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Dog Welfare Officer
Training
Senior Staffy Club Charity No: 1156723
2020
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Dog Welfare Officer Training
1. Overview of Charity
General Overview of Charity
Different Departments
Who is who
2. Data protection
Recording information
Passing on information
3. Codes of Practice
Welfare of Dogs
4. Equipment / Food
5. Use of Vehicle
Insurance
Accidents
Equipment and maintenance
6. Volunteer walkers
Advertising
Paperwork / Induction
Walkers FB Group / Monitoring
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7. Intakes
Intake processes
Arrival at the kennels
Paperwork
Settling in
Initial assessment of dog
Suitable equipment
Guidance for walkers
Recording Information
8. Health and Vet Care
Initial Health Check
Follow up vet care / operations
9. Continuous Assessments / Behavioural Work
Action Plans for dogs
Resources available
10 Ready for Adoption
Website Write Ups
Working with Adoption Application Team
Meet and Greets
Adoption paperwork
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11 Post Adoption
Follow Up Calls
Dealing with concerns
Microchip / Vax Cards / Insurance
Happy Endings
12 Moving on to Foster Homes
Working with the Foster Team
Equipment Pack / Foster Handover Forms
Recording Information
Appendix
1. Welfare of Dogs
2. Hilderstone Walkers Forms
3. Worcester Walkers Form
4. Tetanus Forms
5. Surrender Form
6. Initial Assessment Form
7. Vet Check List
8. Ongoing Action Plan Form
9. Adoption Form
10. Foster Handover
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Welcome!
We would like to start your training with formally welcoming you
to Senior Staffy Club and thanking you so much for wanting to
be involved, for being willing to give up your own time and
being happy to commit to Senior Staffy Club and the dogs it
aims to help. We always say it, and we will keep saying it;
‘We really could not achieve what we do without people like you
who give their support, commitment and love to help us to do
it.’
You are now part of an amazing family and an amazing team,
who by working together, using their own strengths, skills and
interests, manage to deliver the most amazing outcomes.
Thank you so much!
The SSC Committee x
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1) Overview of Charity
Senior Staffy Club rescues and re-homes Staffordshire bull terriers
and Staffy cross dogs that are aged 7 years and older. The charity
started from small beginnings and have successfully re-homed over
300 senior dogs since 2013. Many of these dogs are saved from the
pound after being abandoned by their previous owners.
Senior Staffy Club (SSC) is run entirely by volunteers and we have to
raise all our own funds to enable us to carry out this work and we will
often rescue less fortunate seniors with health issues. Our dogs are
boarded at private kennels in Worcestershire and Staffordshire areas
and we have foster homes throughout the UK.
We ensure each dog is neutered or spayed, vaccinated, treated for
any existing condition and micro-chipped before they are re-homed.
We home check each potential adopter and work extremely hard to
match the right dog with the right person and if the adoption doesn’t
work for any reason we will always take the dog back.
We only take into our care senior dogs aged 7yrs plus. This means
our vet care bills are always quite high as many have illnesses
common amongst older dogs such as potential cancerous lumps,
mammary tumours, dental problems, eye problems. We will treat all
of these in order to get a dog ready for adoption as advised by the
vet, and this can include blood tests, x-rays, scans, specialist eye
treatment and various operations, all of which will be in addition to
routine, neuter / spay, vaccinations and microchips. Being older dogs
some will have conditions that require ongoing medication for the rest
of their lives such as Cushing’s Disease, which require medication
paying for monthly and we often continue to cover costs for
medication when they are adopted to enable them to get forever
homes. Each case is considered on an individual basis.
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Also due to taking in elderly dogs we do sometimes have to care for
them until they pass away as some have issues such as aggressive
cancers that are inoperable and which then also means they cannot
be adopted. In these scenarios they will remain in our care, in a foster
home, until it is time for them to pass away peacefully whilst being
cared for. We also have to pay for and provide kennelling for dogs
until we have a suitable foster home or forever home for them.
Senior Staffy Club is committed to caring for the seniors they take in
for life, and will strive to find them a permanent loving home no matter
how long that takes.
Different Departments
We are delighted you want to part of the Senior Staffy Club family and want to volunteer your time to enable us to deliver our best. We currently have the following depts;
Trustees /Committee
Admin
Facebook Workers
Foster Team
Adoption Applications Team
Stafford Kennels
Worcester Kennels
Behaviourist
Volunteer Training
Website
Fundraising
Intakes
As Senior Staffy Club has grown our procedures, policies and the way
we work have changed along the way and continue to do so. We are
always evolving to provide the best possible care for the dogs and the
best service to our adopters, supporters and volunteers. Your views,
feedback and ideas are always welcome and we encourage initiative –
so don’t be afraid to speak to your line manager /contact to say if
something in the area in which you work is not working that well, if you
have an idea to improve procedures or simply wish to try a new idea!
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Everyone is a volunteer, working around their own ‘normal life’
commitments and everyone has a voice. The people with the best
knowledge are the people in the role and your thoughts, ideas and
solutions will be very welcome!
Who is who?
There are currently 5 committee members, each having a specialism / overview of a specific area;
Julie Blaynee – Chairperson / Intakes
Rachel Bluck – Foster
Julia Kaminski – Foster
Sandra Brown – Admin
Bev Royal – Dog Welfare
Julie Ann Harris – Adoptions
Non Committee members with specific roles;
Dennis Lee – Treasurer
Kate Lee – Volunteer Training
Elaine Kingston – Facebook Page Manager
Gaynor Osbourne – Worcester Dog Walker Co-ordinator
Katie Russi – Hilderstone Dog Welfare Officer
Michael Rutherford - Website
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2) Data protection
Before moving to the more specific details of your role we need to
ensure you fully understand the Data Protection Policy of Senior Staffy
Club.
