Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Whelping in a Shelter

    Posted 02-23-2023 10:08 AM

    We are a foster based rescue with a small shelter.   I'd like some feedback from those that have whelped in the shelter any advice or tips. I have whelped many litters at home, this is just such a different environment.

    Thank you


    #PetSupportServices*

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    Donna Hill
    Kennel attendant
    A ReJoyceful Animal Rescue
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  • 2.  RE: Whelping in a Shelter

    Posted 02-24-2023 09:37 AM

    I personally think one of the most important things with having newborn puppies or kittens in the shelter is disease control! We always wear PPE such as a gown, gloves, and booties if we have cleaned other areas before them.  We also try to make sure the mom and babies are in a more lowkey area where there is less foot traffic.  



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    Kaelin Rains
    Shelter Admissions Coordinator
    IndyHumane
    Indianapolis, IN
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  • 3.  RE: Whelping in a Shelter

    Posted 02-24-2023 01:28 PM

    Hi Donna,

    Is there a reason you're whelping in the shelter as opposed to sending them to a foster home? Mom will very likely be much more comfortable in a home. If you have no option but to keep her in shelter... Keep mom   in a quiet, low traffic location... ideally in a kiddie pool in a quiet office, so that the pups are kept safe.  Make sure the floor isn't super cold ... pups can't regulate their temps well so if they move away from mom they can get cold super quickly. 

    Sheila



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    Sheila Segurson, DVM
    Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
    Director of Outreach and Research
    Maddie's Fund
    Pleasanton CA
    9258608284
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  • 4.  RE: Whelping in a Shelter

    Posted 02-24-2023 04:23 PM
    We transferred this mom from.a shelter that was going to euthanize her.  We didn't have an open foster home, but we weren't going to let her die.  Our shelter is not like any I've ever seen.  We typically only house 4-6 dogs.  Most of them have their own room, with a large kennel in the room.  Each room is stocked with supplies, so we don't have to travel around the building to fetch things.
    The pups were born last night, mom and litter are doing well. Hopefully I have a decent pic of the room and kennel.  We have nice accomodations. 
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    Donna
    A ReJoyceful Animal Rescue