generic sop manual 2014

7/21/2019 Generic Sop Manual 2014

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[Agency Name]: Manual of Standard Operating Procedures



Standard Operating Procedures

What is this Document?

This Microsoft® Word document contains basic standard operating procedures (SOPs) for some of themost commonly performed tasks in animal shelters. t is designed for you to edit and e!pand to reflectyour agency"s policies and procedures.

#urrent$ clear SOPs are %ital to the smooth$ safe$ and humane operation of an animal shelter. &ll staff and%olunteers should be not only familiar 'ith the SOPs$ but also trained in the SOPs that apply to theirresponsibilities and held accountable for performing their obs in accordance 'ith the SOPs.

SOPs are the backbone of ho' each agency runs. The de%elopment and implementation of SOPs notonly helps ensure consistent 'ork and care for the animals in your charge but also ho' the public istreated 'hen interacting 'ith your agency. SOPs pro%ide the foundation for training and e%aluation ofyour staff.

%ery agency has policies and procedures that are appropriate for their mission$ the kinds of animals theycare for$ their staffing le%els$ facility$ funding$ and so on. Many of your agency"s protocols may be similarto those described in this document$ 'hile others may be *uite different. So$ ho' can this manual help+

Our intent is to help you ump,start the important task of creating your agency"s SOPs by pro%iding-

• & list of the kinds of policies and procedures that agencies need to document

• & model of the le%el of detail your SOPs should pro%ide

• Specific procedures that are e!amples of current best practices for shelter operations

• #ontent that you can edit$ add to$ and delete as needed until you ha%e procedures that areappropriate for your agency

The SOPs in this document directly relate to open,admission shelters. f your admission philosophy isdifferent$ you can edit the information to reflect your policies and procedures.

How to Use this Document

se this document after reading the series of articles on '''.&SP#&pro.org that pro%ide step,by,stepinstructions for creating$ implementing$ and maintaining SOPs.

/e!t$ as you read this document-

• 0e%ie' the notes at the beginning of each SOP that pro%ide guidance and suggestions forcustomi1ing the SOP for your agency.

• 2lag the content in any SOPs that differs from the policies and procedures that you ha%e in place.Some of the procedures in this document may help you see a different approach that couldimpro%e operations in your agency. &nd some may simply not 'ork for you.

• dentify (and track do'n) any additional SOPs used in your agency that aren"t co%ered in themanual.

•

Mark places 'here you 'ill need to add your agency name$ change ob titles$ or departmentnames to correspond to those used in your agency.

Then$ using the SOP articles on our 'ebsite$ begin 'orking 'ith your staff to make this document youro'n.

3est of luck$ and contact us as outreach4apsca.org if 'e can help.

5uly 6778 6

http://www.aspcapro.org/


http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-management-volunteers/creating-sops


mailto:[email protected]








TABLE OF CONTENTS

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#&T MO0//B #:&//B.................................................................................................................... ..67

MPTE #&B >S/2#T/B (&2T0 &/M&: :&9S).................................................................... .66

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&/M&: <&/>:/B S&2TE...................................................................................................................;;

0ST0&/T O2 &/M&:S........................................................................................................................ ;?

5uly 6778 D




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5uly 6778 G




COVER LETTER TO STAFF

Notes:

• Modify for your agency.

Begin Sample Cover Letter to Staff

This is your personal copy of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Manual. SOPs are a key tool for the operation and management of KagencyL. They establish a baseline for ho' all staff and %olunteersperform routine shelter tasks. The consistency and predictability that SOPs can pro%ide helps make lifeless stressful for the animals and for people$ too.

The Standard Operating Procedures 'ere 'ritten 'ith e%eryone"s input$ and all staff are accountable forfollo'ing them. These SOPs enable us to be consistent about e!pectations for e%ery employee and todetermine 'hether performance meets$ e!ceeds$ or falls short of e!pectations. 3e sure to read the entiredocument and then re%ie' the sections that relate to your ob. >iscuss any *uestions that you ha%e 'ith

your super%isor.

The SOP manual is a Nli%ing" document that 'ill be updated as 'e identify better 'ays of doing our obsand responding to the needs of the animals in our care and of the human community 'e ser%e. Theformal procedure for suggesting and making changes to SOPs is outlined belo'. The >irector ofOperations 'ill ha%e the master and current copy of the SOPs.

!ocess "o! chan#es$ u%&ates o! c'a!i"ications to the SOs(

To a%oid confusion and inconsistency$ only the >irector of Operations can make the actual 'rittenchanges to the SOPs. <o'e%er$ all staff can suggest changes as described belo'-

• f you ha%e suggestions for change$ deletions$ or additions$ ask your super%isor to include SOPs

on the agenda of the department staff meeting.• &fter discussion 'ith the entire department$ the department super%isor ad%ises the director of

operations of hisFher team"s suggestions or needed clarification.• The director of operations e%aluates the re*uested change and if necessary discusses it 'ith the

!ecuti%e >irector (>) or leader.• f the >irector of Operations and the > agree to make the change$ that section of the master

SOP manual (both electronic and physical copy) is updated 'ith the ne' 'ording and instruction.• & memo then goes out to the entire staff 'ith a summary of the update$ and the page and section

number that 'as updated. ach staff person also recei%es a printed copy of the ne' re%isedsection for the staff member to update their o'n manual.

This manual is the foundation for the continued e!cellent performance of our staff and the organi1ation.The manual 'ill be used as a training document throughout the agency. We strong encourage you to

re%ie' SOPs in your department staff meetings on a regular basis$ The super%isors are responsible forensuring that their staff understand and follo' the SOPs that apply to their roles in the agency.

Thank you for all the hard 'ork you do each day for the animals in our care.

Sincerely$

K#O SignatureL

5uly 6778 ;




She'te! O%e!ations )))*)+,E""ecti-e Date

HOURS OF OERAT/ON

Notes:

• Modify for your hours of operation.

Begin Sample SOP

0ene!a'The hours of operation are designed to ensure that all domestic and 'ild animals are properly andhumanely cared for and that the public has ade*uate and ample opportunity to conduct business at theKnter your shelter nameL.

A&o%tion Hou!s CC a.m. G p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Business Hou!s The Shelter is open for all other animal,related ser%ices (that is$ e!cept adoption) during the follo'inghours- C7 a.m.,; p.m.$ se%en days a 'eek.

Eme!#enc1 Se!-ice Hou!s The Shelter promptly responds to animal emergencies 6G hours a day$ e%ery day of the year. &nysituation is considered an emergency in 'hich a domestic or 'ild animal is in danger or is creating adanger to the community.

5uly 6778 =




She'te! O%e!ations )))*)2,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

D/SOS/T/ON OF AN/3ALS

Notes:

•

Describe the possible outcomes for animals who enter your facility.

Begin Sample SOP

0ene!a'

>omestic animals housed at the Knter your shelter nameL lea%e in one of follo'ing 'ays- they"readopted$ returned to o'ner$ euthani1ed$ rehabilitated or transferred. Wild animals are released$ sent to acertified rehabilitator$ or euthani1ed.

A&o%tionnformation about animals adopted from the Shelter must be recorded on the computer record. Thisincludes the date of adoption and the name$ address and telephone number of the adopter.

Retu!n to Owne!s

O'ners claiming a stray animal as their o'n must pro%ide e%idence of o'nership such as a bill ofpurchase$ pictures that document o'nership o%er time (i.e. puppy thru adult pictures)$ proof of rabies orlicensing$ andFor medical records.

The o'ners name$ address$ and telephone number and the date of return should be noted on thecomputer record.

f someone claims an animal after the stray hold date or there is lacking proof of o'nership$ the Knteryour shelter nameL can choose to adopt the animal pending an appro%ed application and the animal isspayed or neutered prior to adoption.

Euthanasia

When deemed necessary for medical$ beha%ioral$ or space reasons$ domestic and 'ild animals may beeuthani1ed. n'eaned$ critically ill$ or seriously inured domestic animals may be euthani1ed prior toconclusion of the stray holding period to pre%ent any additional suffering (only 'ith the recommendation of the %eterinarian).

The date of and reason for euthanasia$ the dosage and type of drugs used$ and the technicians initialsare recorded in the computer record and the hard copy of the cage card.

Reha4i'itation

>omestic animals$ such as chickens$ and 'ild animals may be placed in rehabilitati%e care. The name ofthe 'ildlife rehabber and the date of release should be noted on the computer record.

Re'ease

>epending on the condition of the animal and circumstances regarding rabies control in KEour urisdictionL$

'ild animals may be set free in a safe release area. Personnel should indicate disposition in the computer record.

T!ans"e!

&nimals are released to shelter and rescue partners$ if the recei%ing agency is appro%ed by the Knteryour shelter nameL.

5uly 6778 ?




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*)5,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

AN/3AL /NTA6E ROCEDURE

Notes:

• The sample SOP describes intake for an open-admission facility.

• Coer routine intake of the types of animals you accept.

• Create separate sections for animals and situations in which your intake procedure is different!

such as for feral cats.

Begin Sample SOP

The Kenter your agency name hereL is an open admission shelter in that 'e 'ill ne%er turn a'ay ananimal.

f people ask if the shelter is N2ull" they can be informed 'hether or not the shelter is at capacity so they

can determine if they still 'ish to lea%e the animal there or make other arrangements. t is our missionand mandate that 'e accept e%ery animal. We e%aluate each animal indi%idually and 'ill make decisionsregarding adoption$ transfer$ foster or euthanasia based on the animal and his or her ability to be safelyre,homed.

Anima' !ocess Breet the person- Qs this your animal+R QWhere is the animal+R if it is in the car ask if the animal is on aleash or in a carrier+

f the animal is not on a leash or carrier and the animal belongs to the person$ pro%ide the o'ner 'ith aleash or transfer cage for the animal. nstruct the o'ner to secure the animal in the car 'ith the doorsshut i.e. dog on the leash or cat in the carrier before they open the car doors.

f the animal is a stray$ follo' them to the car and escort them and the animal to the front desk of theshelter if staffing allo's. Eou may need to get the assistance of an animal care technician if the animalis fractious or you feel that you cannot control the animal.

f the animal is a feral cat$ see the Intake Procedure for Feral Cats.

>ogs and cats are placed in the temporary hold or ne' arri%al runs or cages for that species.

f a person bringing in a stray refuses to sign intake paper'ork ust 'rite in the signature area Qrefused tosignR and your name. The animal 'ill be reflected as a stray and held for the stray period.

/nta7e !oce&u!es "o! Fe!a' Cats

2eral cats brought in o%er the front counter or from an animal control %ehicle should be transported in a'ire transfer cage (animal control) or the trap (front office) already co%ered 'ith a to'el or sheet tominimi1e stress. The cat 'ill then be brought to the clinic for an e!am.

Counse'in# Owne! Re'in8uishe& /nta7es

When someone is bringing in another person"s animal-

5uly 6778 A




• We must call the o'ner at the time of relin*uishment to get a %erbal release 'e read therelease statement to them from the intake paper'ork and then indicate the date and time of the%erbal release. We also must 'rite on the intake slip the name and dri%ers license number of theperson 'ho did bring in the animal.

• f the animal is ob%iously not adoptable (animal is sick$ cat that has a long history of not using thelitter bo!$ animal has bitten people$ etc.) the person handling the intake must inform the o'ner

that the animal is unlikely to be placed for adoption and could be euthani1ed. We do not 'ant togi%e people a false sense of 'hat 'e can do. This 'ill gi%e them an opportunity to take the animalsome'here else.

When a person 'ho relin*uished their animal calls 'anting the animal back-

This is a situation that must be handled by the 2ront Office Super%isor$ the >irector of Shelter Operations$and if they are not a%ailable$ the !ecuti%e >irector.

• #heck to see if the animal is still here$ and if so$ put an immediate Super%isor <old on thatanimal"s computer record and cage card.

• f the animal has an adoption application$ list the pre%ious o'ner as a backup pending appro%al of the first adoption application.

•

&sk 'hy the person 'ants the animal back$ 'hat has changed$ 'hat is the reason+• f the situation appears ok for the animal$ place a hold in the animal"s computer record. The

pre%ious o'ner follo's the adoption process as all potential adopters do.• f the situation is acceptable and there is a first hold on the animal$ inform the o'ner that they 'ill

be placed as a back,up pending the outcome 'ith the first hold.• The animal must be spayed or neutered before release.

When someone brings in a stray and 'ants it back after the stray period-

• !plain the stray hold state la'. &sk them to fill out an adoption application on the animal andinform them of the ne!t steps.

Com%'etin# the /nta7e !ocess(

&fter creating a record in the computer for the animal$ take a photo of the animal. See Photographs foranimal record. f the animal is frightened or you cannot safely control the animal$ do not try to take apicture at this time. Print out the cage card and place the cage card and the original paper'ork in theplastic slee%e on the cage into 'hich the animal is placed.

When o'ner relin*uished animals come in 'ith collars$ the collars are to be remo%ed and discarded.

When strays enter 'ith collars$ any >$ rabies tag$ license information on the collar or the tags are enteredinto the computer and the front office staff then starts tracing the information to find the o'ners. Strayanimal collars are remo%ed and then placed in a 1ip lock bag 'ith the animal number noted on the outsideof the bag 'ith a Sharpie pen. 3agged collars are then kept 'ith the animal behind hisFher cage card inthe slee%e. f the animal is mo%ed to adoption$ then the collar is thro'n a'ay.

The animal is then taken to the %et clinic by the %et tech for the complete physical e!am and pre%enti%etreatments$ such as parasite treatments and %accinations. The person 'ho mo%es the animal to apermanent runFcage (after the physical e!am) also puts on a secondary blue (male) or red (female) collaron each animal 'ith their intake number 'ritten on the collar as a back,up identification.

5uly 6778 8




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*9,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

HOTO0RAHS FOR AN/3AL RECORD

Notes:

• This describes photos for identification purposes! not those used to adertise the animals for

adoption.

Begin Sample SOP

& good photograph of each animal is necessary for matching animals in the shelter 'ith o'ners lookingfor their lost pets.

To help ensure that the animal is readily identifiable in the photo$ check to be sure that-

• &nimal is side'ays and picture includes the feet and tail

• Person holding animal does not block body of animal

• Picture is properly lit and animal can easily be seen

Please take time to be sure the picture is good. #heck the printed cage card picture and if necessary re,take pictures. :ook at the photo #0T#&::E$ as though you are an outside critic of the agency re%ie'ingthe animals on our site.

