The Rescues: The groups that actually take the animal, provide for its veterinary care, house and feed it, access it's needs, train it, advertise it, screen adopters and ultimately, place it in a forever home where the animal and the adopter have been carefully matched.  A good rescue will see that the animals they place are spayed and neutered, up to date on shots, have any medical needs met before they place them. And after the adoption, a good rescue will be there for the animal and the adopter, to answer questions, provide support and if the need ever arises, to take the animal back.