Basic rules of ethical rescue: NAIA promotes ethical rescue actions
By Patti Webb, NAIA national rescue coordinator
- Do nothing illegal, dishonest or unethical
- Spay/neuter all dogs in rescue
- Keep accurate records and history of dogs in rescue
- Become nonprofit and operate legally and ethically as a charity
- Carefully screen adoptive homes
- Know local animal control laws
- Accept the fact that not all dogs are adoptable.
- Educate the public
Do nothing illegal, dishonest or unethical
It is important to remain in good standing with your community and maintain
a good working relationship with your area shelters and your fellow welfare
volunteers. A history of negativity, deceit, jumping to conclusions, or inability
to work well with others can make it difficult when cooperation is needed in
the future. Make sure any reports of neglect or abuse are valid and can be substantiated
before making allegations or repeating them to others. Try to deal in fact,
not gossip, and do not advise others to break the law or encourage “vigilantism.”
Spay and neuter all dogs in rescue
The only exceptions should be at the request of a veterinarian and should include
proper documentation. In such a case, adopters should sign a strict spay/neuter
contract and be carefully monitored.
Keep accurate records and history of dogs in rescue
Each dog should have on file a
- A relinquishment agreement with prior history of dog regarding temperament,
health issues, and a statement of true ownership and legal right to place
the dog. There should also be a disclaimer to inform the surrendering owner
of the possibility of euthanasia if deemed necessary.
- An adoption agreement with a statement of new ownership, conditions of
relinquishment, and transfer of responsibility and liability.
- A spay/neuter contract to be used with great discretion and only under
advice of a veterinarian.
Register and operate as a nonprofit organization
Just fulfilling the legal obligations is not enough. Funds solicited for rescue
should be used for the designated purposes only and not for personally owned
dogs or private activities. Efforts at economy should be made; some foster dogs
can be very costly to treat, others may cost very little. Adoption fees should
not exceed the treatment of the average dog in foster care. Donations are meant
for the continuation of the rescue program, not a reflection of the dog’s
“worth,” and should not fluctuate with each dog’s appearance,
age, behavior or ability to attract a higher amount.
Carefully screen adoptive homes
Do as much screening as possible to assure the most appropriate situation for
the adopters and the lifetime of the dog. Nobody should be pressured into taking
a dog they do not want nor should they feel responsible for the future of the
dog if they are unwilling or unable to adopt it Always be willing to take a
dog back if the adoption fails; a dog is not successfully adopted until it is
in its lifetime home.
Know local animal control laws
Stay informed about local ordinances and legal issues. Copies of local county,
city and state animal laws can be great resources and problem solvers. Being
able to recommend an appropriate resource for health, behavior, housing and
neighborhood mediation can head off a placement in rescue or the nearby shelter.
Ignorance of the law is not a valid defense.
Accept the fact that not all dogs are adoptable
Euthanasia is an eventuality for anyone involved in rescue long term. As a
kindness to the veterinary technicians who must perform the task, please make
an effort to control emotions and not over-dramatize the event. A calm and painless
death is not the worst thing that can happen in a dog’s lifetime. Accepting
it as an inevitable part of life and making it as peaceful as possible can be
the ultimate act of kindness.
Educate the public
Just as we educate the public on how to choose an ethical, responsible breeder,
we need to warn them of those exploiting rescue for their own monetary gain
and political agendas. Be aware, however, that making accusations about others
can create legal difficulties. Try to limit complaints and lecturing. More can
be accomplished by positively promoting these guidelines, and taking every opportunity
to enlighten the public. Remember that irresponsible, even ignorant people can
be educated. Be patient. Be tolerant. Try to be nice.
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