&lso if an animal came in on a control pole or you must leash mu11le the animal$ or the animal is fractiousat the time of intake$ do not attempt to take the picture at this time. nter intake information for the animalin the computer and print out a cage card 'ith a sticky to take the picture of the animal after heFshe calmsdo'n or is in the cage.

5uly 6778 C7




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*:,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

<OS/B >#SO/S &2T0 /T&@

Notes:

• "dentify the different areas your agency has for segregating different groups of animals #e.g.! by

species! age! wellness! etc.$.

• Describe how each area is used.

• "dentify who makes housing decisions and the information they use to decide when placing

animals in each area.

Begin Sample SOP

Housin# A!eas

There are si! different areas in the shelter for housing animals.

Tem%o!a!1 housin# for dogsFcats , spaces for dogs or cats 'hen these animals first arri%e at the shelter.These are temporary runsFcages for the animal to 'ait until heFshe is taken to the %et clinic andFor gi%enan e!am and pre%enti%e healthcare treatments. &nimals placed in these areas should not be handled byanyone e!cept the staff.

A&o%tion area (dogs and cats) these are the areas 'here the animals that ha%e been deemedadoptable by the organi1ation are housed. The public can %isit these areas 'ithout being escorted by theshelter staff.

Hea'th1 Ho'& these runsFcages house healthy dogs or cats that are either strays in their hold period or

o'ner,relin*uished animals 'ho need time to calm do'n and time for a beha%ior e%aluation. The public isnot allo'ed in this area unless escorted by a staff member.

;ua!antine these runs house bite case animals$ confiscated animals$ and aggressi%e animals. &nimalsin this area should not be handled by anyone e!cept e!perienced staff. When animals that are actingaggressi%e rela! and calm do'n$ they are mo%ed to <ealthy <old. The public is not allo'ed in this areaunless escorted by a staff member.

/so'ation A!ea, these runs house sick and inured animals a'ay from the general population to helppre%ent the spread of disease. t is %ery important to strictly follo' our protocols for pre%enting the spreadof disease because the animals housed here are identified as sick by the %et staff. The public is notallo'ed in this area unless escorted by a staff member.

Fe!a' Cat A!ea < this room is designed specifically for feral or fearful cats. The cages are set up 'ith2eral #at <andling #ages$ 'hich pro%ide e!tra *uiet and safety for the cats and the staff. This room iskept calm and lights lo' to minimi1e stress for these fearful cats.

Decision !ocess

&fter the physical e!am and pre%enti%e healthcare$ all animals are housed in solation$ uarantine$ 2eral#at$ or <ealthy <old. &fter the animal is placed in the appropriate cage$ the staff person 'ho housed theanimal updates the computer record 'ith the location of the animal. The @ennel Super%isor andFor the9eterinarian decide during the daily 'alk through 'hether animals are to be mo%ed to another area.

5uly 6778 CC




The person conducting the daily 'alk through 'ill ha%e a cart 'ith a laptop so each animal"s record canbe accessed and notes made regarding that animal and any decisions. >uring this 'alk through$decisions 'ill be made as to ho' animals are routed. &nimals 'ill be listed as-

• Q3eha%ior <oldR Put on beha%ior e%aluation status$ meaning they are ready for e%aluation.

• Q@ept in <old StatusR 3eing held through stray hold only.

•Q0eady for Spay or /euterR &nimals 'ho are considered candidates for adoption based onbeha%ior and health e%aluation and are scheduled for spayFneuter.

• Q &doptableR <old &fter animal is spayed or neutered and 'aiting for mo%e to adoption area.

• Q#onsider for 2osterR &nimal should be mo%e into foster care.

/mme&iate'1 noti"1 the 7enne' su%e!-iso! o! the -ete!ina!1 sta"" o" an1 anima' who shows an1si#ns o" i''ness so that the anima' can 4e mo-e& to the iso'ation a!ea. We cannot house sic7anima's in the hea'th1 sections 4ecause this %uts hea'th1 anima's at !is7 o" &isease.

>ecisions about euthanasia are made by the kennel manager$ director of shelter operations$ and the%eterinarian and take into consideration-

• &ny notes based on the beha%ior e%aluation or the animal"s situation

• <o' the animal is handling the shelter en%ironment

• Prognosis of the animal• 3eha%ior of the animal

• :ength of time at the shelter

• /umber of animals 'aiting in <ealthy <old for adoption consideration

5uly 6778 C6




She'te! O%e!ations < )))*=,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

L/3/T/N0 TRANS3/SS/ON OF D/SEASE

Notes:

• %&plain why een seemingly healthy shelter animals are at risk of illness.

• "dentify the routine practices staff and olunteers should follow to maintain animal health and

limit transmission of diseases.

Begin Sample SOP

&nimals come to the shelter from many different le%els of care some kno'n and some unkno'n$ butmostly unkno'n. Most shelter animals ha%e not recei%ed prior benefit of routine pre%enti%e health care.The stress of entering a shelter$ the shelter en%ironment itself$ and se%eral other factors contribute to anincreased risk for de%eloping illness.

When animals arri%e at the shelter$ they are e%aluated medically 'ith a physical e!amination$ %accinated$treated for internal and e!ternal parasites$ and may be treated for inury and illness.

We %accinate upon entry to limit 'idespread disease in the population and protect each indi%idual animalas much as possible$ but %accines are not a guarantee against infection.

>isease can be transmitted in se%eral 'ays$ and 'e must 'ork diligently to pre%ent transmission as muchas possible. The ; main modes of disease transmission are-

• >irect contact (one animal to another$ such as nose to nose)

• 2omite (indirect) transmission (germ transmission on an inanimate obect$ such as a mop$ hand$shirt)

• &erosol (in the air$ such as %ia a fan)

• >roplet (snee1ing$ coughing$ less than C meter distance transmission)

• 9ector(%ia a flea$ mouse$ tick) #ommon diseases seen in shelter en%ironments include- feline upper respiratory infection and canineinfectious upper respiratory disease (kennel cough). These are spread mainly through aerosol$ droplettransmission and through fomite transmission$ such as %ia the hands$ feet$ and e%en on clothing of staffand %olunteers.

Fo! this !eason$ %'ease wash 1ou! han&s >use han& sanitie!@ 4etween han&'in# each anima'an&o! wea! &is%osa4'e #'o-es. Sanitie! 4ott'es an& &is%ense!s a!e 'ocate& th!ou#hout the7enne' a!ea. ou &o not ha-e to sanitie 1ou! han&s 4etween the mothe! an& %u%%ies o! 7ittens ina 'itte!$ 4ut 1ou must &o so 4e"o!e 1ou inte!act with anothe! &o# o! cat.

Other diseases$ such as par%o%irus in dogs and panleukopenia (the cat form of par%o %irus)$ are spread

mainly through fomite transmission of bodily secretions$ such as %omit and feces. These %iruses are %eryen%ironmentally hardy and can be difficult to eradicate from the shelter en%ironment if proper sanitationprocedures are not in place.

Staff or %olunteers 'ho obser%e animals e!hibiting any signs of illness (such as diarrhea$ %omiting$snee1ing$ coughing$ nasal discharge etc.) should immediately notify the kennel super%isor or %et clinicstaff.

5uly 6778 CD




E-e!1*&a1 !actices that He'% !e-ent S%!ea& o" Disease

• 0eport any animal that appears sick to the kennel super%isor or the %et clinic immediately.

• Wash your hands bet'een animals.

• >o not let animals housed apart interact or touch noses.

• mmediately pick up all feces once a dog has defecated on the grounds.

• &fter picking up feces$ 'ash and then disinfect any cement or solid surface.• &ny time you disinfect$ rinse or 'ipe the area thoroughly.

• Wash the laundry and dishes according to the posted 'ritten protocol.

• >on"t keep dirty dishes lying around take them to the dirty dish bin *uickly.

• #hange trash liners on a regular basis don"t let the trash receptacles o%erflo'.

• Saniti1e e*uipment such as coa!ing sticks bet'een cats disinfect control poles and pooperscoopers bet'een use.

f 'e all follo' the same procedures the risk of ha%ing a disease problem 'ill be greatly minimi1ed.

5uly 6778 CG




She'te! O%e!ations )))*,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

6ENNEL DUT/ES

Notes:

• 'ist all the kennel duties that staff perform in the course of a typical day. Describe the details of

specific duties in separate SOPs following this one.

Begin Sample SOP

3o!nin# Duties

The first staff on duty each morning are responsible for feeding the animals. &fter the animals are fed (thisshould take a total of G; minutes for dogs and cats) morning clean up starts. &ll staff are to follo' theinstructions on the assignment board at nformation #entral regarding 'hat areas they are assigned. Staff cannot change these assignments. f you are not able to 'ork in the area assigned$ discuss the situation'ith the kennel super%isor.

A"te!noon Duties

@ennel n%entory , The @ennel Super%isor 'ill 'alk through the kennels and make decisions about 'hatanimals are to be mo%ed. 2or instance$ a dog or cat in healthy hold that is ready to be mo%ed to adoptionor a dog in adoption that needs to be mo%ed to isolation.

The Super%isor 'ill use QstickiesR to indicate to the shelter staff Qmo%e to adoptionR or Qmo%e to isolation.RThis 'ay$ the kennel staff can$ during clean up$ mo%e the animal to the ne' area and ensure the oldkennel is thoroughly disinfected. The staff person mo%ing the animal is responsible for making the change

in the computer record by noon that same day.

A"te! C'ean*u%$ On*#oin# Duties

• Spot clean animals after morning clean,up and three times during the afternoon

• >isinfect and set up dirty cages see MPTE #&B >S/2#T/B (&2T0 &/M&: :&9S)

• S'eepFmop floors

• Walk the dogs in <ealthy <old and other behind the scenes areas

• 0e,stock supplies based on schedule

• #heck 'ater for all animals

• &ssist 'ith intake of incoming animals

• #lean toys from e!ercise yard

• &ssist 'ith incoming animals 'orking in concert 'ith the %eterinaryFclinic staff • 3athe and groom animals as needed

• Sociali1e those animals that are frightened or scared

• 2oam the e!ercise areas 'ith bleach solution using the foamer

• Other duties as assigned

C'osin# Duties

• Spot check dogs and cats one last timeF scoop kennels

5uly 6778 C;




• #heck 'ater

• Walk all housebroken dogs

• #lean break room

• #lean euthanasia room$ 'ash room

• @eep intake areas clean$ organi1ed and neat

• ntake any animals that arri%e do not lea%e animals in temporary holding 'ithout food$ 'ater$ or

litter • Put a'ay supplies in the appropriate place

• Turn off the lights in the shelter

• :ock the door as you e!it

5uly 6778 C=




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

DO0 AND U FEED/N0

Notes:

• The information below is an e&ample of one feeding schedule. Depending on the type of food you

are using! (uantities and sering si)es will ary. *nimals under eterinary care may also be on

special diets or feeding schedules.

• %dit to describe your agency+s practices.

Begin Sample SOP

3o!nin# Fee&in#

sing t'o large 0ubbermaid containers$ mi! up hard kibble 'ith si! cans of 'et food for each container. &dd enough 'ater to create appropriate moisture so the food is more appeti1ing to the dogs.

@eep the area clean as you make the food discard the cans and can tops in the trash.

sing t'o carts place one full 0ubbermaid food container on each cart along 'ith both large and smallclean dishes 'orking in teams of t'o. Boing do'n each ro'$ start 'ith &doption$ mo%e to the other animalareas$ and end 'ith the animals in solation areas.

/F THERE /S A DO NOT FEED S/0N ON AN AN/3ALGS CA0E$ DO NOT FEED THAT AN/3ALAN/3ALS THAT ARE FED BEFORE SUR0ER CANNOT BE SAED OR NEUTERED.

&mounts per ser%ing are as follo's

• H,:arge dogs (87 lbs and o%er) U ; cups of mi!

• :arge dogs (=7 , 87 lbs) U G cups (not heaping) of mi!

• Medium dogs (D; , ;7 lbs) U 6 cups of mi!

• Small dogs (; , D7 lbs) U V to C cup of mi!$ more 'et than dry

• Puppies U V cup of each 'ith mostly canned food (2> TW# & >&E)

f there is any food left o%er in the 0ubbermaid bins$ go back and gi%e more food to the skinny dogs or thelarge dogs.

Staff assigned to clean puppies are responsible for feeding the puppies and the nursing mothers. sepuppy cho' and 'et food. f there is a mother nursing she gets puppy cho' also. Puppies must be fed ina large flat bo'l that allo's all the puppies to eat easily. f necessary$ use t'o bo'ls.

&fter feeding$ take the 0ubbermaid containers to the dish 'ashing area and 'ash them.

The food dishes are collected during clean up and taken to the dish area for cleaning and disinfection.

A"te!noon Fee&in# >u%%ies an& Un&e!wei#ht Do#s@

Puppies = months and younger are fed again at Dpm along 'ith any animal 'ho needs to gain 'eight.@ennel staff mark on the animal"s cage card if they 'ant the animal to be fed t'ice a day.

5uly 6778 C?




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*I,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

DO0 3ORN/N0 CLEAN U

Notes:

• The protocol below is for runs with guillotine doors used as designed. There are other ways to

clean if shelters are designed differently. "t is (uite possible to clean your facility without hosing

animals in their runs or risking too much cross contamination! which leads to disease outbreak

and spread.

o ,or single sided runs! leae one run open at all times at the end of each row.

"n the morning the staff will moe the dog #s$ in the dirty run that is ne&t to

the clean run into that clean run #that is! moe down one run$. Cleandisinfect

the run the dogs were in! s(ueegee the floor and moe the ne&t dog #s$ into

the one ust cleaned. /epeat that until you hae moed each dog into a clean

run! and you will hae an empty run at the other end from where you started.

The ne&t morning do the same thing only start with the empty run.o 0se runs that you build outside to correspond in number with the number of

runs you hae inside. These should hae cement floors and coers. Staff walk

each dog to the corresponding cleaning run outside and then clean inside in

the manner illustrated below. *fter the runs are clean and dry! walk the dogs

back to their original run.

• "ncorrect use of disinfecting and detergent products is a ery fre(uent factor in the spread of

disease in shelters. ,or e&ample! many disinfecting products do not hae detergent action! soadditional cleaning steps with a detergent are needed. *lso! many disinfecting agents re(uire a

12-minute contact time. 3erify the instructions for the products that you use! and spell out the

specific re(uirements ery clearly in the SOP.

