BALDWIN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL CENTER 15050 COUNTY ROAD 49 SUMMERDALE, ALABAMA
BCACC RESCUE PROGRAM PURPOSE To network with as many animal rescue groups as possible in an effort to save the maximum number of shelter pets.
DESCRIPTION The Baldwin County Animal Control Center (BCACC) has instituted an Animal Rescue Program for the purpose of finding reputable and caring Rescue Partners. The Center is committed to working with all approved Rescue Groups that care for animals in a humane fashion. The goal of this program is to save as many shelter pets as possible thus reducing the number of euthanized animals. This protocol covers the application process for potential Rescue Groups, Policies pertaining to those Rescue Groups, and the procedures to be followed by both the Rescue Group and the BCACC. 2
APPLICATION PROCESS To become an approved Rescue you must successfully complete the following: APPROVAL CRITERIA 1 The application must be submitted with all information requested to include Veterinarian references. (Form BCACC01) 2. The Shelter Director or Designee will review applicant's information for completeness and clarity. 3. The Shelter Director or Designee will contact all Veterinarian and other Rescue references. Questions that will be asked: 1. What is the quality of care given by the applicant to animals for which they are responsible? 2. Does the rescue adequately provide for the medical needs of the animals for which they are responsible? 3. Are the homes that the rescue finds for their animals of high quality and care? Note: To be approved, Rescues cannot have any negative responses from their references. RESCUE GROUP APPLICANTION PROCEDURE 1. Complete an application for becoming an approved Rescue (Form BCACC01) 2. Submit the completed application to the Shelter Director or Designee. We accept applications through USPS, FAX or in person. 3. The Applying Rescue will be notified of the result of the evaluation of their application within 30 days. 4. A signed and dated approved or not approved letter will be mailed to the Rescue. If the Rescue is not approved, the reason(s) for the declination of their application will be included in this letter.
RESCUE RELATIONSHIP I APPROVED RESCUES 1. These Rescues will be able to rescue animals from the shelter at no charge for non vetted animals. However, if the animal has already been vetted by BCACC they will be required to pay the Adoption Fee. 2. They can elect to adopt an animal instead of rescue. 3. They are allowed to view animals in the stray area which are not yet available for public adoption. 4. They are allowed to pre-identify an animal for rescue before its availability date. 5. At each rescue the approved Rescue Group must complete a release form. (Form BCACC02) 6. Any animal not picked up within 24 hours of the date agreed to for pick-up may be made available for adoption, rescue or other disposition as deemed necessary by BCACC. 7. Any required inoculations administered or other medical costs encumbered by the BCACC should be reimbursed by the Rescue Group. The Shelter Director may waive these fees in special circumstances at their discretion. 3
II UN-APPROVED RESCUES 1. The BCACC will not be able to place animals in their care through our Rescue Program. 2. They can adopt an animal through the normal adoption protocol. III LIMITS TO APPROVED RESCUES 1. They cannot adopt any pit bull or pit bull mix. 2. They cannot adopt any wolf hybrid. 3. They cannot adopt any animal deemed un-adoptable by BCACC. 4. They cannot Remove or Adopt any animal prior to its Alabama State mandated 7 day holding period for strays and 24 hrs for owner surrendered animals. The 24 hours also applies to animals that are classified as “Wild Animals”. 5. They cannot choose any “livestock killers”. 6. Should any information be determined to be false on their application these approved Rescues can be un-approved and denied access to the animals at BCACC. 7. If Rescues voluntarily withdraw their application or chose to no longer rescue animals from the BCACC, these Rescues cannot be allowed to rescue animals without submitting and new application. 8. When animals are identified by individuals for adoption on Facebook Rescues cannot remove these animals for 3 days from the date of that request to adopt.
TRANSFER PROCEDURES FOR RESCUES FOR APPROVED RESCUES 1. Identify the animal(s) they want to rescue or adopt. Rescue will choose whether it will be a rescue or adoption. BCACC has a “First Come First Serve” policy. 2. Identify the pick-up date. If pick-up date is needed to be changed, BCACC needs to be made aware of this change as soon as possible. 3. When picking up an animal the agent of the rescue must provide proof that they are authorized by the Rescue (which should have been listed on the Rescue Application). 4. Provide the clerk with a photo ID. (Drivers License preferred) 5. Complete and sign the Appropriate Release Form. 6. In cases where an animal has been tentatively identified for transfer to a Rescue and a citizen has subsequently indicated a desire to adopt the animal, the individual citizen will take priority. The Rescue Group should be notified as soon as possible of the change in availability of the animal they had identified.
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QUESTIONS UNIQUE TO RESCUES WHEN DO WE VACCINATE RESCUE IDENTIFIED ANIMALS? 1. Older dogs are to be vaccinated on day 7. 2. Puppies are to be vaccinated on day 7. WHEN TWO OR MORE RESCUES WANT THE SAME ANIMAL(S) HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHICH RESCUE IS AWARDED THE “HIGH DEMAND” ANIMAL 1. At the discretion of the Shelter Director or Designee, BCACC will rotate the awarding of these “High Demand” animals. 2. Since we are a Baldwin County Shelter, It is the preference of the BCACC to release animals to local Rescues when possible. However, the final decision rests with the Shelter Director or Designee. DEWORMING AND RESCUES 1. Older dogs start on day 5. 2. Puppies start on day 1, if possible. WHEN RESCUES ADOPT OUT VETTED ANIMALS 1. It is the responsibility of the Rescue Group to reimburse the BCACC for the animal’s veterinary cost to the Center plus the standard adoption fee.
AUTHORITY 1. THE MUTUAL OBJECTIVE OF THE BCACC AND OUR RESCUE PARTNERS IS TO FIND PERMANENT, RESPONSIBLE, AND LOVING HOMES FOR THE ANIMALS IN OUR CARE. 2. THE BCACC DIRECTOR RETAINS THE AUTHORITY TO WITHDRAW APPROVAL FROM ANY RESCUE PARTNER THAT DOES NOT FULLY COOPERATE AND/OR COMPLY WITH THE ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP POLICY AND PROCEDURES SET FORTH BY THE BALDWIN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL CENTER.