We deal with a lot of personal information from lots of people including:
People asking us to rehome their dogs;
Adopters
Fosterers
Volunteers
Home Visitors
Donators
There are various places the different information we receive gets
recorded but the main system used is our Google Drive and this will be
the main one that you will use.
Recording information
Information is stored in the Google Drive and you will have access to the
relevant areas you need to enable you to perform your role.
All information you record should be recorded accurately, should only be
recorded in the Google Drive and not on your own computer, and should
be removed in accordance with the timescales set out in our Privacy
Policy which is shown below.
Passing on information
Information stored in any of the systems we use is personal and private
and should not be passed on in anyway without express permission.
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The forms we use have a disclaimer on them to say we will only use the
information provided to enable us to deliver the service requested; i.e.
adopters information will be passed to a home visitor so that can be
carried out, and so we will have express permission for that to be done.
However, outside of the actions needed to deliver our service additional
permission will need to be sought from the owner of the information, and
the committee, before disclosing this information elsewhere. Failure to
do this is a breach of the Data Protection policy and could cause the
Charity to have action taken against them and be fined – so if you are in
any doubt please ask your line manager before disclosing any
information. .
*****IMPORTANT – PLEASE ENSURE YOU READ THE PRIVACY
POLICY BELOW *****
Any questions in relation to this please ask Training or your Line
Manager
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Senior Staffy Club Privacy Policy
How we respect privacy when we deal with personal information
collected by our organisation
This Privacy Policy applies to information we, Senior Staffy Club, collect
about individuals who interact with our organisation. It explains what
personal information we collect and how we use it.
If you have any comments or questions about this notice, feel free to
contact us at [email protected]
1. Personal data that we process
The following table explains the types of data we collect and the legal
basis, under current data protection legislation, on which this data is
processed.
Purpose Data (key
elements)
Basis
Enquiring
about our
organisation
and its work
Name, email,
message
Legitimate interests - it is necessary for us to
read and store your message so that we can
respond in the way that you would expect.
Subscribing to
email updates
about our
work
Name, email Consent - you have given your active consent.
Making a
donation
Name, email,
address, payment
information
Legitimate interests - this information is
necessary for us to fulfil your intention of
donating money.
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Signing up as
a Kennel
Crusader
Name, email,
address, payment
information
Contract - you have entered into an agreed
relationship with us to retain your details for
the purpose of receiving newsletters / cards
Website
functionality
Website activity
collected through
cookies
Legitimate interests
- it is necessary for us to store a small amount
of information, usually through cookies, to
deliver functionality that you would expect,
such as remembering the contents of your
order before you have fully completed the
process.
Applying to
adopt
Name, address,
email, contact
numbers and
further information
as requested on
the adoption
application form
Legitimate interest – this information is
necessary for us to assess your suitability to
adopt the dog applied for, to organise home
visits and references and for your expectation
of the process to be delivered.
Applying to
foster
Name, address,
and further
information as
requested on the
foster application
form
Legitimate interest – this information is
necessary for us to assess your suitability to
foster a dog from us, to organise home visits
and references and for your expectation of the
process to be delivered.
Buying
merchandise
Name, email,
address, payment
information
Legitimate interests - this information is
necessary for us to fulfil your intention of
purchasing merchandise from us and your
expectation of receiving the items paid for.
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Applying to
volunteer
Name, email,
address, contact
number and
further information
as requested on
the volunteering
form
Legitimate interest – this information is
necessary for us to assess your suitability to
volunteer for us, and for your expectation of
being able to volunteer for us.
Applying for
your dog to
be rehomed
by us
Name, email,
address, contact
number and
further information
as requested on
the Intake form
Legitimate interest – this information is
necessary for us to assess the circumstances
of your request, and assess your dog, and for
your expectation of the process to be delivered
2. How we use your data
We will only use your data in a manner that is appropriate considering
the basis on which that data was collected, as set out in the table at the
top of this policy.
For example, we may use your personal information to:
● reply to enquiries you send to us; ● handle donations or other transactions that you initiate; ● where you have specifically agreed to this, send you marketing
communications by email relating to our work which we think may be of interest to you.
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3. When we share your data
We will only pass your data to third parties in the following
circumstances:
● you have provided your explicit consent for us to pass data to a named third party;
● we are using a third party purely for the purposes of processing data on our behalf and we have in place a data processing agreement with that third party that fulfils our legal obligations in relation to the use of third party data processors; or we are required by law to share your data.
In addition, we will only pass data to third parties outside of the EU
where appropriate safeguards are in place as defined by Article 46 of the
General Data Protection Regulation.
4. How long we keep your data
We take the principles of data minimisation and removal seriously and
have internal policies in place to ensure that we only ever ask for the
minimum amount of data for the associated purpose and delete that data
promptly once it is no longer required.
The length of time your data will be kept will be dependent upon the
purpose for which it was supplied –
Purpose Time Kept
Enquiring about our organisation and its work
Deleted once the enquiry has been
dealt with appropriately except where we feel the enquiry is in relation to
issues that may require further investigation for the welfare of animals / SSC dogs and it is legitimate for us to
do so and / or we are legally required to do so in which case they will be stored until investigation / legal proceedings
have been completed
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Subscribing to email updates about our work
Until consent is withdrawn
Making a donation
For 12 months for accounting purposes / Gift Aid information will be stored for 7
years as required by HMRC
Signing up as a Kennel Crusader
Until consent is withdrawn
Applying to adopt
If the adoption does not go through the information will be deleted immediately or, at your request, be kept for a further month pending further interest in other
dogs If you adopt the dog your information
will be stored for 10yrs.
Applying to foster
If the application is not successful your information will be deleted immediately.
