceed to the charity representative after the auction ends to make your donation and collect your item.
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Donations may be made via cash, check, or card. Accepted cards are subject to the charity's payment processing system. Please check with the charity beforehand to verify they are able to accept your payment method.