Begin Sample SOP

The dog morning scrub begins right after the dogs are all fed. The morning scrub for all animals must becomplete by noon each day.

Work in teams of t'o based on the assignment board from the kennel manager or manager on duty-• One team of t'o people starts in the front 'ith the healthy dogs.

• The other team of t'o starts at the back of healthy hold.

• When done$ both teams clean *uarantine and lastly isolation.

*uipment needed-

• ; gallon bucket lined 'ith a trash bag and secured 'ith a bungee cord

• Pooper scooper

• 2oamer 'ith disinfectant Kenter type usedL

• :ong handled scrub brush

• S*ueegee

Dai'1 C'eanin# !ocess

5uly 6778 CA




#all all the dogs to the same side of the cage in one ro'. #lose the guillotine door behind them.DO NOT LET /T DRO.

• Scoop up all the solid fecal material or toy parts 'ith the scooper in each run all at once.

• Spray detergent Kenter type usedL on e%ery surface of the run.

• Scrub 'ith a stiff brush all the areas$ remo%ing the organic material.

• 0inse runFcage.• Bo back to the start of the run section$ and spray the 'alls$ floor$ and the gate of each run 'ith

the disinfectant solution.• When you are finished 'ith the entire ro'$ and it has been at least C7 minutes to ensure proper

contact time for disinfectant to 'ork$ go back to the first run and rinse 'ith clear 'ater.• 2ill clean 'ater bucketFpails.

• S*ueegee each run and 'alk'ay.

• 0eplace beds if needed.

• Pro%ide toy.

• Mo%e all the dogs back to the clean side$ close the guillotine door after them and repeat abo%eprocess on the other side.

• When finished$ open the guillotine door and let the dogs ha%e access to both sides.

• mpty the poop pail into the dumpster.• Soak the scoopers in the disinfectant bucket.

• mpty the trash for your area and replace 'ith clean bags

When you remo%e a dog from hisFher cage permanently$ place a red Qdirty cageR card on the cage toindicate that the cage needs to be disinfected. (See MPTE #&B >S/2#T/B (&2T0 &/M&::&9S))..

5uly 6778 C8




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*+),Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

CAT 3ORN/N0 CLEAN/N0

Notes:

• Spot cleaning! which is described below! when used appropriately! may reduce stress and

therefore illness in the feline population. Spot cleaning means that cleaning occurs around the cat

while shehe remains in the cage.

• Proper cleaning and disinfection is still a critical part of the many factors that contribute to shelter

disease control and should occur on a regular basis. * weekly sanitation is recommended.

• "t is critical that you track disease outbreaks to monitor what works best for eery indiidual

facility. Some shelters may not e&perience a positie result when switching from more traditional

methods to spot cleaning. Spot cleaning is not appropriate during times of disease outbreak! or if

cages are heaily soiled #mucous! feces! blood! urine$! if the cat poses a danger to human safety!or when a new cat is being placed into a cage acated by another cat.

Begin Sample SOP

Non*Fe!a' Cats(

• &t the beginning of cleaning$ kennel staff 'ill check each animal and its en%ironment in theirassigned section$ including inside and outside of the animal"s cage$ to determine if it needsimmediate attention or if spot cleaning is inappropriate.

• &l'ays 'ork in order of age and susceptibility 'hen cleaningC. Pediatric6. 9accinated healthy adultD. n%accinated adultG. Sick

• &l'ays 'ear a set of ne' disposable glo%es for each cat.

• Whene%er possible$ cats should be pro%ided an area to hide in their kennel. & feral cat den$ paper bag$ bo! etc 'ill 'ork 'ell for this purpose. The cat can be encouraged to enter the hiding area(often 'ill enter on herFhis o'n) 'hile spot cleaning occurs. f double sided cages are a%ailable$cats can be placed on the opposite side of the cage. <andling should be minimi1ed duringcleaning.

• Whene%er possible$ use disposable items.

• @ennel 'alls can be 'iped do'n 'ith a paper to'el and animal,safe disinfectant or milddetergent to remo%e any organic material.

• :itter bo! should either be disposed of or soiled litter should be disposed of and fresh litter

replaced.• mpty 'ater bo'ls and refill 'ith fresh 'ater.

• Pro%ide fresh food based on kitten or adult.

• Shake bedding out to remo%e litter and food$ and return to cage if not soiled. Pro%ide cleanbedding if needed.

The rest of the animal area (floors$ garbage) etc should be cleaned as usual.

5uly 6778 67




Fe!a' Cats(

f a cat is in the feral cat handling bo!$ use a coa!ing stick to shut the circle door. 0emo%e the 'hole bo!and place the cat in the bo! on the floor.

• 0emo%e the dirty litter bo!.

•

>iscard any paper food dish$ empty the 'ater$ and remo%e the ne'spaper.• f you ha%e a film or body grease build up$ spray animal,safe disinfectant or mild detergent on all

surfaces and 'ipe do'n all surfaces 'ith a paper to'el.• Set up the cage-

Place clean ne'spaper in the cage. 0eturn the cat in the feral cat bo! back to the cage in the back of the cage. The circle door

should be facing the front of the cage. Place a fresh litter bo! in the cage. Place fresh 'ater and food bo'l in the cage. Securely shut the cage door. 0each through the bars and using the coa!ing stick$ open the door to the feral bo! so it stays

up.• 0epeat for other feral cats.

• S'eep and mop the room.

• Turn off the lights.

5uly 6778 6C




She'te! O%e!ations )))* ++,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

E3T CA0E D/S/NFECT/N0 >AFTER AN/3AL LEAVES@

Notes:

• "dentify how staff should flag cages or runs that need cleaning and those that hae been cleaned.

• This step is a M0ST if you are spot cleaning cat cages.

• "ncorrect use of disinfecting and detergent products is a ery fre(uent factor in the spread of

disease in shelters. ,or e&ample! many disinfecting products do not hae detergent action! so

additional cleaning steps with a detergent are needed. *lso! many disinfecting agents re(uire a

12-minute contact time. 3erify the instructions for the products that you use! and spell out the

specific re(uirements ery clearly in the SOP.

Begin Sample SOP

#ages that re*uire disinfecting should ha%e a red Q>irty #ageR sign hanging on the cage. The personremo%ing the animal from the cage (for 0eturn to O'ner (0TO)$ &doption$ uthanasia$ or Transfer) isresponsible for hanging the card.

• mpty the entire cage$ and take dishes$ any blanket or toy to the 'ashing area.

• Scoop out any organic material

• Spray detergent Kenter type usedL on e%ery surface of the run.

• Scrub 'ith a stiff brush all the areas$ remo%ing the organic material.

• 0inse runFcage.

• &pply disinfectant or bleach solution to all surfaces of cageFrun including the top$ sides and gate.

•

:et it sit for C7 minutes$ rinse$ and 'ipe or let dry.

>isinfected dog run set up-• <ang a clean 'ater pail on the outside of the run$ 'hich pro%ides the %isual cue that this is a

clean run.• 0emo%e the Q>irty #ageR sign and put back in the sign area.

>isinfected cat cage set up-• Set up 'ith ne'spaper lining and a full litter pan in the back of the cage.

• Place an empty 'ater dish in the center of the cage upside do'n.

This setup is a %isual sign for all staff and %olunteers that the cage is disinfected and ready for a ne'animal.

5uly 6778 66




She'te! O%e!ations )))*+2,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

3ED/CAL ROTOCOL FOR /NCO3/N0 AN/3ALS

Notes:

•

Deelop this section with your eterinarian or medical adisor.• 4e sure to inestigate your state and local laws relating to the practice of eterinary medicine.

• /efer to *merican *nimal 5ospital *ssociation #**5*$ or the *merican *ssociation of ,eline

Practitioners #**,P$ for panel e&pert guidelines for accinating shelter animals.

• /efer to the 0C Dais 6oret Shelter Medicine Program website for additional shelter medicine

resources.

Begin Sample SOP

nter all medical treatments$ including inections$ topical treatments$ and oral treatments into the animal"scomputer record 'hen they are administered ..

Hea'th1 an& otentia''1 A&o%ta4'e Do#s

• Take the dog into the clinic area.

• Perform a %isual and hands,on physical e!amination$ nose to tail and record directly intothe computer system or the intake form.

• #heck for spay scar or for neuter. f obser%ed$ note in computer or intake form.

• Scan for microchip$ and check for tattoo or other >.

• &pply e!ternal parasite treatments.

• &dminister %accines.

• &dminister internal parasite treatments.

• 3ased on e!amination$ place the animal in the appropriate facility area (healthy hold$isolation$ or *uarantine).

Hea'th1 an& otentia''1 A&o%ta4'e Cats

• Take the cat into the clinic area.

• Perform a %isual and hands,on physical e!amination$ nose to tail and record directly intothe computer system or the intake form.

• /ote if ear is notched$ 'hich indicates that the cat belongs to a feral cat colony (2lag this animalso 'e can call caregi%ers in the area to see if this is their cat.)

• /ote if decla'ed or polydactyl.

• #heck for spay scar or for neuter. f obser%ed$ note in computer or intake form.

• Scan for microchip$ and check for tattoo or other >.

• &pply e!ternal parasite treatments.

• &dminister %accines.

•

&dminister internal parasite treatments.• 3ased on e!amination$ place the animal in the appropriate facility area (healthy hold$

isolation$ or feral$ *uarantine)

F!actious Anima' 3e&ica' !otoco'

• The %eterinary staff perform a %isual health scan$ 'ith a hands,on e!amination if possible.

• f possible animals 'ill be %accinated.

• Scan for microchip if possible.

5uly 6778 6D




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*+5,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

TREAT3ENT ROTOCOL FOR S/C6/NJURED AN/3ALS OR AN/3ALS BREA6/N0 W/THV/RUSD/SEASE

Notes:

• * table like the one below is a useful tool for clarifying conditions your shelter treats and does

not treat.

• Complete the table with your eterinary proider! keeping in mind your ability to isolate

infectious disease and your budget to treat illness.

• /efer to the 0C Dais 6oret Shelter Medicine Program website for additional shelter medicine

resources.

• Many agencies+ decisions regarding what animals to treat depend somewhat on the physical

design of the shelter. ,or instance! ideally! a separate air system would e&ist for both dog and cat

isolation. *t a minimum! a separate room and strong SOPs on handling animals to properly

preent fomite transmission are necessary.

Begin Sample SOP

t is critical that 'e e%aluate the animals in our care daily. This is done primarily by the clinic staff in theirdaily 'alk through$ but also by the kennel staff 'ho bring problems to the attention of the clinic staff fortheir follo' up. The table belo' gi%es guidance about %irusesFdiseases 'e treat and situations that 'ouldcause us to make euthanasia decisions.

!o4'em Ho'& o! NotHo'&?

T!eatment T!eata4'e Comments

Se%ere Mangeco%ering more than;7 of the body. /ot

bleeding$ ust itchingSe%ere Manageco%ering more than;7 of the body open sores$ bleeding0ing'orm0 Maor crustedeyes shut$ cannot eat@ennel #oughPar%o Symptoms<ook'ormBiardiaTape'orm

#occidia>istemper Symptoms3roken 3onesFinuries

5uly 6778 6G




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*+9,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

HS/CAL EKA3/NAT/ON

Notes:

• 7ork with your medical adisor to deelop the protocol for the physical e&am.

Begin Sample SOP

Eam !ocess

Kpro%ide your protocol hereL

Fina'iin# the Eam

• Place a secondary > collar on each animal- blue for males$ red for females. Write the animal"s >number on the collar 'ith a permanent marker.

• Place the cat in its carrier or dog on a leash.

• 0ecord your e!amination findings. n addition$ record %accination and parasite treatments in thecomputer record andFor intake form. 0ecord any abnormalities obser%ed and action taken.

6enne'in# Cats a"te! Eam

• 2ind a clean disinfected cage. Such cages ha%e a clean litter pan in the back and empty food and'ater bo'ls upside do'n in the center of the cage.

• 2ill the food dish 'ith appropriate (kitten or adult) food$ and fill the 'ater bo'l.

•

Place the cat in the cage.• Place the cage card in the plastic slee%e on the front of the cage.

• nsure that the cage is properly closed but do not slam the door.

• Place special needs notes on kennels of cats 'ith special needs. Special needs include but arenot limited to feeding$ medical treatment$ or calm do'n needs.

• 0emo%e all ne'spaper from cat carrier(s) and return carrier to the dirty crate area for disinfecting.

6enne'in# Do#s a"te! Eam

• 2ind a clean disinfected run (identified by an empty 'ater bucket hanging outside the run).

• Place the dog in the run.

• 2ill up the 'ater bucket.

•

Bi%e dog an appropriate amount of food. (See >OB &/> PPPE 2>/B.)• Bi%e an appropriate toy.

• f the dog is a small dog or frightened$ place V of a carrier 'ith a to'el inside so the dog can curlup and gain some confidence.

• f the dog is fractious or %ery fearful$ take a blanket and use clamps to hang the blanket in front ofthe run to create a *uiet$ calmer en%ironment. This helps the dog to rela!.

5uly 6778 6;




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*+:,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

US/N0 3E3OS /N THE AN/3AL RECORD

Notes:

• 0pdate for your agency+s policies and process for communicating about specific animals.

• 8our goal is to hae 9one-stop shopping: for information about a specific animal. This helps you

aoid the mistakes ; annoying to heartbreaking ; that can occur when important information is

not aailable to people when they need it.

Begin Sample SOP

The 'ay to communicate anything about an animal is to place a hold on that animal in the comment fieldof the computer record or intake form. t is imperati%e that you use this format to communicate. 3eforeany decision is made about an animal$ the >irector of Shelter Operations$ @ennel Super%isor$ or designee'ill re%ie' the computer record or intake form for that animal to be sure there are no holds for thatparticular animal.

f the finder is interested in adopting a stray$ or the animal has an adoption application$ or a rescue grouphas been contacted for this animal$ these communications must be in the memo field or on the intakeform. & sign on the cage is not a guarantee as that paper could get lost or destroyed in the daily acti%ityin the kennel.

f an animal has been selected for euthanasia or transfer to a rescue group and there is a hold in thecomputer record$ suspend the euthanasia or transfer until you address the hold.

To be official$ all holds must ha%e the name of person 'ho put the hold on the animal and the date of thehold along 'ith description of the situation.

& hold 'ithout a name or date 'ill not be considered a formal hold.

