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Best Practices Handbook Michigan Companion Animal Rescue Organizations Best Practices Handbook Approved by the Michigan Pet Fund Board of Directors April 13, 2013 V2.0 1 | P a g e Michigan Rescue Organizations Best Practices Handbook – April 13, 2013 Document Revision History Version Date Revision Author Description Number 1.0 Initial creation 1.1 3/13/2013 Formatting changes 2.0 4/13/2013 Formatting changes and copyright added All contents copyright © 2012 by the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance. All rights reserved. No part of this document or the related files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher. A Program of the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance Michigan Rescue Organizations Best Practices Handbook – April 13, 2013 Contents I. Best Practices ........................................................................................................................... 1 II. Animal Care Standards ............................................................................................................ 2 A. Care Philosophy ................................................................................................................... 2 B. Basic Care ............................................................................................................................. 3 C. Environment......................................................................................................................... 4 D. Dietary Standards – .............................................................................................................. 5 E. Exercise and Socialization Standards ................................................................................... 7 F. Basic Daily Health Checks .................................................................................................... 7 G. Use of Boarding Kennels ...................................................................................................... 9 H. Standards for Local Transport ............................................................................................ 12 I. Standards of Care at Events ............................................................................................... 14 J. Recognizing Signs of Stress - Body Language – Do You Know What a Dog Is Saying? ...... 18 III. Animal Related Protocols ...................................................................................................... 20 A. Animal Records .................................................................................................................. 20 B. Medical Protocols .............................................................................................................. 21 C. Spay/Neuter ....................................................................................................................... 23 D. Behavior ............................................................................................................................. 24 E. Euthanasia .......................................................................................................................... 26 F. Identification/Licensing ..................................................................................................... 27 G. Foster to Adopt .................................................................................................................. 28 IV. Organizational Standards ...................................................................................................... 29 A. Public Description & Purpose ............................................................................................ 29 B. IRS Charitable 501(c)(3) Organization ................................................................................ 29 C. Breed Club 501(c)7 Rescue Organizations ......................................................................... 30 D. Insurance ............................................................................................................................ 31 E. Financial Records ............................................................................................................... 31 V. Operational Standards and Legal Requirements ................................................................... 34 A. Animal Intake ..................................................................................................................... 34 Strays ..................................................................................................................................... 34 A Program of the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance Michigan Rescue Organizations Best Practices Handbook – April 13, 2013 Obtaining Rescue Animals .................................................................................................... 34 B. Applications, Manuals, Contracts, Criteria, Job Descriptions ............................................ 37 Adoption Program ................................................................................................................. 37 Volunteer Program ................................................................................................................. 2 Foster Care Program ............................................................................................................. 41 C. Adoption Events ................................................................................................................. 43 VI. Training/Educational Resources ............................................................................................ 47 VII. Appendix ................................................................................................................................ 49 A. Michigan Certified Rescue Organization Code of Ethics .................................................... 49 B. Terms and Definitions ........................................................................................................ 52 C. Resources ........................................................................................................................... 59 D. Ending the Relationship Cycle ............................................................................................ 62 A Program of the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance Michigan Rescue Organizations Best Practices Handbook – April 13, 2013 I. Best Practices Rescue Organizations lack the luxury of having a national or statewide umbrella organization to set standards, provide guidance or act as a resource. Each organization not only cares for the homeless cats and dogs in its care and seeks to rehome them, but each organization is also required to set-up a legal organizational structure, develop protocols, policies, documents, financial systems and fundraise to pay for it all. It is a daunting task, especially for what is usually a 100% volunteer-run organization. However, several hundred such organizations have been established in Michigan alone and have accomplished these tasks successfully. The purpose of this document, along with the additional resources and supporting materials on the website www.michiganpetfund.org, is to gather and present the best practices for various operations and functions of rescue organizations. Some of the best practices have been obtained from searching resources throughout the U.S. Others have been developed by trial and error of existing Michigan rescue organizations and still others may very well be practiced, but have not been put into a written document to share. Best Practices includes “new thinking.” Some may be surprised to see a medical protocol that indicates that spay/neuter surgery can be performed for heartworm positive dogs in stage one or stage two of the disease. This is a new finding in shelter medicine and one which needs to be adopted by the rescue community as well. Best Practices change with time. It is expected that this document and website resources will also change to keep up with new and evolving practices. Michigan’s rescue community is encouraged to contribute to updates of this document and to send updates to [email protected]. In order to assure that Michigan’s rescue community keeps up-to-date with Best Practices, the Michigan Pet Fund will produce annual education and learning opportunities. Finally, the Best Practices and Code of Ethics found in this document will be used as the basis for compliance with the Michigan Rescue Certification Program. 1 | P a g e Michigan Rescue Organizations Best Practices Handbook – April 13, 2013 II. Animal Care Standards The number one priority for any rescue organization is the proper care and safety of the animals for which they are responsible. A. Care Philosophy It is important that Michigan rescue organizations subscribe to the philosophy of “Do No Harm" and the Five Freedoms: • 1st Freedom from Hunger and Thirst by constant access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor. • 2nd Freedom from Discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area. • 3rd Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment. • 4th Freedom to Express Normal Behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and companionship. • 5th Freedom from Fear and Distress by ensuring conditions and treatment that avoid mental suffering. Always do what is best for the animals “Do No Harm” includes, but
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