If successful your information will be kept for the duration of you actively fostering for us and for 6 months
afterwards unless you wish to cease fostering when it will be removed
immediately
Buying merchandise
For 12 months for accounting purposes
Applying to volunteer
For the duration of you actively
volunteering for us
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Applying for your dog to be rehomed by us
If the process isn’t concluded information will be stored for 1 month in case of further requests to help or will be removed immediately at your request. If the dog is taken into our care your details will be retained for 10years
5. Rights you have over your data
You have a range of rights over your data, which include the following:
● Where data processing is based on consent, you may revoke this consent at any time and we will make it as easy as possible for you to do this (for example by putting ‘unsubscribe’ links at the bottom of all our marketing emails).
● You have the right to ask for rectification and/or deletion of your information.
● You have the right of access to your information. ● You have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information
Commissioner if you feel your rights have been infringed.
A full summary of your legal rights over your data can be found on the
Information Commissioner’s website here: https://ico.org.uk/
If you would like to access the rights listed above, or any other legal
rights you have over your data under current legislation, please get in
touch with us.
Please note that relying on some of these rights, such as the right to
deleting your data, will make it impossible for us to continue to deliver
some services to you. However, where possible we will always try to
allow the maximum access to your rights while continuing to deliver as
many services to you as possible.
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6. Cookies & usage tracking
A cookie is a small file of letters and numbers that is downloaded on to your computer when you visit a website. Cookies are used by many websites and can do a number of things, egg remembering your preferences, recording what you have put in your shopping basket, and counting the number of people looking at a website.
Where cookies are used to collect personal data, we list these purposes
in section 1 above, along with other personal data that we collect.
However, we also use some cookies that do not collect personal
information but that do help us collect anonymous information about how
people use our website. We use Google Analytics for this purpose.
Google Analytics generates statistical and other information about
website usage by means of cookies, which are stored on users'
computers. The information collected by Google Analytics about usage
of our website is not personally identifiable. The data is collected
anonymously, stored by Google and used by us to create reports about
website usage. Google's privacy policy is available at
http://www.google.com/privacypolicy.html.
7. Modifications
We may modify this Privacy Policy from time to time and will publish the
most current version on our website. If a modification meaningfully
reduces your rights, we'll notify people whose personal data we hold and
is affected.
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3) CODES OF PRACTICE
As Dog Welfare Officer (DWO) your duties will include admittance and assessment of new rescue dogs, and ensuring that, on behalf of SSC, we are following the highest standards of animal care possible. Once a dog is signed over into SSC care we then become the legal owner of the dog until such time as he / she is adopted, and if sadly they are then returned to us for whatever reason we then become the dogs legal owner once again. This means, that like any owner, we need to comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which states amongst many other things, that we ‘are always responsible for our dog’s needs’. If as owners we fail to meet the dogs welfare needs or cause it unnecessary suffering, the Charity may be prosecuted under the Act. Under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the Act) you must take such steps as are reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal for which you are responsible are met, to the extent required by good practice and which are set out in the Act as follows:
(a) need for a suitable environment
(b) need for a suitable diet
(c) need to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
(d) need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
(e) need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
Many of the duties as set out in the DWO job description (Appendix….) are designed to help you cover these five areas, such as;
Sorting correct and necessary equipment for their stay in kennels; such as appropriate leads, coats, food etc.
Assessment of dogs to identify any behavioural / health needs and their rehoming requirements.
Keeping assessments up to date in light of changing behaviours
Performing regular checks of all dogs on site and administering basic medical treatments such as worm and flea treatments.
Liaising with the Charity’s chosen Veterinary practices/surgeons to arrange health checks and any follow up visits and treatment.
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Liaising with Kennel staff to inform them of, and to ensure, any prescribed medication / advice is followed correctly.
Keeping the store room tidy and checking food is in date and safe to use
Organising extra care for dogs – i.e. baths, behaviourist visits, free run fields etc. if and when required, with permission of your Trustee Line Manager
However these tasks are not exclusive or limited as there is no one “perfect” way to care for all dogs because every dog, and every situation, is different, but they all have the same basic needs. It is up to you to find out what each dog’s precise needs are and how to meet them during the assessment period. You must ensure that all the dog’s basic needs are met initially, and then with continuous assessment, and vet checks, build, and develop the appropriate care package for each dog. We will consider this in more detail later in the training pack. We use and pay for private boarding kennels, which will be governed by;
The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 - Guidance notes for conditions for providing boarding in kennels for dogs; However if you have any serious concerns regarding standards at the kennels let your line manager (or any Trustee) know as soon as possible, so that a Trustee can speak to the kennel owners directly to address the issue. ACTION: Please read and familiarise yourself with the booklet ‘The Code of Practice For The Welfare Of Dogs’ at Appendix 1
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4)Equipment / Food
As part of your role you will need to manage the supply of food and
necessary equipment, so that the dogs in our care always have access
to what they require to meet their basic needs, and access to anything
they need to address additional needs that have been identified via their
care package.
Equipment such as leads, harnesses, toys, blankets, flea and worm
treatment, coats, brushes as well as food, be it generic or specialised
can be purchased by the Charity and your line manager will discuss with
you how best this is done.
However, as a Charity we have many amazing supporters who love to
donate and help our Seniors, so you should at all times encourage the
use of our Amazon Wish lists. Supporters can access them via our
website, and they are also shared on our Facebook pages regularly. In
addition to basic equipment, if specialist equipment is needed for a dog
this can be added it to it as well and a special appeal made on
Facebook.
The Wish list should be kept up to date each week, with items (food and
equipment) being added and removed as required. Care should be
made in ensuring that we are not overstocking, as space is limited and
‘use by dates’ come round quickly! Your line manager will supply you
with the necessary information to allow you access to the Wish lists to
be able to update them.