5uly 6778 6=




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*+=Fe4!ua!1 25$ 2))=

REAR/N0 A L/ST OF AN/3ALS FOR TRANSFER TO ARTNER SHELTERS OR BREED RESCUE

Notes:

•

0pdate for your agency+s policies and process for moing animals to other agencies.• %eryone in your agency and in receiing agencies should know your policy for selecting animals

for transfere&port.

Begin Sample SOP

The >irector of Shelter Operations$ kennel manager or other designee can prepare a list of animals fortransfer$ e!port or offsite adoptions.

• &nimals are selected for possible transfer during the daily 'alk through by the kennel super%isor.

• &nimals are selected based on their ability to be adopted by the recei%ing agency$ time at the

shelter$ health$ and ho' they are doing in this en%ironment. We 'ill also transfer animals thatha%e borderline beha%ior concerns that are 'orkable in a different en%ironment.

• We do not transfer problem animals ust so 'e do not ha%e to euthani1e them.

The follo'ing must be done by the person preparing the list.

• &ccess the computer record or intake form for each animal and check the memo field for holds ornotes about that animal that 'ould pre%ent the transfer or e!port.

• #heck the lost reports for each of the animals on the list for possible matches.

• Bi%e the list to the %olunteer coordinator or staff person 'ho 'ill contact our partner shelters and

our appro%ed breed rescue list.

• #hange the computer routing status for each animal to !escue. nter a note in the memo fieldthat the animal is being transferred to (enter the group name and contact information and thedate) or being e!ported to (enter 'hat agency)$ and your name and date.

• 3reed rescue groups are gi%en up to Kenter number of days you can hold animals for rescuegroupsL days to pick up the animal.

5uly 6778 6?




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*+,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

3eet ou! 3atch M SAFERDEC/S/ON 3A6/N0 ROCESS

Notes:

• M8M S*,%/ < is a tool that re(uires strong animal handling skills! body awareness! and a keen

understanding for obectiely obsering canine behaior. Certification is necessary to ensure each

person conducting S*,%/ < is doing it properly

4elow is a description of how an agency using S*,%/ < should use the data to determine the ne&t

steps for the animal. *s each shelter is uni(ue and has different resources aailable! ne&t steps will

ary from shelter-to-shelter.

• "f staff and cage space are aailable! the dog might be gien another twenty-four hours to settle

into his surroundings and then be re-assessed.

• "f the shelter employs behaior staff! the dog may be put on a behaior modification program and

re-assessed after the program is complete.

•Some shelters hae behaior foster homes in which to house dogs with potential behaior issuesfor a trial period. %&perienced foster olunteers follow through with the shelter+s behaiormodification program and obsere the dog+s behaior in a =real life+ setting.

• Shelters without behaior departments may utili)e community dog trainers to deise additional

behaior modification protocols! work with the shelter dogs or sere as foster homes > paid or

unpaid.

• 'ocal rescue groups may be interested in taking a dog that would not be a good candidate for

shelter adoption. Sharing the assessment with the group allows them to make an informed

decision about whether or not they hae the resources to meet the animal+s needs.

7hether your facility is a high olume! open admission agency with few resources! or a shelter with

many resources you can use S*,%/< to assist you. ,or instance?

• "f you are a shelter with few resources and little time M8M S*,%/ < might be used to helpidentify the behaiorally soundest pit bulls and guarding breeds to ensure that those placed up for

adoption will be great ambassadors for both their breeds and your shelter.

• The M8M S*,%/< aggression assessment may help superisors make euthanasia decisions! but

the assessment alone should neer be the only input considered. /elin(uishment sureys done at

intake! eterinary reports from the health check! and input from animal care technicians!

olunteers! and foster parents should also be considered wheneer a life or death decision is

made.

4efore conducting behaior modification and management work! three important programs should

first be in place in your facility.

• * general enrichment program

• *n adoption follow-up program

• * standardi)ed program for analy)ing progress of animals receiing behaior interentions > in

essence a mechanism to determine if the behaior modification is working.

The *SPC* strongly recommends that program 1 #enrichment$ and program @ #adoption follow up$

be put in place and working well before focusing on behaior modification. Together! these programs

help ensure success by supporting the needs of both the animals in your care and adopters.

5uly 6778 6A




Begin Sample SOP

The Meet Eour Match® S&20I e%aluation determines predictability for aggression it does not indicatean animal"s ability to QhandleR a shelter en%ironment.

The kennel super%isor uses the feedback from the %eterinarian$ the trainer$ and her staffs" obser%ations ofthe dog to make the decision about adoption or euthanasia. There must be e!cellent communicationbet'een the %eterinarian$ the trainer and the kennel super%isor.

!ocess(O'ner relin*uish sur%ey gi%en at intake 'hen possible a one,on,one inter%ie' bet'een staff andrelin*uisher.

MEM S&20 I must be administered by a certified assessor 'ith a trained obser%er.

&ll assessments are %ideotaped.

When enrichment is a%ailable and resources permit assessment should be conducted after D=,?6 hours.f resources are short and enrichment is not a%ailable$ assessment should be conducted before dog isplaced in a kennel.

&ssessment should be re%ie'ed by assessor and obser%er.

• >ogs that score C"s and 6"s 'ith no history of aggression at intake can be tracked to adoption assoon as possible. f the assessment 'as conducted at intake$ re,asses foodFtoy assessment.

• >ogs that score D"s$ G"s$ and ;"s$ no decision should be made until the recorded assessment isre%ie'ed for %erification that the correct identification of beha%ior and correct handling took placein the assessment. f there 'as incorrect handling during the assessment$ the dog should be re,assessed 6G hours later using proper techni*ue. nrichment should be pro%ided during the 6G

hour period.

• When D$ G$ and ; beha%ior is correctly identified$ all other information (from relin*uisher report$medical report$ foster$ identified beha%ior$ staff and %olunteers report) should be considered priorto making decision about adoption$ foster$ release to rescue partner$ beha%ior modification$ oreuthanasia.

• >ecisions regarding euthanasia$ adoption etc of dogs that score G and ; should be made basedon a%ailable resources. <igh risk dogs should not be the primary focus if other companionanimals (dogs$ cats$ puppies$ and kittens) are being euthani1ed for treatable illness or euthani1edfor fear$ under sociali1ed beha%ior$ or other beha%iors that are not aggressi%e. The facility shouldha%e a standardi1ed enrichment program for all companion animals before resources areallocated to dogs at higher risk for aggression.

• &doption and euthanasia decisions should not be made by the assessors.

5uly 6778 68




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*+,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

SANEUTER SUR0ER

Notes:

• 0pdate for your agency+s policies and process.

Begin Sample SOP

&dult animals scheduled for surgery are fasted from the night before.

Pediatric patients (those bet'een = and C= 'eeks of age) should not be fasted. They should be fed asmall meal 6 to G hours before spayFneuter surgery. Water should not be 'ithheld.

&fter reco%ering from surgery$ animals are returned to their cageFrun.

The person returning the animal to the cageFrun must circle on the cage card that the animal is spayed orneutered.

The animal"s computer record andFor intake form is updated to indicate the animal is no' spayed orneutered.

5uly 6778 D7




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*+I,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

ADOT/ONS Notes:

• Placing terrific animals in new foreer homes is one of the most rewarding and most challenging

assignments in animal welfare. These guidelines are an e&ample of how one shelter has defined a

structured adoption process.

• The *doption pages of www.*SPC*pro.org contain detailed information about implementing

open and learning-centered adoptions that you may want to consider.

Begin Sample SOP

Buidelines for adoption procedures and the handling of adoption applicationsFsur%eys ensure thatpotential adopters are gi%en an e*ual opportunity to adopt. 2ront office staff are responsible for adheringto adoption procedures$ for re%ie'ing and appro%ing or declining adoption applications and for handlingadoption contracts and fees.

&doption procedures. The follo'ing procedures are designed to help place an animal in a suitable home.

• &doption area. Kenter specifics relating to 'hat geographical area you adoptL.

• &pplicationFSur%ey. Potential pet adopters must complete an adoption sur%ey before meeting theanimals a%ailable for adoption outside their kennel or cage. This information pro%ides staff 'ith abetter understanding of the pet adopters past animal history$ their e!pectations for a pet$ lifestyle$and the en%ironment in 'hich a ne' animal 'ould be placed.

• 2amilyFhousehold members. 3ecause the decision to adopt a lifelong companion is a big step inones life$ it is recommended that family and household members participate in the selection of apet.

o f possible$ children under the age of A years should be obser%ed interacting 'ith theproposed animal.

o &dult members of the household must be a part of the selection. This can be completed'ith a phone call 'hen one of the adults cannot come to the shelter.

• #onsultation. Once an animal is selected$ the computer record is re%ie'ed for information aboutthat animal and to inform the applicant of any current holds on the animal or medical issues.

o f there are holds$ e!plain them to the applicant and encourage the applicant to complete

the process and be a back up adoption.o 2ront office staff 'ill 'ork 'ith the applicant and the animal they are interested in and

engage in a dialog 'ith the applicant to determine if this is a suitable match. • Eard #heck.

o f the application is for a Pit 3ull$ 0ott'eiler$ >oberman$ Berman Shepherd or otherprotecti%e breed$ a yard check must be completed and appro%ed before the adoption isappro%ed.

o & yard check 'ill be scheduled 'ith animal control.

5uly 6778 DC







• SpayF/euter. Most of the animals a%ailable for adoption ha%e been spayed or neutered. Thisshould be %erified by the staff. &ny animal that has not been sterili1ed must be before it 'ill beallo'ed to be adopted or lea%e the shelter. & note should be made in the animals computerrecord and an e,mail to the >irector of Shelter Operations to re*uest this animal be added to thespay and neuter list.

Processing an adoption applicationFsur%ey. The adoption process is designed to gi%e Shelter staff moreinformation about the adopters household$ e!pectations$ and e!perience 'ith animals and generallyassist in making a good match bet'een animal and home.

• 2irst applicants. &doption of animals from the Shelter is on a first,come$ first,ser%ed basis. &nindi%idual or family 'ho ha%e selected an animal and 'hose home appears to be acceptable aregi%en until close of business the ne!t day to complete the application or sur%ey.

o &ll acti%e applications are kept on a clipboard at the front office counter.o &ny time there is an application on a specific animal that is not finali1ed by an adoption

that same day$ the animal"s status must be changed to Q&doption PendingR This places ahold for that person on that animal Kenter hold timeL to allo' the applicant time tocomplete the application.

• 3ack,up applicants. We 'ill accept back up applicants on animals 'ho 'ill be eligible to adoptthat animal if the applicant ahead of them forfeits. Office staff should record in the animal"scomputer record these back up applications. 3ack,up applications 'ith a copy of the &doptionStatus 2orm$ are kept on the clip board as 'ell.

• &doption Status 2orm. There may be occasions 'here an application is pending because otherfamily members 'ant to %isit the selected pet or for other reasons. When an &doption Status2orm is gi%en to an applicant a hold MST be completed for that person in that animal"s record.

o &pplicants are gi%en until close of the ne!t %isiting day on the selected animal tocomplete the needed steps.

o The staff person re%ie'ing the application 'ill complete the t'o,part &doption Status

2orm indicating the time period 'e 'ill hold the application. T S #0T#&: T<&T ST&22HP:&/ T< >O#M/T &/> T S #:&0 TO T< &PP:#:&/T W<&T T<E/> TO >O &/> / W<&T TM 20&M.

o The applicant 'ill then recei%e the top ('hite) copy of this completed form clearlycommunicating the ne!t steps in the adoption process.

o The other copy is stapled to the back of their application.o The information must also be indicated in the animal"s record 'ith the specifics on 'hat

they need to do and in 'hat time frameo <olds can be e!tended O/:E if there is no other person as a back up on that animal.

• >eclining an applicant. Staff should carefully re%ie' each application. n the e%ent an indi%idualappears unstable or into!icated or does not agree to abide by reasonable adoption conditions$the application may be declined. 5ustification should be gi%en to the indi%idual and$ if handled

tactfully$ can be an e!cellent opportunity to educate.

o Office staff should 'rite the reason for denial on the application$ 'hich is submitted to theadoption program manager$ as 'ell as in the computer record

5uly 6778 D6




• 2inali1ing an adoption.

The final adoption process includes 'itnessing the adoption contract$ payment of adoption fees$issuance of medical information$ checking for microchip information and completion of in,houseforms.

o 0e%ie' the contract completely$ including all the medical information at the bottom get

client"s initials 'here re*uired and signature at the end.o #ollect payment.o 0ing amount of sale into register

• &doption contract. &dopters are re*uired to carefully read the adoption contract and affi! theirsignatures to this document indicating agreement to its terms$ conditions$ and spayFneuter andhealth e!am re*uirements. & staff member 'ill 'itness and date the contract.

• 3e sure to e!plain 'here the medical information is and remind them to take their copy of thecontract to their %eterinarian on the first %isit. The pet adopter 'ill recei%e his or her copy of thecontract. The original and Shelter copies of the contract are submitted to the 2ront OfficeSuper%isor.

• Medical information. &ll medical information is kept current in the animal"s record. This information

is to be gi%en to the adopter so their %eterinarian kno's 'hat 'e ha%e done for the animal.

o When the animals pre%ious medical history is released to the adopter$ staff 'ill eliminateany reference to the pre%ious o'ners name and address.

• >ocumentation. The animal"s record is updated to record the date of adoption and the name$address$ and telephone number of the adopter. Pet beha%ior e%aluations can be gi%en to the ne'o'ner. &ny pending applicants listed on the tracking slip should be notified that the animal hasbeen placed in a ne' home.

• 0efunds. /o matter ho' careful the Shelter is in attempting to match the right pet 'ith the rightfamily$ there 'ill be occasions 'here animals 'ill be returned to the Shelter. &doption fees arenon refundable. Managers can o%erride this policy.

5uly 6778 DD




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*2),Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

/SSUES OF CONCERN FOR ADOT/ONS

Notes:

• The table below is one way to summari)e your agency+s policies on specific issues that can occur

with some adopters.

• ,or each issue! enter your agency+s policy and a brief e&planation of why the policy e&ists. "t is

helpful to use language in this e&planation that your staff can use to when e&plaining your policyto potential adopters.

