By Patti Webb, NAIA's National Rescue Coordinator
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 able to
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 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:
- 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.
- Adoption Agreement with a statement of new ownership, conditions
of relinquishment, and transference of responsibility and liability.
- Spay/Neuter Contract to be used with great discretion and only under
advice of a veterinarian.
Be registered as a nonprofit organization and OPERATE as
one.
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 or made to 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 prevent a placement in rescue or the nearby shelter.
Ignorance of the law, is not a valid defense.
Realize 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 overdramatize 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. Making accusations about others can create legal difficulties.
Try to limit complaints and lecturing. More can be accomplished by just the
positive promotion of these types of 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.
• Join State Rescue Lists
• NAIA's Policy
on Rescue
• Practical Guidelines for Rescue
• Rescue Article Archives
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