Animal Welfare Professionals

Hello Everyone!

I am hopping that this discussion post will get a lot of feedback, we could really use any tips or advice regarding the subject.

The problem we are facing here at the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is that we have had a lot of people over the years who have come in or called to surrender an animal on behalf of a friend or family when the actual owner is (for example) hospitalized and can't verbally agree to surrender, incarcerated, in rehab, placed in a nursing home, hospice, etc. And the problem mainly is if this friend/family member does not have Power of Attorney over the owner of the animal and has no proof that the owner consents to them surrendering their animal.

Do you guys have any ideas or suggestions on how we could handle this kind of situation?

#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)

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Ky Crawford
Animal Care Attendant
Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
MI
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As a rural dog warden, I too have come across these predicaments. As far as the incarcerated goes, I have called the jail and asked them to get me information on who I can contact on the owner's behalf to take over the care of the animals. Most are very accommodating to me, as everyone loves animals, and get me the information pretty quickly. They have even gone and gotten the inmate, so I get information straight from the owner. Same with Rehab, there I usually do not talk to the owner, but the staff will help to get me the information I need to see to the care of the animals. Nursing home, Hospice, DOA's, etc. I do my best to try to find a close family member to make sure there is no one wanting to step up and take responsibility of the dogs. If no contact can be made after 14 days, we assume custody of the dog. In my state, a dog with tags we hold for 14 days, a stray is 3 day hold.  

I hope this helps you in some way. Each case seems to be just a bit different that it takes on its own issues. Paperwork in all cases is a must for me. I want address and phone number's to anyone I have spoken too. I have used FB many times message people to see if they can help me. It has worked for me. 

Good luck

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Dee Cummins
Dog Warden/Operations Manager
Meigs County Rescue & Adoption Center
OH
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Hi Ky,

We handle the situations you described by contacting the person if possible.  We contact family if they are available. We try to get a surrendered form signed. If not, we document everyone we speak with.   We also have several older people in our community whom we assist with taking their animals to the veterinarian; most of those we assist have no family, and with these patients, we have a prearranged agreement to assist in case they can no longer care for the animal.  We have a preprinted handout placed in the person's home, asking EMS or law enforcement to call us if the animals need assistance.    This form has helped at least twice in the last year.  
Connie 

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Connie Ash
Director
Mended Paws Sanctuary
AR
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