Begin Sample SOP

/ssue A#enc1 o'ic1 Rationa'e an& Comments

#ommitment of family andFor other adult householdmembers

:andlordsF0enting

Outside,only >og

Buard >og

Pit 3ulls

2ences and >og <ouses

#haining

Eard #hecksOutside #at ornsideFOutside #at

>ecla'ing

5uly 6778 DG




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*2+,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

FOSTER RO0RA3 Notes:

• Depending on the depth and number of your foster program you may e&pand the type and

situation you would foster an animal.

• The most important aspect is that you can track and account for the animals in foster care at any

gien time.

Begin Sample SOP

We 'ant e%ery animal brought to us to ha%e a chance for a long and happy life. 3ecause of our limited

resources and personnel$ 'e are not able to care for the many sick$ inured and %ery young but other'iseadoptable animals as 'e 'ould like to. 2oster care 'ill allo' some of the young ones to gro' and the sickand inured to heal.

The 2oster #are Program brings caring indi%iduals and needy animals together$ pro%iding special care ina home setting until the animals are ready for adoption.

Anima's e'i#i4'e "o! "oste! ca!e(

• 9ery young kittens and puppies that are appro%ed by the %eterinarian and the kennel super%isor.

• &nimals 'ith a treatable illness$ 'ith reasonable inter%ention

• &nimals 'ith a treatable inury$ 'ith reasonable time and treatment

• Single raised kittens and puppies$ 'hen they can be added to an e!isting group of siblings 'ith amother to learn catFdog beha%ior.

• Others as appro%ed by the %eterinarian &/> kennel super%isor.

Anima's usua''1 not e'i#i4'e "o! "oste! ca!e(

• &nimals 'ith serious medical problems and a poor prognosis for reco%ery or rehabilitation

• &nimals 'ith serious beha%ior problems$ such as serious aggression issues that put humans or

other animals at risk of harm

• nthrifty young animals

Sta"" "oste!in#(

• Staff re*uesting to foster must get the appro%al of the %eterinarian and the kennel super%isor.>ogs considered for beha%ioral foster only must be appro%ed by the >irector of Operations.

5uly 6778 D;




• Staff fostering the animals need to understand that ongoing decisions about care 'ill remain inthe hands of the shelter and are dependent on financial resources and prognosis for reco%ery.

• &ny animal that lea%es the shelter in foster care must be recorded as such. The hard copy of theanimals record is filed in the &nimals in 2oster file (this is in the front of the shelter 'ith all the

outcomes) 'ith the name and contact person 'ho is the foster pro%ider and a note in thecomputer record about 'here the animal is and the date the animal 'ent into foster.

• When the animal is returned to the shelter$ the file hard copy is retrie%ed and placed 'ith theanimal and the computer record is updated sho'ing the animal has been returned.

Vo'untee! "oste!in#(

• When an animal is a candidate for foster$ 'e use trained and super%ised %olunteers 'ho areappro%ed for foster.

• The appro%al for the animal to be fostered must first be obtained by the kennel super%isor &/>

the %eterinarian. The status of the animal is changed to Qready for foster.R

• The %olunteer coordinator 'orking in concert 'ith the foster care coordinator 'ill 'ork to find afoster pro%ider.

• 9olunteers that are appro%ed to foster are organi1ed by Kenter the title of the staff 'ho coordinatefosteringL.

• 9olunteers fostering the animals need to understand that ongoing decisions about care 'illremain in the hands of the shelter and are dependent on financial resources and prognosis forreco%ery.

• 9olunteers also need to be a'are that the shelter makes all medicalFsurgical decisions about

foster animals. The shelter pro%ides a contact for medical emergencies. 9olunteers 'ill not bereimbursed if they take an animal to another %eterinarian for e!am$ diagnostic testing$ treatment$etc.

• &ny animal that lea%es the shelter in foster care must be recorded as such. The hard copy of theanimal"s record is put in the kennel super%isor"s bo! 'ith the name and contact person 'ho is thefoster pro%ider and a note in the computer record about 'here the animal is and the date theanimal 'ent into foster and the date that the ne!t e!aminationFrecheck is due.

• When the animal is returned to the shelter$ the file hard copy is retrie%ed and placed 'ith theanimal and the computer record is updated sho'ing the animal has been returned.

5uly 6778 D=




She'te! O%e!ations )))*22,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

DO0 WAL6/N0 Notes:

• "dentify which dogs can be walked and by whom. 4e sure to indicate how staff or olunteers will

know which dogs to walk.

• "dentify the location for walking and any other considerations for your location.

• "nclude instructions for tracking which dogs hae been walked! when! and by whom.

Begin Sample SOP

When remo%ing a dog from the cage or run$ al'ays use a thick slip lead. /e%er use the clip end of a leashon the collar. 2rightened animals may pull back 'hen being 'alked$ and they can easily slip out of the clip

collar and run a'ay.

:ea%e an Q am being 'alkedR notice on each kennel dog"s cage to indicate that the dog 'ill be back inkennels shortly.

&s you 'alk outside$ keep the dog on a short leash and do not allo' the dog to interact$ sniff$ touchnoses$ etc. 'ith any other dog or person.

Only staff are allo'ed to 'alk animals from the *uarantine area and the isolation area.

9olunteers can 'alk dogs from the adoption area only. Trained %olunteers can 'alk dogs from <ealthy<old if the dogs ha%e been beha%ior e%aluated. &ny dog in the healthy hold area 'ith a sign that says Qdonot 'alkR should be 'alked only by staff.

>ogs that are indicated by the staff as being housebroken should be 'alked at least t'ice a day. Pleasekeep poop bags 'ith you and pick up any feces.

f a dog gets a'ay from a staff person or %olunteer$ ne%er chase the dog. nstead$ alert the staff andencourage the dog to come back to you 'ith soft %oices and treats.

When a dog has been 'alked$ please indicate the time on the animal care sheet on the kennel.

>eposit the feces in the trash can.

Walk dogs in the designated area. 2ollo' the protocols posted on the gate of the dog e!ercise area.

To reduce the spread or outbreak of infectious disease$ the dog 'alking area 'ill be saniti1ed e%ery nightfollo'ing a posted protocol.

5uly 6778 D?





WOR6/N0 /N THE FOOD RE AREA Notes:

• %dit this information to be specific to your facility.

Begin Sample SOP

0ENERAL

• Please keep this area clean and neat.

• f supplies of ra'hides and biscuits run lo'$ re,stock the area from main in%entory supplies.

• @eep the stock of canned dog food on the shel%es complete$ re,stocking as needed.

• mmediately take all dirty dishes to the dish 'ashing station for disinfection.

• Please do not lea%e open bags of dog food lying around. &ll food should be in the rolling bineither labeled Qdog foodR or Qpuppy food.R

• se a bleach spray to keep the table clean be sure to mi! the bleach fresh each day.

• @eep the tops tight on the food holders for adult and puppy food.

• When these food holding containers are empty$ roll them o%er to the supply corner and re,fill 'ithappropriate food type.

• S'eep up any spilled dog food after each feeding.

Fi''in# Wate! ai's

• The 'ater at the shelter is potable.

•

2ill the 'atering can 'ith 'ater.• The 'ater pails are to be hung on the inside front of the cage to the side of the gate$ so it is easy

to fill the bo'l 'ithout opening the cage.• When putting 'ater in cages of puppies$ place the bo'ls to the back of the cage they are less

likely to be tipped o%er.• When there are no a%ailable bo'ls$ please try to use sturdy$ flat bottomed bo'ls preferably

stone crocks or rubber bottomed stainless steel if possible this 'ill sa%e you lots of cleaning ofspilled 'aterX

5uly 6778 DA





WASH/N0 THE D/SHES

Notes:

• %dit this information to be specific to your facility. ,or e&ample! this SOP is written for a facility

in which a dishwasher is not aailable.

Begin Sample SOP

Note- bleach becomes inert after e!posure to light and air$ so yesterday"s mi!ture is no longer effecti%e.

Please mi! up fresh cleaning solution first thing in the morning and set up G separate tubs.• 2ill the first 'ash tub 'ith 'ater and detergent.

• 2ill the second 'ash tub 'ith plain 'ater for rinsing.

• 2ill the third tub 'ith a bleach mi!- Kenter ho' much bleach to 'ater based on the amount of'ater the tub holdsL

• 2ill the last tub full 'ith plain 'ater for rinsing. (The rinse after bleach may also be performedunder running 'ater.

• When finished 'ith the dishes$ drain all the tubs.

Disin"ectin# Dishes(

• #lean any food particles from the dishes by 'iping them out into the trash.

• Place dishes in the detergent solution and scrub completely 'ith a green scrubbie (no sponges)

inside and place the bo'l in a clear 'ater rinse-• Place dishes in the bleach solution and lea%e for a minimum of C7 minutes.

• Place dishes in the rinse 'ater and thoroughly rinsed under running 'ater until there is no bleachresidue.

• Stack dishes upside do'n so they can drain on the racks ne!t to the dish area.

• When dishes are dry$ take them back to the proper area- clean dish area for dogs and cats or thefood prep area. >o this by the end of the day so there are clean dishes for the ne!t day.

5uly 6778 D8




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*2:,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

FEL/NE ENV/RON3ENTAL ENR/CH3ENT(

Notes:

•

* few e&amples of cat and kitten enrichment are included below. *dd your agency+s strategies for proiding enrichment to shelter cats.

Begin Sample SOP

Bene"its o" En!ichment "o! Cats an& 6ittens(While kenneled in <ealthy <old (an a%erage of t'o to fi%e days)$ solation$ or uarantine$ cats and kittensha%e limited handling contact$ although they also ha%e some interaction 'ith people as staff and patrons'alk through the area,, usually responding to the animals by talking to them. Many of these animals arehigh,energy and need outlets for mental and physical energy. #ats and kittens are usually more inclinedthan dogs and puppies to in%ent play 'ith Qfound toys$R e%en 'ithout a playmate.

Eam%'es o" Acti-e To1s(• hard$ round plastic sho'er curtain rings$ linked in pairs and attached to gate bars (high enough to

encourage umping and reaching)• small rolling balls ('ith or 'ithout bells inside) to mo%e around the cage floor and to hide under a

to'el ,, a single sho'er curtain ring can also ser%e this purpose

<ere are some basic health and safety re*uirements for cat toys-• Toys must be easily and thoroughly able to be disinfected$ or be disposable after single use.

>isinfect toys before gi%ing to another animal using the procedure used to disinfect dishes.• 0olling toys must be too large to fit bet'een cage bars.

• &ny toys for kittens or cats must be safe that is$ of sturdy construction and appropriate materialsso that cats cannot ingest toy parts or inure themsel%es 'ith the toy or its components.

!o-i&in# a Secu!e A!ea(Pro%ide as needed a hiding area for cats$ specifically for cats or kittens 'ho appear frightened. #onsiderhanging a to'el o%er the front of the cage to allo' the cat to rela!.

5uly 6778 G7




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*2=,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

CAN/NE ENV/RON3ENTAL ENR/CH3ENT( Notes:

• * few e&amples of dog and puppy enrichment are included below. *dd your agency+s strategies

for proiding enrichment to shelter canines.

• /efer to the %nrichment for Shelter Dogs section of www.*SPC*pro.org for a low-cost but

highly robust canine enrichment program that you can implement with your staff and olunteers.

Begin Sample SOP

Bene"its o" Canine En!ichment(

nrichment helps dogs and puppies maintain their mental$ physical$ and emotional health so that theyremain good adoption candidates and don"t become beha%iorally at risk.

Eam%'es o" En!ichment "o! Do#s an& u%%ies-

• 9ery hard rubber che'able toys. @ong toys$ if the appropriate si1e is gi%en to each dog$ are toorigid to be che'ed into pieces.

• n addition$ %olunteers should be encouraged to use Qdog 'alk timeR to its greatest ad%antage andas much more than simply the chance to eliminate.

• ndi%idual e!ercise opportunities should a%erage C;,67 minutes$ including leash time$ talking$petting$ and interacti%e play. &cti%e Qpeople timeR allo's an outlet for mental &/> physical energythrough focused$ interacti%e play.

• 3y focusing on a specific task (repeatedly returning a ball$ @ong$ or 2risbee playing Qhide,and,

seekR 'ith treats or toys$ etc.)$ dogs are able to e!pel much more pent,up mental and physicalenergy in a limited amount of time and space. Therefore$ they greatly reduce stress due toconfinement$ isolation$ and boredom.

<ere are some basic health and safety re*uirements for dog and puppy toys-• Toys must be easily and thoroughly able to be disinfected$ or be disposable after single use.

>isinfect toys before gi%ing to another animal using the procedure used to disinfect dishes.• Toys must be of sturdy construction and appropriate materials so that they pose no danger if

ingested or damaged.

5uly 6778 GC







She'te! o%e!ations )))*2,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

LOST AN/3ALS

Notes:

• The issue of lost and found animals is a highly sensitie one! re(uiring policies that balance the

needs of the animal! the shelter! pet owners! and sometimes law enforcement.

• %dit the details in the following sample to document your agency+s policies and procedures for

handling lost and found animals.

Begin Sample SOP

t is the goal of the Knter your shelter nameL to return all strays entering the Shelter to their o'ners and topro%ide assistance to those 'ho ha%e lost pets or to indi%iduals 'ho ha%e found animals. The Knter your

shelter nameL defines reasonable attempts to contact the o'ner as-• checking lost reports

• checking found reports

• checking ne'spaper ads

• listing the animal on the 'ebsite.

f the o'ner is kno'n$ reasonable attempts include phone calls$ internet messages$ and a certified returnreceipt letter to the last kno'n address.

Ho'&in# Anima's "o! Law En"o!cementThe Knter your shelter nameL occasionally is asked to hold animals 'hile their o'ners are being detainedby la' enforcement. t is critical that 'e get the follo'ing information from the Police or person deli%eringthe animal-

• name and badge number of police person$• name of o'ner$

• contact phone numbers of the o'ner$

• location of o'ner$ any kno' relati%es$ etc.

Ho'&in# e!io& "o! Lost Anima'sOffice staff are to record the date each animal is a%ailable for release on the animal"s record. The strayhold is Knter your stray periodL.

Sic7 o! /nu!e& St!a1 Anima'sThe %eterinarian 'ill determine the correct treatment for the pet.

• f the pet is se%erely inured or ill$ the %eterinarian 'ill determine if euthanasia is appropriate.

•

Pets that$ in the opinion of the %eterinarian$ are e!periencing e!treme pain or suffering$ may beeuthani1ed after the staff has e!hausted reasonable efforts to contact the o'ner.• f the pet is 'earing identification$ the %eterinarian 'ill determine appropriate treatment to make

the pet comfortable 'hile reasonable attempts are made to contact the o'ner.

