Northern Virgina Region

The United States Equine Rescue Leauge, Inc. (USERL) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in the state of North Carolina (Federal ID# 56-2069469).  USERL is dedicated to the compassionate care of equines.  Our mission is to save, protect and rehabilitate equines in need.  We rescue abandonded equines; provide them with care and rehabilitation; and finally find them a compatible, loving home.  We believe that education is the long-term solution to improving the lives of equines.

United States Equine Rescue Leauge acquires horses froma a variety of sources.  Having established a respectable reputation within the equine community, USERL shelters equines that have been siezed by law enforcement authorities and those surrendered by neglectful and/or abusive owners.

As soon as these horses, ponies, mules and donkeys come into the program, they are quarantined for three weeks to screen for infectious diseases.  During this time, they are examined by a veterinarian, de-wormed, vaccinated and given a Coggins test.  Their feet are trimmed and their teeth floated, if neccesary.  Malnourished horses are started on a rehabilitation program that has been developed by USERL in conjunction with the advice of several veterinarians.  Sick and injured horses are treated immediatley.

Once rehabilitation is complete, horses are sent to foster homes to await adoption.  Foster homes are carefully screend so that each horse receives the level of care it needs.

Once they are in foster care, USERL makes rescued equines available for adoption.  In most cases USERL charges and adoption fee that is refundable within the first 30 days upon return of the animal.  The equine remains the property of USERL and the adopters must sign a contract detailing the care that is required for the individual horse they are adopting.  The agreement also has a clause allowing USERL to make unannounced visits to inspect the condition of the horse and its environment.  If either are found to be in an unsatifactory condition, attempts will be made to help the adopters remedy the situation.  If these attempts are unsuccesful, USERL retains the right to reposess the horse.

It is the United States Equine Rescue Leauge's policy to place each equine in the home that best suits the individual equine.  In addition, equines adopted from USERL cannot be sold, given away, raced or used for breeding.  The equines cannot be relocated from the original approved facility without the permission of the USERL.  Adoption is intended to be for the life of the equine.