The Next Chapter of Rebels For Rescue

What’s Next for Rebels For Rescue?

Our inaugural Rebels For Rescue weekend did more than raise awareness — it inspired the creation of the Rebels For Rescue Coalition, a long-term, statewide initiative dedicated to strengthening animal welfare systems across Mississippi. The Coalition brings together rescues, advocates, veterinarians, community leaders, responsible breeders, volunteers, and policy partners to create solutions that are proactive, sustainable, and rooted in collaboration.

Our mission is simple: unite the people already doing the work, fill the gaps between them, and build a stronger, more compassionate ecosystem for Mississippi’s pets and the communities that care for them.

1. Launch a Stray Spay & Neuter Program

In partnership with Laws For Paws, we are developing Mississippi’s first large-scale stray spay/neuter initiative. Our goal is to spay or neuter at least 500 unowned dogs, which will:

• Save the local shelter more than $100,000 in intake and care costs
• Dramatically reduce overcrowding and euthanasia risk
• Prevent continuous cycles of stray litters
• Fund a full-time program coordinator to operate the program year-round

This is one of the most impactful steps we can take to reduce suffering and stabilize shelter populations.

2. Expand Mars Petcare Better City For Pets™ Standards Across Mississippi

Oxford is already recognized as a Better City For Pets™ community — a testament to its commitment to pet-friendly policies, public health, community wellness, and progressive animal care.

Our next step is to:

• Highlight Oxford’s existing certification and help the community understand what it means
• Identify opportunities to strengthen and showcase these standards locally
• Begin working with other Mississippi cities to help them pursue and earn the same certification

By uplifting Oxford’s model and expanding these standards statewide, we can help create healthier, safer, and more humane environments for pets and people across Mississippi.

3. Establish Humane & Responsible Breeding Standards

With guidance from reputable breeders who already uphold exceptional standards, we will develop a set of Humane & Responsible Breeding Practices for Mississippi. These standards will:

• Lift up breeders who exemplify ethical, humane practices
• Provide clear, community-facing guidelines for what responsible breeding looks like
• Reduce irresponsible practices that contribute to shelter overcrowding
• Promote healthier pets and more informed families

This ensures that rescues, shelters, and ethical breeders are aligned in building a stronger animal welfare ecosystem.

Join the Movement

The Rebels For Rescue Coalition is growing — and we welcome anyone who wants to be part of building real, lasting solutions for Mississippi’s animals.

If you or your organization would like to join the Coalition, please contact Kimmi at 973.407.9682 or kimmi@rescuerevival.org.

Together, we’re redefining what rescue and advocacy can look like.