Protocols

 Lost and Found Protocol

Should a cat in SOS’s care match a lost cat report within 72 hours of intake the following protocol is followed:

  • Persons claiming a stray animal as their own must provide evidence of ownership, such as a bill or purchase of adoption; pictures that document ownership over time; proof of current Rabies vaccination or licensing; medical records; and/or other documentation of proof of ownership acceptable to SOS.

  • Owners claiming a stray animal as their own will have to pay applicable fees incurred in the care of the animal, including any vaccinations or medical treatment.

  • An adoption application for the cat must be filled out, approval is not guaranteed, all requirements for approval must be met.

  • All fees incurred during the cats stay within the rescue must be paid. This includes, but is not limited to, vaccinations, medical care, spay/neuter, etc.

Emergency Veterinary Protocol

In case of emergency, the approved vets must attempt to contact a Director of SOS.

If the vet is unable to make contact, they have authority to medically care for the cat up to $500 if it will improve quality of life. Higher costs must be approved by the Board.

If the vet is unable to improve quality of life, they have authority to euthanize the cat.

FeLV/FIV Protocol

All high risk cats and cats with kittens will be snap tested for FeLV/FIV prior to being introduced to other cats.

FeLV positive cats can NOT be introduced to non-FeLV cats due to the virus being highly contagious through grooming, dishes and sometimes the litter box. 

FIV positive cats can be introduced to non-FIV cats due to the virus being contracted via mating or very deep bites. FIV cats must not be introduced to sick cats due to their immune system being compromised. 

FeLV positive cats will not be allowed to attend any events. Interested adopters must visit the cat in it’s foster home.

Biosecurity Protocol

All animals must be categorized prior to intake as either high or low biosecurity risk. This estimates the likelihood of disease and parasitic infections that are transmissible to other animals. An appropriate biosecurity management will be developed for each case. 

In all situations (including transport), when multiple animals are handled, the order of contact must be from healthiest to sickest.

Lower risk animals: owner surrenders WITH medical history, intakes from other shelters, intakes from known areas and intakes from vet clinics.

Higher risk animals: intakes with no medical history and visibly sick intakes.

Cat Bite Protocol

Should a volunteer be bitten by one of SOS’s intakes the following shall take place:

  • The volunteer is required to contact a coordinator within SOS to report the bite. The coordinator will then contact a member of the Board to report the incident.

  • All cat bite incidents will be recorded on the cat’s file. All volunteers that come in contact with the cat will be notified of the cat’s bite history. Any potential adopters will also be notified of the cat’s bite history.