The %et 3UST BE HELD FOR AT LEAST 29 HOURS$ as we attem%t to t!ac7 the owne!. A'' attem%tsmust 4e &ocumente& on the anima'Gs com%ute! !eco!&. /" the anima' cannot 4e 7e%t ca'm o! "!ee o" %ain &u!in# this %e!io& o! the anima' is &1in#$ a -ete!ina!ian must &eci&e whethe! to euthanie theanima'.

5uly 6778 G6




3atchin# Anima'sThe description of the animal$ date lost or found$ location 'here animal 'as lost or found$ and any formsof identification are important factors used for matching animals. Our goal is to assist the person 'ho islooking for their lost petX

Ta7in# a Lost et Re%o!t

•

&sk the person if they ha%e pre%iously filled out a lost report.o f they ha%e$ ask them 'hen ('e keep reports for D7 days from the date of the report).o f they filled out a report 'ithin the last month$ check to be sure the report is on file.o f the report is still acti%e for that animal$ escort the person through the shelter.o f their report has e!pired$ they need to fill out a ne' report before they can be escorted

through the shelter.o f the report is for a pit bull$ ask the clientFpatron to stay in the front office 'hile the client

care staff takes the 'ritten report and 'alks through the shelter to see if there is a match.• Only if the client care staff person feels there is a match 'ill the person filing the report be

escorted directly to the animal that may be a match.• &ll reports must be re%ie'ed by the client care staff or %olunteer to ensure the information is clear$

the description is clear and the contact information is complete.• !plain to the patron they should %isit the shelter e%ery D,G days to check. We do check daily but

there are many animals and sometimes descriptions do not match.• !plain the stray hold period.

• !plain that their lost report 'ill be held in our system for D7 days from the day it 'as filed.

• Bi%e them the lost pet flyer that gi%es them information on ho' to keep checking for their pet.

• ncourage them to post flyers around their neighborhood and to ask the mailperson or paperdeli%ery person to look for the lost pet too.

• The staff or %olunteer 'ho took the report 'ill at this time check the found animal binder to see ifthere are any matches.

• When there is time$ client care staff or trained %olunteers should call people 'ho ha%e filed lostand found reports to see if they ha%e found their animal or found the o'ner. Many times theyforget to call us back.

Ca''s F!om Citiens Re%o!tin# Lost Anima's &ny time an indi%idual calls to report a lost animal$ ask them to come to the shelter to complete a lostreport. The shelter does not accept lost reports o%er the phone unless the person is handicapped orelderly and unable to come to the shelter.

Chec7in# Lost Re%o!ts Dai'1The client care super%isor 'ill assign lost report checking to client care staff andFor trained %olunteers sothe duties can be spread out o%er more people. The follo'ing daily checks need to be made-

• :ost reports against found reports

• :ost reports against Shelter on hand animals

• On,hand animals against the :ost Pets section of the ne'spaper and #raigslist

These checks are done by 'alking through the shelter 'ith the lost reports in front of you and looking ateach animal to see if there is a possible match.

5uly 6778 GD




She'te! O%e!ations )))* 2,ente! e""ecti-e &ate

FOUND AN/3ALS

Notes:

• %dit the details in the following sample to document your agency+s policies and procedures for

handling found strays and animals with traceable identification.

• /eiew your policies with your legal adiser. "n most states! animals are considered personal

property.

Begin Sample SOP

Anima's with T!acea4'e /&enti"ication

• The staff person 'ho intakes the animal 'ill enter all the information in the animal"s record$ andcreate a memo and <O:> in the record that you ha%e started tracing the identification.

• That same person 'ill start tracing the identification information to locate the o'ner (call the %ethospital to trace the tag e%en if it is long distance$ call the o'ner listed on the > tag$ call themicrochip company and find out the o'ner"s information if it is a%ailable).

• Make notes in the animal"s record that the attempts ha%e been made and the result. i.e.contacted o'ner current contact information$ 'hat the status is of being picked up$ your nameand date.

• f able to contact the o'ner$ e!plain the fees$ 'hat our hours are$ that the animal must lea%e theshelter in a carrier or on a collar and leash.

•

f there is no response from the phone call or from an agreement by the o'ner to come in toreclaim the animals 'ithin D days of the initial contact$ then a certified$ return receipt letter mustbe sent mailed to the o'ner.

• & copy of the letter is kept in the front office in a D,ring binder titled Qcertified letters.R

• & note is made in the animals" record 'hen the letter 'as mailed and 'hen the return receipt isrecei%ed.

• Only after the return of the receipt of letter has occurred can the animal be adopted$ transferred$or euthani1ed.

• f the letter 'as ne%er recei%ed and there is no return receipt after 6; days from 'hen the certified

letter 'as sent$ 'e ha%e taken reasonable steps to track do'n an o'ner$ and the animal canlegally be ours. #omplete notes must be noted in the computer record and decisions can bemade about adoption$ transfer$ or euthanasia.

• & copy of the letter must be attached to the hard copy of the cage card after disposition and kepton hand for one year.

5uly 6778 GG




St!a1 Anima's The person handling the intake of a stray animal brought to the Shelter by a citi1en or Shelter personnel'ill promptly check-

• lost reports on file$

• lost reports from the Kenter your local paperL$

• #raigslist.com and

• lost pets on Petfinder and Petharbor.

The animal computer record should reflect the date and time the animal 'as found$ the initials of theemployee$ and the date lost reports 'ere first checked.

3atchin#The description of stray animals that ha%e been brought to the Shelter by citi1ens or through the animalcontrol department should be immediately cross,checked 'ith lost animal reports.

f a match is made$ o'ners should be %!om%t'1 called and notified of the process in%ol%ed for the releaseof the animal. Should the o'ner be unreachable by telephone$ personnel 'ill post a notice at the door ofthe residence.

•

& <old is put on the animal"s record of a possible match and return to o'ner.• & note is put on the cage card of the animal 'ith the date and name of the staff person 'riting

the information.• The possible o'ner is pro%ided the information or steps heFshe must take to finali1e the return to

o'ner.

Office staff should educate citi1ens reporting lost animals about the benefits of spaying or neutering$ theha1ards of lea%ing animals outside unattended and the importance of identification.

Ca''s "!om Citiens Re%o!tin# Foun& Anima's.When indi%iduals call or %isit the Shelter to report a found animal$ office staff 'ill complete the appropriateform and obtain as much detailed information as possible.

:ost animal reports should be promptly checked.

• f a match is made$ the person should be referred to the o'ner of the animal.

• f no match is made$ office staff should encourage the person to bring the animal to the Shelter ifhe or she is unable to keep it and report the found animal to other local shelters$ to post signs inthe area the animal 'as found and to ad%ertise in a local ne'spaper.

!ocessin# Re%o!ts :ostFfound reports are kept in a current file until a match is made or D7 days after the report 'as filed.Staff and %olunteers should call o'ners of lost animals and citi1ens reporting found animals on a fre*uentbasis to see if they found their pet or found the o'ner as 'ay to clear out reports andFor update thelostFfound reports.

f animals are reunited 'ith o'ners 'ith &gency assistance$ the lostFfound reports are submitted to the#ontroller for adding to the membership mailing list. &ll other reports are transferred to a secondary file.Staff is responsible for re,checking the secondary file on a 'eekly basis.

Retu!n to Owne!s( !oo" o" Owne!shi%Our mission is to BT T< &/M&: <OM. Therefore the follo'ing guidelines ha%e been put into place.Proof of o'nership can be determined in many 'ays-

• > tag$ rabies tags or license tags

5uly 6778 G;




• 9eterinary records

• Pictures

• 3ill of sale

• 0egistration papers

f the abo%e are lacking$ take into consideration-

• Where the animal 'as lost compared to 'here found

• Jip code

• >escription

• #oordinating dates

• <o' the animal reacts to the person

• /eighbors identification

Eou may also try-

• #alling the %et or the groomer

• & call to a neighbor or friend

• f all these fail a patron may put a finders hold on the animal.• /otify your manager about all o'nership disputes.

Anima's a!e %e!sona' %!o%e!t1 an& cannot 4e withhe'& "!om an owne! without &ue cause .Persons claiming a stray animal as their o'n must pro%ide proof of o'nership (see abo%e). Pictures 'illbe accepted only if they can sho' time$ i.e. se%eral pictures taken o%er time. 2urthermore$ pet o'nersmay ha%e to pay certain fees to reclaim the animal. f there are %et fees the o'ner 'ill be responsible forthose fees. The >irector of Shelter Operations should ha%e fees noted in the computer record in case ano'ner comes forth.

/m%oun& Knter your impound feesL

• 2irst offense$ the impound fee is Y?;.77 (Y6; is for rabies %accination$ and Y;7 is the e!clusi%e

impound fee. f the o'ner can sho' proof of rabies$ the impound fee is only Y;7)• Second offense is YC6;.77

• Third offence is YC;7.

Ra4ies Ta#sKnter your process for issuing rabies tagsL

Boa!&in# Fees2or each night a stray animal is housed at the Shelter$ a boarding fee of Kenter your daily fee hereL peranimal 'ill be charged to the o'ner.

O'ners of unsterili1ed pets are to be encouraged to spay or neuter their animals. pon the appro%al of asuper%isor$ impound and boarding fees may be reduced if the o'ner purchases a spayFneuter certificate

from the Shelter. The receipt should reflect the reason 'hy fees are being reduced and be signed by amanager.

n cases 'here a stray animal is being returned to an o'ner and the animal entered the Shelter 'ithoutidentification$ office staff should e!plain to the indi%idual the importance of identification and encouragethe person to purchase a tag. n addition$ o'ners should be cautioned about lea%ing animals outsideunattended.

:eashes and collars can be made a%ailable for a YC fee to send the animal out the door 'ith a collar.

5uly 6778 G=




#ats should be placed in a cardboard carrier to ensure they make it home safely.

5uly 6778 G?




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*5),Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

EUTHANAS/A DEC/S/ONS Notes:

• The purpose of this SOP is to proide a guideline and basic criteria to be considered in all

euthanasia decisions.

• * consistent! documented decision process helps eeryone understand the process and know what

to e&pect! which is particularly important for one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of animal

welfare work.

• %aluate your state and local laws as they relate to euthanasia before a stray hold period ends.

Most states and localities hae laws that only a licensed eterinarian can make this decision! so

inestigate these laws carefully before establishing your policies.

• 4e sure to reiew all of this SOP carefully with your medical adisor! and edit this information to

reflect your agency+s policies and protocols for euthanasia.

Begin Sample SOP

We are an Qopen,admissionR shelter$ 'hich means that e%ery companion animal in need of shelter andcare is 'elcome here. We offer all animals a refuge$ regardless of 'hether 'e belie%e that animal isadoptable. We are dedicated to pre%enting animal suffering and cruelty and to pro%iding *uality care fore%ery animal.

<umane euthanasia of animals , a practice ackno'ledged by most animal protection organi1ations as anacceptable means for alle%iating or pre%enting suffering is still necessary due to the surplus of animals

recei%ed at our shelter and those in the surrounding communities. uthanasia is not a decision 'e takelightly$ but one 'e must make nonetheless.

We sincerely 'ish that e%ery animal that comes to us could be adopted to a caring$ responsible home.nfortunately$ there aren"t enough *uality homes for placement. We e%aluate the health and temperamentof each animal on an indi%idual basis. We use our e!perience and protocol to e%aluate an animal"s needsand balance those needs 'ith the greater good of the animal population in our care. Since euthanasia isthe final act of kindness that can be sho'n to an animal$ it is the policy of the Knter your shelter"s nameL that animals be handled 'ith respect and sensiti%ity and protected from stress$ fear$ discomfort$ and pain.

ach animal 'ho comes to us is e%aluated in entirety taking into account both beha%ior and medicalconditions. uthanasia must be considered-

• When an animal is felt to be suffering mentally$ emotionally or physically 'ith a poor prognosis$protracted painful reco%ery$ or incurable illness

• When an animal is deemed to pose an unacceptable danger to other animals$ itself$ or the public

We also recogni1e the adoptability of animals in shelters may be impacted by-• temperament

• pre%ious history$ age$ breed$ health

• ability to cope 'ith kennel stress

• space$ time of year

• foster care resources$ human resources$ budget

5uly 6778 GA




• personal attachments by staff and %olunteers

• re*uirements ordered by the courts or &nimal #ontrol

Our e%aluation process assesses an animal"s beha%ior$ temperament and health. The e%aluation processis a tool to help the >irector of Shelter Operations$ @ennel Manager$ 9eterinarian and 3eha%ior Managerassess an animal"s beha%ior and health. This information is used to determine if an animal is healthy$

treatable$ or unhealthyFuntreatable-• &nimals that rate high in the e%aluation are healthy and adoptable.

• Treatable animals may be borderline but could respond 'ith treatment.

• nhealthy animals are clearly sick or are unsafe for the community.

&nimals may display beha%ior patterns or ha%e physical conditions that 'ould make them difficult to carefor at the shelter or in a home en%ironment. Some animals may be dangerous to people or other animalsand it 'ould be not be in the best interest of Knter your shelter"s nameL or the community to place suchanimals.

nformation from the beha%ior and health e%aluations is included in the decision making process.Management re%ie's euthanasia decisions daily. When there are conflicts about a euthanasia decision$the management team 'ill re%ie' the case and make a final decision. Staff members must bring

*uestions about euthanasia decisions directly to the >irector of Shelter Operations.

%aluators clearly document the specific reasons for euthanasia decisions based on the language used inthe guideline. &ll animals slated for euthanasia 'ill be scanned for a microchip and checked for a tattoo.f the animal is a stray$ a final search 'ill be conducted in lost animal reports.

THE DEC/S/ON 3A6ERS

Dai'1 Wa'7*Th!ou#h !ocessThe kennel super%isor$ andFor the >irector of Shelter Operations$ in consultation 'ith the %eterinarian ifnecessary$ 'alk through the shelter daily to select animals for possible euthanasia$ taking into accountthe animal"s health$ beha%ior assessment$ QholdsR$ and adoptability.

>uring this 'alk through the shelter each afternoon animals are e%aluated.• f an animal is sick or it is sho'ing signs of an oncoming illness$ the animal is mo%ed to the

isolation area for that species$ notations are made on an animal"s kennel card and in thecomputer record as to the type of illness and its se%erity.