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5) Use of Vehicle
Each of the kennel sites that SSC uses is allocated a vehicle for the safe
transportation of the dogs. The vans provided have 2 / 3 cages in them,
Insurance
No one should use these vehicles unless and until they have been
added to the van insurance policy. The general criteria for a driver to
be added is that they are aged over 30yrs and have a full, clean
driving licence, although if a driver is under 30yrs they can be added
in certain circumstances which you should discuss fully with your Line
Manager as this could affect the insurance cost and cover.
On commencement of your Dog Welfare Officer role your line
manager will arrange for you to be added to the Charity vehicle
insurance and will inform you of when you are fully covered to drive
the vehicle. You should NOT drive the vehicle until told you are
allowed to do so.
You should discuss with your line manager where it is you intend the
vehicle to be kept when it is not being driven. You can keep the
vehicle at your own home but this should be agreed to, so that your
line manager can ensure that the insurer is aware of this and it is on
the policy. The vehicle should not be kept anywhere other than the
address agreed to without giving your line manager prior notice so
that the insurers can be made aware, as it may affect our policy if
they are not informed.
If you wish to allow another volunteer to the drive the vehicle in order
to assist you in your role again you should inform your line manager.
The volunteer should NOT drive the vehicle until you have had
confirmation that they have been added to the insurance policy and
are ok to do so.
**The vehicle can only be used for Senior Staffy Club
related business and the transportation of Senior Staffy
Club dogs**.
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Accidents
The vehicle has Green Flag Rescue cover in case of a break down,
details of which should be kept to hand in the vehicle, and we suggest
that you have the contact number and policy number stored in your
phone as a back-up.
In the event of an accident you should contact the insurance
company (again details should be kept to hand in the vehicle and
stored in your phone) and inform Julie Blaynee or any other Trustee
asap.
Vehicle equipment and maintenance
You should insure the vehicle has all the necessary equipment you
may need for health and safety, and to deal with the dogs, stored in
the vehicle.
QUESTION: What equipment do you think should be in kept in
the vehicle?.
Whilst no one is expecting the vehicle to be ‘showroom’ clean you
should ensure that it is tidy and presentable, inside and out as you
are representing Senior Staffy Club whilst using the vehicle and a
professional appearance is required.
You will be informed by Main Office when the vehicle is due its MOT
and it should be taken to a local garage in a timely manner to get it
done. The vehicle CANNOT be used without a current MOT.
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Any general maintenance that is needed in between MOTs you
should highlight to your line manager, and you should ensure the
problem is resolved asap. It is not acceptable to leave or ignore
maintenance issues as it will create health and safety issues, and
insurance issues in the event of an accident, and it may make the
vehicle illegal to drive, which again will affect insurance cover. It is
your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is road worthy and properly
maintained at all times. Any costs will of course be covered by Senior
Staffy Club.
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6) Volunteer Walkers
Advertising
Being a volunteer yourself you will already know how important
volunteers are to the work we can achieve. Part of your role as Dog
Welfare Officer is the recruitment of volunteer walkers to care for the
dogs at kennels. The Senior Staffy Club criteria is that as a minimum
each dog should have at least one 40 minute walk a day – but the
more walks and / or interaction the dogs can have in the day the
better. Therefore the more walkers we can recruit the happier the
dogs will be!
You will need to have at least 10-15 walkers on your list at all times,
this is so you are able to arrange for at least one walker to go each
day. That number will also give you additional capacity, bearing in
mind that at peak holiday times walkers may not be available as
much, that walkers who can go on weekdays are often fewer than
those who can go at weekends, and that in the winter some walkers
may not wish to attend as often.
Ideally you should aim for 30 walkers on the list so that two walkers
can go each day (at different times), you have enough cover for main
holiday periods, or in order that walkers can ‘buddy up’ when the
kennels are full to share the workload.
We continually advertise for walkers on our website, and you can ask
the Social Media Team to post targeted requests for walkers on our
Facebook pages, Instagram and Twitter at regular intervals. If you
feel more specific local advertising would help we have volunteers
that can help create posters / leaflets for you to use or with discussion
with your line manager advertisements can be paid for to be placed in
local papers.
Please feel free to utilise any of these available routes as and when
required, and new ideas and initiatives are always welcome!.
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Volunteer Walkers Paperwork /Induction
When a potential new walker is found, then either prior to, or after you
have spoken to them they should fill out a volunteer form. This form
can be found on the website at …………….. and it enables us to
capture contact details, what times they are available to volunteer for
and any other areas they may be interested in getting involved in.
This form will be saved in the Drive, as per SSC Data protection
guidelines by the Main Office to which you will have access.
Once the volunteer form has been received and you have contacted
them and spoken to them about the role, its commitments and
expectations, and you are happy that they are suitable they should be
invited to attend an induction session at the kennels.
The induction session should be carried out by yourself if possible but
if you are unable to do it an experienced walker can do it in your
absence if they have been trained and made fully aware of the
process, paperwork and information they need to be giving to the new
volunteer. During the Induction Session you should cover the
following information with them:
Background information regarding SSC – a brief overview on the
history / set up of the Charity
The location of equipment at the kennels
The system at the kennels for dog collection and return
Where the dogs can be walked
Where the dogs can be taken for interaction time
Who to contact if they want permission to take the dogs anywhere
else and rules in relation to this
Health and Safety:
Their own
The dogs
Other people on site
Walkers FB Group – how it works, the need for feedback /
photographs following a walk and what sort of things they should
cover
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Rota – how it works
Their point of contact / emergency numbers
As part of the induction session you should walk with the volunteer
with one of the dogs. This should be done on one of the regular
routes you would ask them to take the dogs on. This enables them to
get to know the route and also gives you an opportunity to see how
they handle the dog, whether they are able to assess and anticipate a
dogs reactions and whether they handle the dog/equipment
appropriately.
If you have any concerns you should either arrange a further
induction session and/or inform them that unfortunately you do not
feel they would be suitable for the role and maybe discuss other
opportunities to help SSC with them.
