JAZZPURR SOCIETY

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

DIVISION:                            Spay/Neuter Services

TITLE:                                  Admissions Screening

CODE:

DATE OF APPROVAL:     November 23, 2001

Distribution:

Replaces:  

GOALS:

1.         To disseminate accurate information regarding our spay/neuter program.

2.          To secure “friends and funds” for our spay/neuter program.

3.          To select both cats and care givers that match our program.

4.          To screen out both cats and people who do not match our program while building support for the program.

5.          To process and record all relevant information regarding each admission application.

PROCEDURE:

Introduction:

Whether an inquiry comes by telephone or mail, each must be responded to by telephone. Have a cheery attitude toward the “wonderful programs” that we offer - simply as a community and volunteer service, not a public duty. Employ an attitude of helpfulness constrained by financial limitations. If the inquirer wants more than we can give, lament the lack of resources and ask if they know how we can get more. Try not to let unreasonable demands affect your professionalism.

Pre-Screening:

Advise the caller that the first step to admission is to complete the admissions application form. This then gets them on the waiting list. At the present time, it is “first come, first serve”. As for the caller’s fax number or mailing address; then send out the form plus our clinic information flyer. Note - we only service Essex County.

When it is returned, stamp the date of receipt. Ascertain that the case is within the parameters of our program, then call the applicant back to do the full admissions screening interview.

1.          Before calling the applicant, open up the proper file in the computer in preparation for making direct entries into the database.

2.          Enter the name of the caller, complete address and telephone numbers.

3.          Enter the information about the cats.

             a.          ID - is combination of the caller’s phone number and today’s date: 555-1111-YYMMDDNumber (01,02,etc).

             b.          Gender: enter M, F, or U(unknown)

             c.          Age: enter xm (eg. 3m), xy( eg. 10y), k (kitten) or a (adult). We will not neuter kittens under 4 months.

             d.          Size: s (skinny), n (normal), b (big) or other. A very malnourished cat should be brought to health before surgery.

             e.          Breed: whatever they tell you - DSH, DLH, Siamese, etc.

             f.          Colours: be as descriptive as possible.

             g.          Is there a collar? Ear tattoo? Has an attempt been made to find the owner?

             h.          Identifying marks: whatever is noticeable, unique.

             i.           Skin/coat condition: lustrous, matted, dirty, whatever they tell you.

             j.           General condition:

             k.          How long in neighbourhood:

             l.           Temperament: f (friendly), s (shy), w (wild or feral).

             m.         Eating: where, how much, what, etc.

             n.          Any visible surgical marks: n (neutered), d (declawed), e (ear-tipped), t (tattoo).

             o.          Is the cat visibly pregnant? We will not admit or abort visibly pregnant cats. Advise the caller to care for the cat and kittens until adoptable. Then we will admit the mother and help find homes for the kittens.

             p.          Is this a family? Are there young kittens involved? Nursing kittens cannot be separated from their mother. These should be cared for together until the kittens are adoptable (12 weeks minimum).

             q.          Where did the cat(s) come from? Does the caller know? Have any idea? Is there any chance that they are outdoor cats belonging to someone else? If this is possible, we cannot take them. Enter all information given.

             r.          Current Shelter Circumstances: Where do the cats live? Sleep? Eat? What protection do they have from the weather?

             s.          Dangers: list all possible dangers: dogs, traffic, construction sites, etc.

4.          Legal Ownership:          

             a.          Caller must place an ad in the Windsor Star for three days. This is to ensure that no one is looking for the cat. Ad must be sent or brought to us prior to admission.

             b.          Caller must be willing to sign legal ownership of the cat(s) to JSAP. This is a legal necessity to protect the volunteer veterinarians. JSAP must have all rights and responsibilities regarding treatment.

5.          Neighbours:

             a.          Are any neighbours complaining about the cat(s)? Is there a possibility that neighbours may cause harm to the cat(s) or catch them and dispose of them? Enter the names, addresses and phone numbers of any complaining neighbours. Enter the nature of the complaint or threat.

             b.          Are there neighbours who support or are sympathetic to the cats? Enter relevant information.

6.          Transportation:

             a.          Can the caller transport the cat to the clinic?

             b.          Can the caller transport the cat from JH?

7.          Pre-Care:

             a.          Can the caller hold the cat(s) food-free the night and morning before surgery?

8.          Post-Care:

             a.          Is the caller willing and able to care for the cat(s) for the rest of their lives?

             b.          To ensure retrieval of the cat(s), is the caller willing to provide a $50 bond to us? This will be returned when the cats are picked up. There are three reasons for this:

                          i.           As an incentive to pick the cats up.

                          ii.         As an affirmation of the caller’s motivation to be genuinely helpful.

                          iii.        To provide us with some funds to care for the cat should the caller not show up.

             c.          Is the caller willing and able to maintain a cooperative relationship with JSAP for the lifetime of the cat(s)?

             d.          Is the caller willing and able to follow our post-care policies and procedures?

             e.          Legally the caller will be a foster-caregiver. Is this acceptable?

Adoption: All adoptions of cats that have been treated by JSAP must be registered with JSAP (Name, Address, Phone, other pets in household) and a $40 membership fee must be given to JSAP. Foster care giver guarantees lifelong care for the cat(s) should the adoption break down.

9.          Trapping:

             a.          If it is necessary to trap the cat, the caller may rent a trap from us when the $50 bond is paid. It will be returned after the trap is returned, and the cat is picked up.

             b.          Caller will receive separate instructions on trapping procedures.

10.        Financial Need:

             a.          Can the caller afford to have this done at a regular clinic? If so, why not do it there? We will do it if it would not be done any other way. Caller should indicate that it would not be done, or would be a serious hardship to have it done at a regular clinic.

11.        Ear Tipping:

             a.          Ascertain that the applicant understands that the tip of the ear will be cut off for identification. This does not hurt the cat in any way. The procedure is done while the cat is under anesthesia.