• f the animal is treatable 'ith medication$ therapy 'ill be offered and documented by the%eterinarian.

• f an animal"s illness is contagious (i.e. it may infect the entire kennel or human health) or if theanimal is suffering$ the %eterinarian may authori1e euthanasia and note accordingly.

• &nimals 'ith clinical signs and a positi%e Par%o snap test are immediately euthani1ed.

NOTE( A'thou#h an anima' ma1 4e consi&e!e& "o! euthanasia$ i" euthanasia is not imme&iate an&the anima' can 4e 7e%t com"o!ta4'e$ the anima' is sti'' #i-en me&ications to inc!ease his o! he!

com"o!t an& !e&uce %ain.

A'te!nati-es

&lternati%e options 'ill al'ays be reasonably e!plored for animals initially accepted for adoption but thatfail to continue to meet the criteria for adoptability. Some e!amples of options to pursue includecooperating 'ith other placement facilities and assisting 'ith appropriate foster care. The shelter 'orks'ith many reputable breed placement partners 'ho may also be able to assist.

5uly 6778 G8




!e*euthanasia Chec7'ist.

• This checklist is then checked against lost reports on file.

• Pull files for any animals in the adoption area 'ho are on the checklist$ and clip these files to thechecklist.

• The checklist 'ith any file attachments is gi%en to the >irector of Operations for final appro%al.

o The >O pulls up the computer record and ensures that the checks the animal against lostreports$ adoption applications$ special holds$ etc.$ to ensure then animal can beeuthani1ed and no mistakes are being made.

o The >O then creates a memo that says Qappro%ed and scheduled for and >Ro The checklist is complete 'hen it is appro%ed$ signed$ and dated by the >O.o &ny animals on the list currently in the adoption area must then mo%ed to the back to

ensure no mistake is made. The >O should do this at the time the list is appro%ed.

CR/TER/A FOR EVALUAT/N0 AN/3ALS FOR EUTHANAS/A

/t is c!itica' "o! sta"" an& -o'untee!s who &o not ma7e euthanasia &ecisions to un&e!stan& the %ain$emotion$ an& #ui't associate& with this !o'e. The &ecision*ma7e!s "ace a &i""icu't tas7$ an& thei!se'ections must 4e !es%ecte&$ e-en i" the1 a!e &i""e!ent "!om 1ou! own.

We stri%e to be compassionate$ fair$ and professional as 'e accept the responsibility for managing thethousands of homeless animals that enter our shelter each year. Making euthanasia decisions is difficultand emotional for those 'ho must choose.

>eterminations regarding some animals are clearer than others. To assist the staff 'ho must perform thatrole$ criteria are listed belo' that may help in those grueling moments.

St!a1 Anima'sStrays are kept for ; days before 'e can make the decision to place the animal up for adoption$ orconsider euthanasia. <o'e%er$ if the animal is suffering due to se%ere inury or illness$ the animal may beeuthani1ed before hold period ends 'ith a %eterinarian"s appro%al. 0ecords must be clearly noted 'ith themedical reasons for euthanasia. (See ne!t page for the full policy.)

f the animal is neither ill nor claimed$ he or she can be considered for adoption$ transfer to partnershelter$ remain at the shelter$ or euthani1ed on the si!th day.

Owne!*su!!en&e!e& Anima'sThe Shelter 'ill euthani1e animals of citi1ens re*uesting this ser%ice. There may be occasions 'hen a peto'ner re*uests euthanasia but the staff member recei%ing the animal feels that it is adoptable. Theemployee may discuss this 'ith the o'ner and may consult a super%isor. f the o'ner remains adamant$the animal should be euthani1ed.

u!e4!e& Anima's3ecause many breeds ha%e rescue groups$ purebreds are not to be euthani1ed 'ithout first attempting toplace the animal in rescue. &ll efforts must be e!hausted before euthani1ing these animals. <o'e%er$ if

the animal is aggressi%e or ill$ he or she may be euthani1ed 'ithout consulting rescue.

/''ness o! /nu!1 &nimals can be considered for euthanasia if-

• their inuries or illness is untreatable

• treatment is cost prohibiti%e for the a%erage person (i.e. se%erely broken bones$ broken backs$and e!tensi%e burns)

• keeping the animal ali%e 'ould result in pain or a poor *uality,of,life

5uly 6778 ;7




Other circumstances may also affect euthanasia decisions-

• f a %eterinarian has noted that an animal has a serious illness$ that animal is to be selected foreuthanasia o%er a healthy animal.

• f an animal is suffering$ euthanasia is to be performed on the same day. The kennel staff mustad%ise the %eterinarians immediately of any sick$ inured$ or suffering animal.

• f the animal has an inury or condition that is painful but not life,threatening$ he or she is to bemedicated to relie%e the pain. <o'e%er$ if e%aluating for space reasons$ inury or illness may beconsidered a reason for euthanasia.

• O'ner,re*uested euthanasia 'ill be performed immediately.

St!a1 Anima's Euthanie& 4e"o!e St!a1 e!io& o! B!ou#ht in Dea& on A!!i-a' >DOA@.

When an animal is euthani1ed before the stray period e!pires$ communicate this information to the frontoffice in case any o'ner comes in looking for that animal.

n addition-• pdate the euthani1ed animal"s computer record.

• #opy the intake form 'ith the reason the euthanasia 'as performed$ and obtain a Polaroidpicture of the animal. Take these to the client care office and placed them in the D,ring binderlabeled QST0&E T<&/&S&F>O&R.

t is the responsibility of the person actually performing the euthanasia to take the picture andmake the copy of the intake and bring it to the client care office. Since only the staff %eterinariancan authori1e the euthanasia of a stray animal still in the stray period$ the %eterinarian or thosedirected by that person are responsible for follo'ing through the process.

f the animal is taken to an emergency clinic and euthani1ed at the clinic$ it is the responsibility ofthe animal control officer to take the picture and make the copy of the form and bring it to thebinder in client care.

• 3ag the animal and place the bag in the 2ree1er 'ith a <O:> sign filled out and taped to the bag.This 'ill pre%ent the animal from being picked up by the crematory ser%ice until the stray period iso%er.

&ny >O&"s picked up are handled in the same manner.

The ST0&E T<&/&S&F>O& binder should be re%ie'ed daily by client care staff against any lostreports filed in addition to the shelter in%entory. &fter the stray hold has e!pired$ the intake form and photocan be discarded.

Anima's in A&o%tion A!eauthanasia decisions must be made 'hen there are animals in the healthy hold area of the shelter 'ho

are adoption candidates and need to mo%e to adoption. &nimals 'ho ha%e been in the adoption area 'homay fall in one of these categories may need to be considered for euthanasia-

• >ogs 'hose beha%ior is becoming 'orse- i.e. leaping up$ trying to escape$ trying to bite$ andcharging the gate.

• >ogs 'ho ha%e been up for adoption for 'eeksFmonths 'ith no interest and are becominglethargic$ aggressi%e$ or barrier aggressi%e.

5uly 6778 ;C




A##!essi-e Anima's &ny animal regardless of its si1e$ se!$ or breed 'ho is kno'n to be aggressi%e or e!hibits signs ofaggression to'ards people or other animals may be euthani1ed. >etermination of aggression can bemade from past history$ day,to,day interaction 'ith the staff and %olunteers$ and through a beha%iore%aluation using Meet Eour Match® S&20I.

&ggression includes-• defensi%e and threatening beha%iors

• actual attacks

• lunging at humans

• baring teeth

• e!hibiting other characteristics that may make it a poor family companion for the a%erage adopter

Benerally$ cats need more time to adust to the surroundings and noises. They should be placed in a *uietcage$ 'ith the front co%ered 'ith a to'el$ and then re,e%aluated after they ha%e been gi%en time to rela!.

Wi'&'i"eBenerally$ most 'ildlife comes to us inured$ and rehabilitation is not possible or e!tremely difficult orstressful for the animal. f the %eterinarian feels the animal (other than raccoons) can be rehabilitated$ a

licensed 'ildlife rehabilitation facility or rehabilitator is located.

Ho'&in# Timesndi%idual animals may be marked Q>o not Z>R 'hich means that animal cannot be euthani1ed 'ithoutpermission from the !ecuti%e >irector or the person 'ho asked for the animal to be held. <oldinganimals makes euthanasia decisions e!tremely difficult. t is important to understand that if one dog isheld$ another is euthani1ed in its place.

f Qdo not Z>R is placed on the animal"s record$ it must also contain the full name of the staff person 'hoplaced the hold.

3elo' are standard holding times-

Rescue &nimals may be held for CG days after contacting rescue$ but e%eryattempt must be made to mo%e the animal immediately.

O""*site A&o%tion Da1s Off,site adoption days are generally held on Saturdays. f animalsdo not get adopted and come back to the shelter$ they 'ill be helduntil the follo'ing Monday (8 days) before being euthani1ed.

et*o"*the*Wee7 & date on top of the paper'ork is the ending period for holding.

Summa!1uthanasia is an emotional and heart,'renching process for those in%ol%ed. t"s a decision no one 'antsto make or carry out. 3ut$ 'e also kno' there isn"t another option unless the animals are housedindefinitely in a cage or kennel off,premises. uality,of,life is our guiding principle. We don"t belie%e in'arehousing animals for the sake of sa%ing their li%es.

We hope there 'ill be a day 'hen healthy animals are no longer euthani1ed for space or lack of homes.Our educational and %eterinary programs are attacking the problems at the source 'ith aggressi%espayFneuter$ education$ and adoption programs. ntil that time comes$ 'e ha%e assumed theresponsibility of humanely euthani1ing those animals that ha%e found no home.

5uly 6778 ;6




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*5+,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

EUTHANAS/A TECHN/CAL ROCEDURES

Notes:

• The purpose of this SOP is to proide detailed information about the technical approaches you

use in performing euthanasia.

• 4e sure to reiew this SOP carefully with your medical adisor! and edit this information to

reflect your agency+s policies and protocols for euthanasia.

• 8our State *nimal 7elfare regulationsordinances should be reiewed as you write this section.

• /eiew your State Controlled substances and ,ederal D%* regulations.

• "t is highly recommended that you receie and reiew The 5umane Society of the 0nited States

#5S0S$ %uthanasia Training Manual #enter link to order book$

• "t is critical that you are clear in the details so the leaders of your organi)ation are assured that

procedures around euthanasia are performed with compassion! care! and technical skill.

• Suggested areas to coer as you write your procedure for this section?

*nimal 5andling

Presence of other animals

5ow to control entry into the room during the procedure

5ow to determine this is the correct animal #checking paperwork! signing off

procedure$

5ow solution administered #route! amount! and pre-euthanasia procedures$

5ow the animal is cared for after inection

Determining death

5ow to log the controlled substances.

.

5uly 6778 ;D




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*52,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

SAFET RULES

Notes:

• Document your agency+s safety policies to ensure the safety of animals and people and humane

treatment of the animals.

Begin Sample SOP

ERSONAL SAFET

2ollo'ing these common sense rules 'ill help pre%ent many accidents.

•

Re%o!t a'' inu!ies$ no matter ho' slight$ to your super%isor.

• &ll Operations personnel and administrati%e persons 'orking 'ith animals are re*uired topurchase and 'ear s7i&* or s'i%* !esistant shoes.

• >o not attempt to liftFpush obects or animals that are too hea%y,,ask for help. 3end at the kneesand hips and lift 'ith your legs. &dustable tables should be lo'ered to the floor for animals'eighing o%er ?; lbs.$ or for any employee unable to lift an animal onto a table.

• dentify and remember the location of fire e!tinguishers$ fire alarm pull bo!es$ and emergencye!its. /90 block these areas 'ith materials or e*uipment. @eep floors and aisles free of debrisat all times.

• se personal protecti%e e*uipment as described belo'-• Boggles$ safety glasses$ glo%es must be 'orn 'hen 'orking 'ith chemicals

(*uaternary ammonia$ degreaser$ etc.) or 'hile performing or holding for euthanasia.• Safety glasses are also to be 'orn 'hen preparing rabies specimens.

• Maintenance staff 'ill 'ear customary safety e*uipment 'hen performing applicabletasks.

• ar protection is pro%ided and should be 'orn 'hen 'orking in >og <olding$@ennels$ or any other high noise area.

• <orseplay is prohibited.

• Seat belts are to be 'orn at all times 'hen dri%ing on business$ 'hether in agency %ehicles or

personal automobiles.

• When restraining animals o%er =7 lbs. seek assistance if necessary. (See the &nimal <andlingSOP for detailed instructions.)

• &ny person kno'n or obser%ed to be under the apparent influence of drugs or alcohol 'ill not beallo'ed to 'ork$ and 'ill be subect to discipline$ up to and including termination.

• &ny person 'illfully %iolating safety procedures andFor endangering the safety of other employees'ill be subect to discipline$ up to and including termination.

5uly 6778 ;G




HOUSE6EE/N0 AND CLEAN/N0

• &ll employees are responsible for maintaining the general orderliness and cleanliness of their'ork areas. @eep floors and aisles free of debris at all times. <ousekeeping is an important partof maintaining a safe 'ork en%ironment. t reduces the spread of disease harbored by clutter and

'aste and eliminates tripping and falling ha1ards.

• >o not eat$ drink$ smoke$ apply cosmetics$ or store food in areas 'here animals are handled.These practices encourage the spread of disease.

• &:W&ES 'ash your hands in bet'een handling animals to minimi1e the transmission of disease$and after handling chemicals to a%oid potential allergic reactions.

• /on,ha1ardous spills are to be cleaned up promptly$ and a QWet F'oo!CautionR sign placed inthe area until the floor is dry. &isles should be kept clear at all times.

HAPARDS AND HAPARDOUS SUBSTANCES

•

0eport all ha1ards to a super%isor immediately.

• Only properly trained employees are to undertake any repair 'ork in%ol%ing electrical e*uipment.

• >o not o%erload outlets.

• @no' the safety precautions for each chemical 32O0 you use it. The Material Safety >ataSheets (MS>S) sheets can be found in the outside nformation #entral.

• 0efer to the <a1ard #ommunication Program SOP for more specific policies for dealing 'ith'orkplace ha1ards.

5uly 6778 ;;




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*55,E""ecti-e Date

AN/3AL HANDL/N0 SAFET

Notes:

• Document your agency+s policies for handling animals to ensure the safety of animals and people

and humane treatment of the animals.