At the end of the Induction session if you are happy for them to
become an active volunteer walker you need to ensure they read and
sign the following two forms;
Walkers Form (APPENDIX 2 and 3) – this lays out the
salient and important points that you have explained to them and
that they agree to abide to at all times
Tetanus Form (APPENDIX 4) – the onus is on the volunteer
to ensure they are covered by a Tetanus Injection. They should not
sign this form unless they are certain they are up to date with their
Tetanus protection. If they are unable to sign at this time you should
inform them that they cannot commence as a walker until they are
able to do so and they will be put on hold pending signature, during
which time they should check with their GP or make arrangements
to receive the injection. (It would be worth covering this issue during
the initial phone call you have with them regarding the role to save
time at this stage)
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Once signed you should ensure that the walker has a copy of the
Walkers Form to keep for their information, you should ensure a
photograph copy of both signed forms are put in the Drive at the
appropriate place and that both the originals are sent to the Main Office
for safe storage. It is your responsibility to make sure that should the
volunteer stop attending that they are removed from the FB group, the
forms are deleted from the drive and the Main office are informed so that
they can act appropriately in accordance with Data Protection.
It is of paramount importance that you ensure you have informed the
new volunteer, and that the new volunteer understands, all policies and
procedures in relation to walking the dogs, this is for their own safety
and that of the dogs, and to safeguard that the walker and SSC are
covered by the Charity insurance at all times.
ACTION:
Think about the areas to be covered during the Induction session with a
new walker. Make notes under each heading of what you feel you
should include in each area with regards to health and safety.
Health and Safety:
The walkers own
The dogs
Other people on site
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The role of the Walker
Of course the primary role of the volunteer walkers is to the walk the
dogs! However, their role is actually much broader than that.
Over a period of time the walkers get to know the dogs and have a
chance to see how the dog behaves in different situations, at different
times and with different people. This will be invaluable to you as you
prepare the dog for adoption.
Once the walker has completed their induction session, you should add
them to the relevant Walkers Facebook Group. This will give them
access to other walkers and to you via the private group. You should
encourage them, and indeed expect them to do a write up after each
walk they do as to how the walk went, to inform the group of any issues
or concerns about the dog, explain what techniques they used to assist /
improve the dog and their outcome. You should also encourage them to
post as many photos and / or videos they take of the dog into the group
so that these can be used by the Social Media Team when promoting
the dog.
You should monitor these write ups carefully and act on any information
they give, especially nay information which gives you cause for concern
and may require an alteration to the advice and guidance you have
given on how to handle a dog. In effect they should be used to aid you in
your continual risk assessment of the dog.
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7) Intakes / Initial Assessments
We get approached via many sources asking us to help in rehoming
Senior Staffies – including the pounds, the owners the owners family,
the Police, other rescues, the dog warden, vets, or simply someone
on Facebook who has seen a post about a dog or has seen them on
Gumtree. You may get tagged or asked directly to help a dog.
However any Senior coming into our care MUST have been dealt with
and accepted via the Intake Team. If you are approached by a
member of the public or other organisation and asked to take in a dog
you should simply advise them to visit the website and complete the
Rehoming Form on there. If they do not have access to the website
you may pass on the email address which is
Please do not make any promises or make any offers to take in the
dog, simply state that the person must contact the Intake Team by
one of the methods you have given (website form or email). This is
the first step to getting their dog a rescue space with us and you /SSC
cannot proceed any further until this is done.
Intake Process
The process the Intake Team goes through with the owner /
organisation has been developed over a number of years and is done
in such a way that it ensures we have as much information about the
dog that we can get to assist kennel staff and volunteers in terms of
health and safety and for forward planning for the arrival of the dog.
The Intake Team will:
Receive a completed rehoming form via the website .This asks a lot
of questions from the owner / keeper about the dog so that we can
gather as much history about the dog as possible
Obtain microchip details which will be checked to ensure the dog is
registered to the current keeper, if the dog is not we will make
enquiries to find out why and make sure it hasn’t been reported lost or
stolen.
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Obtain any previous vet details so that we have as full a medical
history as possible, which will help with forward planning prior to
arrival in regards to medicines the dog should arrive with or have
immediately or any possible known health concerns going forward.
Obtain specific photographs- this is to ensure that the dog is not a
banned breed. (Please note that SSC is not against any banned
breed but as a Charity we do have to abide by UK law and so sadly
cannot accept a dog that is clearly a banned breed. We would not
legally be able to rehome the dog if we did and we do not have the
facilities to act as a lifetime sanctuary at the present time. We also
have to check that the kennels we use do not class them as a banned
breed and are happy to accept them into the kennels)
Arrange for an assessment of the dog where it is currently residing,
by an independent person. This is to enable us to confirm
independently that the dog is as stated by the owner / keeper and the
facts we have been given are correct. We don’t claim that this is a full
assessment of the dog but just a general indicator and a confirmation
it is the dog we have received information and photographs about.
Once all this information has been obtained only then will the owner /
keeper be offered a space for the dog at the rescue.
As the Intake Team deal with ALL intakes it means that they have an
overview of where the spaces are, how many dogs are already on the
waiting list to come in, which dogs are the most urgent to come in and
which dog will be best suited for which kennels.
The Intake Team will let you know when they have a potential dog to
come to you and will work with you to let you know transport
arrangements and agree on a date / time of arrival suitable for all.
ALL dogs coming into SSC care will in the first instance be placed in
kennels, this is to allow a more thorough assessment of the dog to take
place, and for the initial health check and any immediate vet needs to be
identified /dealt with before they are rehomed or placed in foster care.
This period will, in most cases, be for a minimum of two weeks.
