Rescue Guidelines

These guidelines are based on those developed by SK9 Scottish Terrier Rescue. Although they are based on dog rescue, most of them apply to any animal and should be used as guidelines for proper procedures for rescuing and placing any animal.

A veterinarian sees the rescued animal within 24 hours. The rescue stays in a designated rescue room prior to the veterinarian check up.

Veterinarian conducts the following:

1. Heartworm check
2. Stool sample to be checked for worms
3. Teeth must be checked for decay etc
4. Temperature of animal to discover any fevers
5. Check ears for mites and infections
6. Check the skin for fleas, infestations or diseases
7. Scan for a computer chip. If no chip, one is placed in the animal
8. Vet reviews animal's shot records to administer shots if needed, and to meet state requirements
9. Trim the toenails, if necessary
10. Animal is checked for any lumps over its entire body
11. Eyes are checked for clarity or any ailments
12. Heart checked for heart or other ailments
13. Check for spay/neutering. If this procedure has not been done, schedule an appointment. All rescues must be spayed/neutered before adopted
14. Note the animal's reaction to the vet's examination
15. Temperament test with cats and/or other animals

If no contagious diseases are discovered, the rescued animal is allowed to mingle with other animals after a good bath. Grooming should be done, but often does not happen for at least two-three weeks. Grooming is not liked by many and it may take time to build up trust with the animal.

During this mingle time, watch to see if the animal:

1. plays with toys?
2. tries to dominate the other animals
3. asks to go outside
4. jumps on the furniture to lie down or sleep
5. looks for a dog bed or rug
6. is a marker, if a male. If a female relieves itself on the floor
7. does the Scottie wants to lay in your lap?
8. wants to give kisses
9. wants to chew on furniture or rugs
10. likes to fetch a ball
11. cowers when approached to be petted.
12. plays with other animals
13. comes when called
14. sits when asked to
15. lays down asked to
16. understands NO when needed
17. chase squirrels or other critters while outside
18. barks at anything or everything inside or outside
19. climbs onto the kitchen table or chair to watch outside

During the next two to three weeks, the animal is checked for the following:

1. Ability to get along with other dogs
2. Can food be removed from the animal's bowl with no growling or biting?
3. Tested for riding in a car
4. Behavior while greeting other people
5. Behavior on leash
6. While walking, reaction towards other dogs and owners walking
7. Does the animal like to be brushed
8. If receiving any type of medication, reaction to the administering of medication

After any medical concerns are eliminated, and the animal has been for temperament, it is now time to review applications for a forever home. An average evaluation time and medical treatment is four weeks.