Got questions?

Q: Is K9Nation an animal “rights” or “welfare” organization?
 
A: The organization was founded as an animal “welfare” organization concerned only for what is “in the best interests of our best friends.” Our “best friends” are domesticated dogs and cats.
 
Q:. What is the difference between an animal rights and animal welfare?
 
A: Fundamental differences exist between the animal rights movement and the animal welfare movement.  Animal rights organizations believe that animals have rights similar to those of humans, and therefore should not be used for any purpose even if treated humanely. Animal welfare advocates believe that animals have the right to be handled humanely, and to live a life free of pain, but animals do not have the rights similar to those of humans. Animals may be used to satisfy human needs as long as their basic needs for food, shelter, and health are met.
 
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines animal welfare as “a human responsibility that encompasses all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, management, nutrition, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, and humane handling, and, when necessary, humane euthanasia.”

Q: I know that K9Nation was organized on certain “founding goals.”  I can think of lots more issues relating to dogs and cats. Does K9N have goals or positions on other issues, too?
 
A: Something very unique about K9Nation is that its Citizens (members) decide the positions that the organization takes on various issues. As K9N grows with more Kommunities across America, Citizens will suggest issues, define the various positions, discuss those positions, and vote on the positions that we, as an organization, must adopt. Let us know the issues that you feel should be added.
 
Q:  What are the founding goals?
 
A: Founding goals are given in the What is K9Nation section.
 
Q: Can founding goals be changed?

A: Yes.  Since Citizens make these decisions, they may even change founding goals.

Q:  Is K9Nation a friend of shelters?  Should shelters give their support?
 
A: The answer to your first question is a definite yes, of course. The public’s general image of a typical shelter is less than desirable, due primarily to factors that aren’t easily changed (such as lack of funding) or for some reason have not been changed (such as questionable personnel). Shelters overall need a more visible and more positive public image. K9Nation seeks greater public involvement in local animal control with, of course, an end to killing animals.
 
As for your second question, our ability to bring about fundamental changes in the way America manages pet overpopulation will come from our working together. By partnering with shelters, we can support, expand public services, cooperate nationally in rescue and adoption, and significantly alter the public’s view of shelters.
 
Q:  Our local SPCA is a non-profit charity, too.  We are under-funded like many others.  Isn’t K9Nation our competition for funds?
 
A: First, the word “competition” must be removed from any conversation when it comes to the welfare of our best friends.  The moment we begin to think of competition, we become selfishly disunited.  Any individual or organization must be willing to cooperate and work together “in the best interests of our best friends.” Our dogs and cats will never live without fear, and in harmony with man unless we all work in their best interests instead of our own self-interests.
 
The key is working together. Otherwise we all continue to struggle as uncooperative, independent splinter groups pursuing separate agendas.  That’s just exactly what the perpetrators of profit want—disorganization, disunity, and infighting so they may continue to prosper along with a generally unaware public.  If this happens, the status quo wins and just continues, and all of us who care lose, but the real losers are suffering dogs, cats, and other animals.  We cannot—we must not—continue to let them down because we can’t get together.
 
Second, one of the purposes of each K9N local Kommunity is to help local rescue groups, and shelters with volunteer assistance, fundraising, and grants. It’s all about cooperation and putting the interests of our best friends above all else.
 
Speaking to a county humane society, Rodney Hill said, “The problems causing pet overpopulation and the problems resulting from overpopulation are not your city’s problems; they are America’s problems. Only if America brings pet overpopulation under control, will each city’s pet overpopulation be under control.”

Have a question?  Please Contact K9Nation

Q: I’m a recent baby-boomer retiree looking to do something to bring greater meaning to my golden years. Dogs and cats have enriched my life for many years.  Helping out would be a way I can give back. Are there volunteer opportunities for retirees?

A: Our answer is a resounding yes! Everyone at every age is invited to participate in our Patriot Corps (volunteer program). Your lifetime of experience, compassion, and skills are greatly needed. If you are a retired teacher, consider helping in our Education division. If you have a law background, our Legislative division would be perfect for you. Former managers, accountants, project supervisors, writers, and those with backgrounds in other fields can make a difference, too.  Thank you, especially on behalf of the dogs and cats, for caring. Please register with K9N’s Patriot Corps.

Q: I really like K9Nation’s concept, and it very well could be the vehicle that could accomplish its mission, but to do so we would have to receive very widespread support. I’m thinking of AARP (American Association of Retired People) as an example of an organization with tremendous support, local chapters, influence, and power. Doesn’t K9N need support from millions of people?
 
A: Yes. K9N founder, Rodney Hill, has said because of our immense challenges, K9Nation must receive unprecedented support throughout the country, “Americans from all walks of life, all races, all ages, all cultural groups, all socio-economic levels, and everyone else.”  But, winning support from large numbers of people is certainly possible today with the Internet and telecommunications that enable us to come together as never before in history.
 
Q: Besides becoming Citizens, how can my friends and I, help build support.
 
A: K9Nation is emphasizing early on the need to build Citizenship and awareness with Ambassadors, the Kontact 9 challenge, and extensive public involvement. The best two things you can do are to serve as an Ambassador, and provide active support for your local K9N Kommunity.

Q: I am wondering why I should support a dog welfare organization when there are so many people hurting in our country and around the world. Why dogs instead of people?
 
A: Your question can be answered on two levels.  First, let’s answer your question with another question:  Why not dogs and people?  Albert Schweitzer said, “Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.”

Of course there is a lot of hurt in our world, and no one would say that you, or anyone else, should limit support to just one cause. We humans must work together to end all hurting, and not limit ourselves to just human hurt or animal hurt.  Each person will support the causes he or she feels are most vital. If you feel that conquering a certain disease or social problem is more important than solving problems of our animal best friends, this should not mean that you could not work with them all.  Minimum support for K9Nation is $9 per year (less than 2 ½  cents a day) to become a Citizen; that’s a very affordable amount.

Second, in reality, a great deal of K9Nation’s mission is helping people—helping them to get the most out of their relationships with their dogs and cats. These animals provide a great deal of help, assistance, service, friendship, etc. to humans. The animals don’t have the problems; the problems are with some of us humans. So, in order to solve the problems, we must help people. To fully benefit from dogs and cats, and to enable them to fully enrich our lives as they do so well, K9Nation must help people and our best animal friends benefit by living in harmony and without fear.  When you get right down to it, K9Nation helps people; the animals benefit.

Q: Are employment opportunities available with K9Nation? 

A: K9Nation is a predominantly volunteer organization, which means that we rely upon volunteer effort as much as possible. As we get past our organizational stage, and as salaried positions become available, the first candidates considered will be qualified volunteers. While skills and abilities are important qualifications, an admirable record of unselfish and enthusiastic help in contributing to the early success of the organization is vital.

An up-to-date, thorough, and accurate K9N Patriot Corps Resume of volunteer service can serve as valuable support to an employment application.

Q:  Your K9Nation charity model needs to be established in our country. Do you plan to go international?
 
A:  Yes, definitely. In fact, our organizers have talked with like-minded people around the world. K9Nation’s official corporate name is K9Nation International, Inc.