Approved Rescue Program: Eligibility & Application Criteria
Purpose
The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society (LHCOS) recognizes Approved Rescues to support ethical, nonprofit rescue efforts that align with responsible hermit crab care, education, and conservation.
The Approved Rescue designation exists to distinguish verified nonprofit rescue organizations from commercial entities and informal rehoming efforts.
What “Approved Rescue” Means
An LHCOS Approved Rescue is an independent organization that:
- Holds valid 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
- Has submitted proof of that status to the LHCOS Board of Directors
- Has been reviewed and approved by the Board
Approval confirms nonprofit eligibility for participation in LHCOS-managed spaces. It does not imply operational control, financial relationship, or endorsement beyond eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must:
- Be a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Operate a rescue or rehoming program related to hermit crabs or aligned educational rescue efforts
- Submit verifiable documentation of nonprofit status
- Agree to comply with LHCOS Community Policies, Code of Conduct, and applicable care standards
Individuals, informal rescue efforts, and for-profit entities are not eligible.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit:
- IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status
- Legal organization name and primary contact
- Website or primary online presence (if applicable)
- Brief description of rescue scope and activities
Documentation is reviewed solely for eligibility and compliance purposes.
Review & Approval Process
Applications are reviewed by the LHCOS Board of Directors.
- Submission does not guarantee approval
- Additional information may be requested
- Decisions are made based on eligibility, alignment, and organizational fit
Approved status may be reviewed periodically or revoked if eligibility criteria are no longer met.
Participation Boundaries
Approved Rescue status:
- Allows participation under a rescue account name in LHCOS-managed communities
- Does not grant authority to act on behalf of LHCOS
- Does not permit promotional activity outside established community rules
- Does not replace compliance with all applicable policies
Misrepresentation
Use of the term “Approved Rescue” without authorization, or misrepresentation of nonprofit status, may result in removal from LHCOS-managed spaces and revocation of eligibility.
How to Apply
Organizations interested in Approved Rescue status may apply using the designated application form. All inquiries must be submitted through official LHCOS contact channels.
Scope of Approval
Approval under the LHCOS Approved Rescue program grants limited permission for an eligible, IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) rescue organization to participate in an LHCOS-managed Facebook group for the sole purpose of assisting with hermit crab rehoming and rescue-related posts. Approval does not imply endorsement, partnership, or affiliation with the Land Hermit Crab Owners Society, nor does it authorize the use of LHCOS branding or representation of the organization in any public or commercial capacity. Participation is subject to ongoing compliance with LHCOS community standards and may be reviewed or revoked at any time.