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Arrival at the kennels
Once notified of the details of the dog coming to you it is important that
you read the dogs file in the Drive so that you are fully updated as to the
information we currently have on that dog prior to arrival. This is to help
plan for its arrival. Some dogs may come with lots information from their
previous owners whilst others may have only basic information. Please
make yourself familiar with whatever information is available and use it
initially to ensure their basic needs are met. For example;
How does it react to other dogs? - will you need to make provision
for this so that the dog is not placed in too stressful a situation on
arrival,
What food does it normally eat, how much and when
Is the dog comfortable around strangers and with being handled
QUESTION: What other information may be useful to know before the
dog arrives?
Paperwork
When a new dog comes into SSC care they MUST arrive with or you
MUST have ready to sign, a SURRENDER FORM (Appendix 5)
***This is a very important document***
It contains details of the dog and details of the current legal owner be
that the usual owner, a pound, another rescue, a dog warden, the
Police, vets or anyone else it has been agreed by the Intake Team can
sign on the owners behalf.
By signing the document the current owner or their agreed
representative, legally signs ownership of the dog over to Senior Staffy
Club and agrees and consents to us rehoming the dog.
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It is extremely important that EVERY dog accepted into SSC care, or
being returned into SSC care after being adopted, has a signed
Surrender Document relating to that dog.
QUESTION: Why do you think this document is so important to have?
You should place a photographic copy of the signed form in to the
Drive in the dog’s folder and send the original to the SSC Main Office
for safe keeping.
Settling in
The initial assessment you make of the dog will be to enable you to give guidance to the walkers as to the overall temperament of the dog and things they should or not should not do in relation to the dog – it is in effect an initial risk assessment for the walkers as they start to walk any new dog. When the dog arrives it will be stressed and confused and so you may not get the true picture at this time. Best practice would be that at this stage you simply accept the dog into care, and keeping interaction to a minimum;
Take the dog a walk using the collar, harness lead they arrive with (if secure) to de-stress them,
Make sure they have the correct food and sufficient food for the night and next morning
Inform the kennel staff of any medicines they need to have that day /next morning
Ensure there is adequate and correct bedding in the kennel
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Having kept the handling to a minimum the dog should then be left to settle overnight, this will mean the dog will not be stressed any further than it needs to be at this stage. The dog should then be visited the next day, when it has had time to settle and take in its surroundings a little. (We do appreciate however that two visits may not be possible, but simply state that if possible it is best practice to allow the dog to settle before having to handle them too much, for your own safety). At this stage you should sort out new equipment for the dog during its stay with us, this should include;
Collar with SSC tag attached – it is a legal requirement that every dog has a tag with the owners (SSC) contact details on, attached to the collar. You should ensure that you always have a stock of these tags for use.
Harness – all SSC dogs are walked on a harness as they are more secure than just a collar. This means you will need to have various sized harnesses in stock and fit them to each dog.
Lead – you should consider the most appropriate lead for each dog. If the dog is a lead chewer he/she will require a chain lead. Would they better with a short lead at first or would a training lead be suitable? Extender leads can be used at your discretion but should not be used initially, until the dog is more settled and the walkers have got to know them better. When using extenders consideration should be given to safety near other dogs if the lead is left unlocked, and what lead training the dog needs. Also bear in mind that not all walkers are able to use an extender lead safely!
Two coats should be provided for inclement weather. To be used alternatively thereby allowing time for drying in between wet weather walks. The coats should be replaced regularly with clean ones.
Suitable toys should be provided in the kennels – these should not be soft toys that can be ripped up, in case of choking when the dog is not being watched. Toys should only be provided if you are happy there are no guarding issues with the dog, in order to protect kennel staff as they go in and out.
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Bedding should be clean and comfortable and changed regularly. If the dog is prone to destroying bedding this will have to be monitored and alternatives found.
At least a week’s supply of food should be available for the kennel staff to use and the food should be appropriate to the dog –try to provide the food they normally eat at first with a gradual change over to other food if necessary.
All medicines the dog requires should be given to the kennel staff with clear instructions as to dosage
Flea and worm treatment should be done as soon as possible if needed.
You should also take the dog a walk again which will further inform your initial assessment and guidance for the walkers.
QUESTION: What information will your initial assessment provide you with to inform the guidance you will give the walkers?
QUESTION: What extra information will you gain from walking the dog?
Some dogs when they come into a kennel environment and are surrounded by people and places they do not know may react differently than they did in the home or previous place of residence. They may be quieter (at least at first), they may be more reactive than described, they may go off their food or become wary of people. So a period of assessment, supported by vet checks will be needed, to ensure we are providing the appropriate care package.
Please be mindful that whilst all information from previous owners or
previous rescues is useful it should only be used as a guide, your
own assessments based on what you see and learn about the dog
once they are in your care is what should be used to form the basis of
your risk assessments.
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Guidance for walkers
Once you have completed your Initial Assessment Form
(Appendix 6)of the dog you should inform all of your volunteer
walkers of your findings and provide guidance on issues such as; how
much and how to handle the dog, how far to walk the dog, what treats
the dog should have etc.
QUESTION: What other information would you consider necessary to
pass onto the walkers as part of your risk assessment?
Why is it necessary that this initial assessment is done?
Your initial assessment findings should be posted in the relevant
Volunteer Walkers Facebook page and each walker tagged and asked
to acknowledge and state they have read and understood it. If there
are any queries these should be addressed. Only then should any
walkers be allowed to walk the dog.
Your findings should also be recorded and saved into the dog’s folder
in the Drive.
Both of these steps are necessary so that the Charity can show an
initial risk assessment has been done with each dog, and we have a
record that all walkers have seen it and have acknowledged it. This is
important should any incident occur at a later stage.
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8. Health and Vet Care
As the dog settles in you will need to book a health check for him/her
at the Charity vets as soon as is reasonable. When the appointment
is made you should ensure that the dog is registered onto the Charity
account and that any previous vet records we have of the dog are
also sent to the vets for their prior information.
