We're the municipal shelter for our county, which has no cat ordinance. We are operating as a managed intake facility, have a "barn cat" program, and instruct those wishing to surrender a cat (or cats) that they will be required to show that they can pick up and hold the cat being surrendered. We tell them that if they have not correctly identified the cat's behavior, they may be turned away. This usually exposes the potentially "unsafe to handle" cats. Those cats who are deemed unsuitable for typical in-home adoptions are taken only when there is a waiting barn-type home. We schedule the intake of those on mornings when our contracted vet is here. The incoming cat is anesthetized, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, ear-notched, and placed in a carrier while still out. The carrier is to be large enough (with litter box, food, and water) to accommodate an appropriate time of stay before release, but we never keep these cats in the shelter overnight. Our bite/scratch incidence rate has plummeted since instituting this policy.
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Cliff Bennett, Director
Flathead County Animal Shelter
Kalispell, MT 59901
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2021 06:52 AM
From: Michael Gregory
Subject: Are you the best at preventing staff injuries?
Good morning! I am seeking out the best of the best when it comes to preventing staff injuries from bites and scratches. If you are doing something that is innovative and out of the box in this area, please share! Thanks!
#AdmissionsandIntake
#AnimalBehavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#EducationandTraining
#HumaneLawEnforcementandLaws
#PeopleManagement
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Michael Gregory
Rutherford County PAWS
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