How do you start an organization or group for the rescue and rehoming of animals?

I'd like to start a non-profit animal rescue/rehoming organization, but I don't know exactly what it is I must do regarding paper-work, licenses, and that kind of stuff, or even where to start for that matter. Any ideas?
Answers:
Contact your city about permits. They might have rules about animals on your property. Then a lawyer for liability on what happens when you do adopt animals out. Next is insurance.

Maybe you should find a group and just work with them. I foster for a non-profit group, and it can be very time consuming for the group to raise funds and take of business.

I like knowing I am working with and for the group without the headache.

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First, you must ask yourself are you knowledgeable enough to care for animals who might need medical attention or medication every day? Do you have enough experience with the animal that you can judge if it must be euthanized? Could you recognize when an animal has a medical problem? So on and so forth.

If you do not think you are qualified, try helping out at local shelters instead. You learn a lot.

If you truly are ready to start caring for animals, then you first need a facility to keep them.

Even though it is non-profit, you have to be able to have enough money to properly provide food, shelter, and medical attention. Make sure that you can provide for the animals.

Someone has to take care of the animals everyday. Are you prepared to feed, groom, and clean-up after animals 365 days a year? You can't take a vacation or sick day, as you could with a job. If you can't take care of the animals, can someone fill in for you?

You don't have to file any paper-work if you don't want to. Many people start organizations to help animals without the government involved. If you want to feel legitimate, do some online research for your state non-profit policies and paperwork.

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Try contacting an established pet rescue group for information. They should be able to give you info on start up. Just remember, you have to be TOTALLY committed to it. It's not a part time, just for a little while type of thing. This is long term and totally hands on project.