All SSC dogs should as a minimum before adoption;
be fully vaccinated and up to date with vaccinations,
have an up to date Kennel Cough vaccination,
have received a full health check,
be up to date with flea and worm treatment
be neutered or spayed
At the visit you will obviously inform the vet of any known health
issues, or any concerns you have regarding the dogs health since
their arrival with SSC.
To be fully vaccinated the dog will require two vaccinations, usually 4
weeks apart and it is important that they receive the full course. The
Kennel Cough vaccination is one vaccination sprayed up the dogs
nose.
You should use the Vet Check List (Appendix 7) to ensure all areas
are covered by the vet and request that the health check includes a
general blood test and ask that any lumps be fine needle aspirated
and tested. These last two tests will not form part of the usual general
health test at the vets, but because we specifically deal with Seniors
both tests can help to highlight any underlying issues, common In
older dogs, which are not possible to detect by a physical
examination. The sooner we know of any underlying problems, the
sooner we can take appropriate action and /or be able to inform
potential adopters of them.
The Check List form should be completed and saved in the dogs
folder in the Drive
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QUESTION: Why is it important that all information you obtain /
gather about the dog is saved to the Drive?
Follow up vet care / operations
In general any advice the vet gives you regarding the dog’s health
should be followed. This includes obtaining any medicines required;
having any additional tests required completed, any dental care being
carried out and advice as to any operations needed being pursued,
however, if it is likely to be a very intrusive operation, or very costly,
you should seek your Trustee line managers guidance first.
We will always provide any dog with the vet care it needs regardless
of cost, but in certain circumstances this may require some forward
planning before being booked, or if the dog is very old and frail it may
not be in the best interest of the dog to go ahead with a very intrusive
operation, and a joint decision should be made as to the best course
of action for the dog.
However please note SSC does not have a dog put to sleep simply
because the dog is old, frail or has a serious illness, and although it
may be decided not to pursue a big operation or a specific treatment,
we will still make arrangements to continue to care for the dog
appropriately until it is their proper time to go. We will only have a dog
put to sleep on vets’ advice due to their being no more quality of life
left.
If a dog in your care needs a simple operation, for example a
neuter/spay, a dental or a small lump removed, you will need to find a
temporary foster home for the dog to recover in for at least one night.
(This is not the same as moving them to a foster home – we will talk
more on that later). SSC policy is that no dog should be left in a
kennel overnight immediately following an operation; this is because
they will still be suffering the effects of the anaesthetic and they
should not be left unsupervised during this time, therefore a very
temporary place to recover should be found (The Foster team can
guide you on this), and the operation should not be booked until this
is possible, so an element of forward planning for such events is
required.
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9.Continuous Assessments
Along with the initial risk assessment and the health check, the dogs
should be continuously assessed whilst at the kennels.
This should be achieved by walking and visiting the dog yourself on a
few occasions and also by encouraging full and frank write ups from
the walkers on the Facebook Group page.
The more information they can provide as to the how the dog has
behaved with them on the walks, around other dogs etc., the more
you will be able to provide a well-rounded assessment of the dog.
Again your notes in the Drive should reflect the information that is
being provided and be kept up to date as more information is
gathered.
Action Plans for dogs
As you gather information regarding the dog and its behaviours your
advice and guidance to the walkers should be modified to reflect
behaviours seen. An Ongoing Action Plan Form (Appendix 8) should
be completed once a week to reflect any changes in the dogs
behaviour.
For example; any restrictions you set at the start – such as walking on
a short lead only – you may be able to relax a little if you feel it is no
longer warranted and Conversely you may feel that restrictions need
to be stressed more or added to – such as reducing handling of the
dog if he / she has started to nip.
The dog will be walked by different people every day and may behave
differently towards different individuals, for example; the dog may not
be happy to be handled by men but be okay with females.
It is an evolving situation which will depend on each dog individually
but you should always react and clearly guide walkers as to how best
to deal with the dog and its behaviours – it is a continuous risk
assessment.
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You should also consider that the walkers themselves will react
differently to the dogs – some will cuddle the dog more, some may
give more treats, some may just go and walk the dog and have less
interaction – this is not a problem in itself and is a good way of getting
a broad assessment of the dog, however it may be necessary to
provide a more specific action plan for certain dogs if you are trying to
improve a specific behaviour.
For instance, if a dog pulls very strongly on a lead you may need to
consider an action plan on how to stop that behaviour. The action
plan will ensure that all the walkers are dealing with this issue in the
same way, as consistency is the key for improvement.
It is your role to give the walkers guidance to achieve consistent
behaviour towards the dog so that the dog learns appropriately.
QUESTION:
One of the dogs is starting to mouth quite hard in excitement when
walkers are interacting with toys. What advice would you give to the
walkers in terms of keeping them safe and preventing a more serious
incident happening?
What guidance would you consider giving to the walkers as an action
plan to help improve the dog’s behaviour?
Having decided on both your courses of action where would you put
this information?
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Resources Available
We do however appreciate that you may need guidance yourself on this
and there are a number of resources you can use to ensure the
behavioural advice you plan to give is suitable and safe;
Discussion with your Trustee Line Manager
Discussion with the SSC dog behaviourist
Recommended behaviourist books (provided)
You should use all of these resources as you set your guidance for the
walkers.
It is SSC policy that each dog spends a minimum of two weeks at
kennels being assessed and receiving the necessary health checks
before they are ready for adoption. It will vary from dog to dog, some
may need longer, but if there are no major health issues or behavioural
issues that need to be addressed the dog should be advertised after two
weeks – but not prior to two weeks as we need time to get an
understanding of the kind of home that would be best for the dog.
Some dogs can be very popular and have interested adopters from day
one, but in line with SSC Policy they should not be adopted until the two
week assessment period has been completed, they have been
spayed/neutered, had at least their first vaccination and any potential
health issues have been checked and dealt with, or at least identified so
that we can inform adopters of the situation regarding those.