Begin Sample SOP

This information is a general o%er%ie' of safe animal handling practices. /t is not inten&e& to !e%'aceactua' sa"e anima' han&'in# t!ainin# con&ucte& 41 the 4eha-io! &e%a!tment. When handlinganimals$ be sure to-

• take your time$

• don"t o%er stimulate the animal$ and

• remember that the animal may perceive a threat$ e%en though you do not intend to threaten.

/" 1ou &o not "ee' com"o!ta4'e han&'in# an anima'$ DONGTXX Bet a super%isor to help you,,don"t riskgetting dragged$ scratched$ or bittenX

CATS

• When remo%ing a cat from a kennel$ be sure to get the cat"s attention before opening the gate.

• &llo' the cat to check out your fingers before you pick it up. The cat should come to you$ not theother 'ay around. Talk to the cat calmly and softly to a%oid o%er,stimulating the cat.

• When handling a cat$ control the head and neck at all times. <old the cat firmlyleft handcontrolling the head and neck$ right elbo' supportingFgripping the hind*uarters$ right handcontrolling the front pa's. Take a moment to readust your grip if you need to. @eep the cat"s facea'ay from other cats. (Eou can re%erse this procedure if you are left,handed.)

• &l'ays use a carrier to transport the cat more than a fe' feet.

• Watch for signs of stressFfear,,enlarged pupils$ thrashing tail$ gro'ling$ hissing$ and attempting tohide or escape. f these signs appear$ carefully remo%e the cat from the source of stress,,out ofthe %isiting room or into a less stressful kennel.

• f a cat is fearful$ do not make direct eye contact. &pproach the cat at his or her le%el. >o notreach o%er the cat"s head. Mo%e slo'ly because rushing the cat only adds more stress$ leading tounpredictable beha%ior and increasing the likelihood of inury.

DO0S

• When remo%ing a dog from a kennel$ distract the dog$ and enter the kennel 'ith your leash ready.

• &ttempting to QnooseR a dog through the gap in the gate can lead to an escape by the dog.

• &pproach the dog from the side. >o not attempt to QnooseR it o%er the top of its head$ as this 'illonly intimidate the dog. f the dog has a kennel mate$ remo%e the kennel mate from the kennel if

he or she is making it difficult to get the dog you need. Talk calmly to the dog to a%oid o%er,stimulating him or her.• When mo%ing the dog$ keep the dog a'ay from other kennels$ and break his or her line of %ision.

se proper leash techni*ues$ looping the handle of the leash o%er your thumb and across yourpalm (like a oystick). @eep the leash short$ bend your arms and knees and use both hands forbetter control.

• Only small dogs and puppies should be carried$ and then only as you carry a cat. #arrying a doglike a baby is not permitted. f the dog 'on"t mo%e on the leash$ coa! the dog by mo%ing in frontand do'n lo'. >ragging a dog is ne%er permitted.

5uly 6778 ;=




• Watch for signs of stressFfear-o ears back$o hackles raised$ tail do'n$o dilated pupils$o lifted lip$o submissi%e posture$

o gro'ling$ snarling$ barking$ or lunging.

f these signs appear$ remo%e the dog from the source of the stress,,out of the %isiting room$a'ay from other animals$ or into a less stressful kennel.

• f a dog is fearful$ do not make direct eye contact. &pproach the dog at his or her le%el. >o notreach o%er the dog"s head. Mo%e slo'ly because rushing the dog only adds more stress$ leadingto unpredictable beha%ior and increasing the likelihood of inury.

W/TH AN AN/3AL

• nform a super%isor immediately if an animal is displaying signs of aggression andFor may be athreat to other animals or people.

• Wear protecti%e glo%es$ long,slee%ed shirts$ and shoes 'ith closed toes (no sandals) to reducethe degree of inury from bites and scratches.

• /" 1ou ha-e 8uestions$ as7 a su%e!-iso!. /" 1ou "ee' uncom"o!ta4'e han&'in# an anima'$

• DONGT

5uly 6778 ;?




She'te! O%e!ations )))* 59,Ente! e""ecti-e &ates

RESTRA/NT OF AN/3ALS Notes:

• Document your agency+s policies for handling animals to ensure the safety of animals and people


Begin Sample SOP

t is the goal of Kenter your shelter nameL to treat all animals as humanely as possible. We e!pecte%eryone to use the least amount of restraint necessary to both secure the animal and protect the staffand %olunteers. The follo'ing policies for restraint$ from least to most restraint$ are the only ones that are

appropriate to use-

• &ll staff must ha%e a slip leash on their belt at all times.

• Pick up and carry or place the animal in an appropriate si1ed carrier. /o dragging$ e%er.

• f necessary$ use a leash mu11le 'rap 'hen picking up an animal.

• 2rightened dogs or cats that try to bite or are fearful can be safely and humanely mo%ed by'rapping the animal in a hea%y blanket or to'el and carrying the animal to the run or cage.

• When lifting animals$ 'ork in teams of t'o. 3oth people lift the animal - one supports the animal"s'eight and the other controls the animal"s head.

• se control poles only 'hen absolutely necessary and only by staff 'ho are properly trained ontheir use. >o not use control poles on cats.

• se cat nets only 'hen handing fractious cats.

• Transport all cats in transfer cages co%ered by a to'el to minimi1e stress. /e%er hold cats in your arms to transport from room to room.

• se the feral cat bo! to transport feral cats for surgery or euthanasia$ and then transfer the cat toa s*uee1e cage 'here the drugs are administered. While the cat is in the s*uee1e cage it 'ill beco%ered 'ith a to'el to minimi1e the stress for the cat.

5uly 6778 ;A




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*5:,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

AROACH/N0 FEARFUL 6ENNELED AN/3ALS Notes:

• %dit this information to reflect your agency+s policies to ensure the safety of animals and people


Begin Sample SOP

When approaching a fearful animal$ you should make e%ery effort to be as non,threatening as possible.0emember that a caged animal may not sho' you signs of fear until it feels cornered (i.e. 'hen you closeoff the only %isible e!it path).

#onsider your purpose- &re you e%aluating the animal$ attempting sociali1ation$ or trying to catch theanimal to mo%e andFor treat it+...and only approach as close as is absolutely necessary.

• Remem4e! that the anima' ma1 ERCE/VE a th!eat$ e%en though you do not ntend tothreaten.

• 3o-e s'ow'1 an& &e'i4e!ate'1. uick$ sudden$ or tentati%e mo%ements may produce morefearful reactions. 3e sure that the animal sees you.

• Do not ma7e &i!ect e1e contact. While you ob%iously need to 'atch 'here you are going and'hat you are doing$ direct eye contact is %ery intimidating and threatening to the animal. :ook tothe side$ abo%e the head$ or to'ard the floor.

• A%%!oach at the anima'Gs 'e-e'. %en if you are not a %ery large person$ you are taller than theanimal and may seem to loom o%er it. #rouch do'n (bending at the knees) or kneel or sit on thefloor you should be stable in 'hate%er position you choose. (When 'orking 'ith higher cages$ try

to bring your hand in from the bottom$ rather than the top$ of the cage.• Do not !each o-e! the anima'Gs hea&. 0each out and touch under the chest or chin$ or behind

and under the ears$ rather than o%er the head. &llo' the animal to sniff your fingers first if he'ants to in%estigate you. (#ats 'ill generally QtellR you 'here they prefer your finger to touchthem the a'bone is often selectedX)

Rushin# an anima' inc!eases st!ess "o! the anima' an& the situation. /nc!ease& st!ess means mo!eun%!e&icta4'e ci!cumstances$ which 'ea& to &an#e!ous situations.

5uly 6778 ;8




She'te! O%e!ations )))* 5=,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

SECUR/T OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Notes:

• Check with your State oersight agency! federal D%* regulation! state 4oard of Pharmacy! state

and local laws! and your superising eterinarian to ensure you meet the regulations that apply toyour agency.

Begin Sample SOP

Cont!o''e& su4stances •

&ll controlled substances$ needles and syringes are to be kept securely locked and should ne%erbe accessible to the public or any unauthori1ed persons.

• Only staff members 'ho ha%e been ade*uately trained to use such supplies 'ill ha%e access tothem.

• >rugs are kept under lock and key in the medical treatment room and only trained employeesshould ha%e access to the key.

• /o controlled substance is to be remo%ed from the Shelter.

Reco!&7ee%in# • ach time any amount of a controlled substance is used it must be completely and accurately

documented in a bound book 'ith numbered pages kept in the medical treatment room.• The follo'ing information must be documented according to the >rug nforcement &gency- date$

animals intake number$ and description of animal$ 'eight$ amount used$ balance remaining$

technician$ assistant and (if appropriate) reason for euthanasia (e.g.$ health$ age$ beha%ior). Theanimals record should be updated to record the date of and reason for euthanasia$ 'eight ofanimal$ the type and amount of controlled substance used$ and the technicians initials.

• mmediately report any discrepancy in the drug balance to the kennel super%isor$ the lead%eterinarian$ operations director$ or the e!ecuti%e director.

• The super%isor 'ill conduct daily checks of this book to ensure proper accounting of thesubstance is being follo'ed.

/n-ento!1.• &ll controlled drugs must be carefully in%entoried.

• The general supply of drugs are locked in the main supply drug safe$ and only managerialemployees ha%e the combination to the safe.

•

ach time a shipment of a controlled drug is recei%ed$ it should be immediately placed in the safeand the appropriate paper'ork completed$ to include matching the in%oice 'ith the order slip.• ach bottle should be numbered in se*uential order to allo' for e!tra accounting o%ersight.

• & bound book is kept in the main supply safe listing the type and amount of each controlled drug'ithin.

• ach time a drug is remo%ed from the safe$ the person taking the drug is to mark it in the bookand then re,count the bottles and pro%ide that tally in the log book. This helps keep the in%entoryaccurate.

5uly 6778 =7




• nder no circumstances should a page be remo%ed from the book. f a mistake is made$ a thinline should be dra'n through the error 'ith the necessary correction being made and initialed.

• &ny time the supply safe is opened$ either to add drugs from a shipment or to remo%e a bottle theprocess must be 'itnessed by another staff person. The 'itness should sign the in%entory bookalong 'ith the person remo%ing the drugs.

• &ll entries should be made in ink$ and no entry should be erased or completely obliterated. &ny

discrepancy should be immediately reported.• & complete in%entory should be conducted t'ice annually and kept in the file$ to be pro%ided to

any inspecting agent.

5uly 6778 =C




She'te! O%e!ations* )))*5,ente! e""ecti-e &ate

HAPARD CO33UN/CAT/ON RO0RA3 Notes:

• 4e sure to reiew the following information and your agency+s current ha)ard communication

policies against the most recent OS5* regulations. These regulations change fre(uently.

Begin Sample SOP

3ate!ia' Sa"et1 Data Sheets >3SDS@The Kenter your agency nameL does not e!pect its employees to use a chemical that does not ha%e a

MS>S to e!plain the ha1ards and safety precautions that should be used 'ith the chemical.

The >irector of Shelter Operations 'ill be responsible for obtaining MS>S for each ne' chemical used atthe facility. f a MS>S is not deli%ered 'ith the first shipment of a ne' chemical$ the >irector of ShelterOperations 'ill call the company pro%iding the ser%ice and re*uest an MS>S to be fa!ed o%erimmediately.

The >irector of Shelter Operations 'ill also maintain hard copies of each MS>S in a the MS>S folderhanging at nformation #entral outside the staffF%olunteer break room$ a place accessible to all employeesat all times.

Containe! La4e'in#ach department manager is responsible for checking arri%ing containers in their department to %erify thatthey are appropriately labeled. f a container is not labeled$ the department manager 'ill obtain a labelfrom the kennel manager for the chemical immediately.

&ny container 'ith a 'orn or missing label needs to be brought to the kennel manager 'ho 'ill then labelthe container before it goes back into use. The kennel manager is also responsible for ensuring that Qin,facilityR containers are labeled.

Haa!&s in Un'a4e'e& i%es &ll pipes that are accessible to the public or employees 'ill be labeled 'ith their contents.

Non*Routine Tas7s3efore any employee engages in a non,routine task the employee shall consult the SOP for that particular task.

/n"o!mation Echan#e with Othe! Em%'o1eesThe Kenter your agency nameL 'ill %erbally gi%e the information on 'here our MS>S are located to eachemployee.

Em%'o1ee T!ainin# an& /n"o!mation<a1ard #ommunication Training for employees 'ill be gi%en at the time of initial assignment$ t'ice a year$and 'hene%er a ne' ha1ard is introduced. Training 'ill include the follo'ing-

• The nature of ha1ards posed by chemicals in the 'orkplace.

5uly 6778 =6




• 0ight to @no'

• Measures that employees can take to protect themsel%es from these ha1ards.

• nstructions on 'ork practices$ personal protection e*uipment$ and any special procedures to befollo'ed in an emergency.

• &n e!planation of the ha1ard communication program$ including information on labeling andMS>S.

5uly 6778 =D




She'te! O%e!ation *)))*5,Ente! e""ecti-e &ate

TELEHONE /NTERACT/ON

Notes:

• Phone calls are fre(uently the public+s first e&perience of your agency. "f you want your

community to see your agency as courteous! knowledgeable! and helpful! phone eti(uette is a

great place to start.

• * few suggestions appear below. *dd your agency+s policies and procedures for handling phone

calls.

Begin Sample SOP

Telephone eti*uette is important for establishing good community relations. n addition$ the informationline %oice,mail system pro%ides important information to indi%iduals needing assistance 'ith animal,

related problems.

Answe!in# Ca''s &ll incoming calls 'ill be ans'ered 'ith the follo'ing greeting- <ello$ Knter your shelter"s nameL$ this is[say your name }$ ho' may help you+

/" ou 3ust 'ace a Ca''e! on Ho'& &ns'er as follo's- QThe Knter your shelter"s nameL$ this is [say your name\ do you ha%e an animalemergency+R Wait for a response$ in case the caller has an animal emergency$ and then ask Qmay placeyou on hold+R

>on"t let callers linger on hold. Offer to take a message$ or suggest a time to call back 'hen they aremore likely to reach the person they need or 'hen staff 'ill be a%ailable to assist them.

5uly 6778 =G




She'te! O%e!ations ))))*5I,ente! e""ecti-e &ate

3ED/A CONTACTS

f you are contacted by a reporter or representati%e of any T9$ radio$ ne'spaper$ or maga1ine reporters$or by other media reps$ you need to direct him or her to the !ecuti%e >irector.

generic sop manual 2014

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