Hello Stephanie,
This is a difficult situation as you have to balance good welfare vs. disease prevention. When you are pulling dogs from county shelters and accepting owner surrender appointments with an application and acceptance process are you also having a discussion about emotional health? Do you obtain the medical records from the veterinarian? Both I think will help you prepare and make sure you have an individual handling plan in place for these dogs before they even arrive.
Are you practicing Low Stress Handling and Fear Free practices? Often "less is more". Basket muzzles can usually be placed on the dog. Go slow, keep your voice low and have soft lighting. Our approach to these dogs (don't reach for or lean over. Invite the dog into your space rather than you invading their space) matters. Draw blood from the hind leg rather than the front. Use a butterfly to draw blood, More exams on the floor, don't lift the dog, let the dog jump onto the table themselves. Provide a non slip mat on the floor. Pheromones and music can also be helpful. Make sure you are not "task" oriented. Using snuffle mats, LickiMats and special treats as you examine, draw blood, and vaccinate. Feed before and while you touch not after. Sometimes medications can be helpful to facilitate examination. You will be surprised that these techniques do not take longer and you are able to accomplish more while being safer.
------------------------------
Christine D. Calder DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Calder Veterinary Behavior Services
www.caldervbs.comVeterinary Behaviorist
Behavior Specialist, MPF
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 11-03-2021 05:49 AM
From: Stephanie Cohen
Subject: Question about owner surrender dogs, behavioral evaluation, and medical intake
Hi,
We have had a few animals from owner surrender appointments recently who the medical staff have either been unable or had difficulty obtaining blood samples and/or providing vaccines and other preventions too after they have already been accepted into the program. With our medical protocols involving vaccine and preventative administration on intake (for population and individual health reasons), how have other shelters dealt with this medical aspect while to still following the latest in behavioral assessment recommendations?
I hope this question makes sense. We are a non-profit that primarily pulls dogs from county shelters and through owner surrender appointments that involve an application and acceptance process.
Thank you!
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
------------------------------
Stephanie Cohen
Humane Society of Pinellas
------------------------------