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10.Ready For Adoption
Write Ups
The aim of SSC is to ideally get the dogs adopted from kennels as soon
as the two week assessment period is over. If there are health issues or
behavioural issues a foster home may have to be considered – which
will be discussed in the Foster section – but adoption from kennels
should be the primary focus for the majority.
Whilst the dog is at kennels you will be the dogs Key Worker (KW) and
as such you are responsible for getting the dog advertised and
promoting him / her when they are ready, by using Facebook, Website,
Instagram, Twitter and if required local press.
This means doing a write up for the dog and making sure the social
media teams have relevant up to date information, photos and videos to
work with.
Write ups should include basic information such as whether they are
good with other dogs (meeting them and living with them), whether they
can live with cats, what age children if any they could live with, whether
they travel well, how they behave at the vets, or if they have any health
or behavioural issues that need to be considered. You should include
some of their likes and dislikes as well and maybe suggest what sort of
family may suit them.
Regarding cats – it is virtually impossible for SSC to cat test the dogs so
you should only say they could live with a cat if we have solid evidence
that they have done so in the past; i.e. photographs of or an eye witness
of them with cats in the home.
It is SSC Policy that the potential adopter be told the truth about the
dogs – good or bad - so although you don’t have to go into too much
detail in the write up, as any issues will be discussed in more depth
during a telephone call, any issues that are known to us should be
mentioned in the write up.
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For example if the dog lunges at other dogs when out walking you could
say;
“I (the dog) can be strong on the lead and I will get agitated and pull
towards other dogs when I’m out walking, I know it’s silly but my friends
at the kennels are helping me to learn I don’t have to do this (this is
where your Action Plan with the walkers will be working!) and they can
offer ongoing behavioural support if you think it might be needed if you
decide to be my new family – which I still hope you will want to be”.
Although you may feel that by mentioning such issues it will put off
adopters, and it is true it will deter some, you can at least be assured
that any that do apply for such a dog will do so knowing that issues exist
and that they are at least still interested enough to find out more.
Remember what is an ‘issue’ is for one adopter may not be considered
an ‘issue’ for another.
It is more important that we find the right home for each dog, even if it
takes longer for some. This is better than hiding issues which will mean
that there is a greater likelihood of the dog being returned to us straight
away, the dog will be unsettled by lots of moves thereby making any
issues worse and the reputation of SSC as being an honest rescue
being tarnished.
Your goal should always be to do the best for the dog, and so finding the
right home is your priority. It is important to give all the facts, and if
necessary turn away homes, politely, if they are simply not suitable.
QUESTION: Think about a dog you own or know and, looking at the
existing write ups on the website as guidance, try to write a short write
up in the same style ‘advertising’ that dog.
What sort of information should you consider to give the social media
teams for use in their posts?
If the dog is receiving no interest at all despite being on the website and
promoted on Social Media, what sort of things could you do to try and
improve this?;
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Working with Adoption Application Team
All applications to adopt go directly to the Applications Team and once
received an Applications Co-ordinator (AC) will take them through the
process.
If you should be approached directly by someone interested in adopting
one of the dogs at your kennels they should be advised to complete an
online Adoption Application form for the dog so that the Applications
Team can deal with it.
Once the form is received the Application Coordinator will make the
initial call to the applicant for a general chat - to check the details given
on the form, ensure they are suitable applicants in line with our adoption
policy. (Please make yourself aware of the Adoptions Policy at
Appendix….), They will also make arrangements to get a copy of the
landlords permission if required and inform the adopter that;
All dogs are spayed/neutered (unless our vet’s advice otherwise),
micro-chipped (we’ll transfer this automatically to you at the time of
adoption). We also provide your dog with 5 weeks free insurance
The adoption donation is £90 or £120 for a pair – this is non-
refundable. (Unless under the instruction of committee a different
amount or fee waiver is applied)
They need to be able to travel to where ever the dog is and if a
resident dog is involved this will be twice
If everything is in order and all seems suitable to proceed on paper the
Application Coordinator will speak to you as the dogs KW regarding the
application.
If you feel the applicants may be suitable for the dog applied for you will
then call the applicant yourself to discuss the dog in more detail and
answer any more specific queries about the dog the applicant may have.
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The Application Team will inform the applicant they should receive the
call from you within the next 48 hours. It is important that applicants are
not kept waiting longer than this for contact from yourself, as it’s
essential that SSC are seen as timely and efficient. Contacting the
potential adopter in a timely way also prevents extra work load for the
Applications Team who may then have to deal with further queries from
the applicant as to why they have not been contacted. If you are unable
to call the adopter within the 48 hours you should either send them a text
explaining why and stating a time / date when you will contact them or
let the Applications Team know that you haven’t been in touch so that
they can follow up for you.
QUESTION: Why do you think it is preferable that you speak to the
applicants about the dog yourself?
If during the call you think the applicant is NOT suitable for the dog in
question you should inform them politely, i.e. ‘I’m sorry I don't think it will
be a good match because…..but I will get the Applications Team to call
you in case we have another dog suitable for you’ Of course this may
mean the applicant gets upset but you should explain in a considerate
way your reasoning behind it.
If you have some reservations but would like to discuss it more with your
line manager before deciding, be open and explain your reservations to
the adopter and say you will speak to your manager and get back to
them again within 48 hours with your decision.
Hopefully however the two scenarios above will be very rare due to the
initial screening of suitability by the Applications Team, so in most cases
all will be probably be fine and you can let the applicant know that you
will request the Applications Team to organise a home visit (HV) for
them.
Once you report back to the Applications Team they will follow up the
application with the appropriate action as per your decision.
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If you request a home visit the Applications Team are responsible for
arranging that, and once they have all the information back from the
completed HV they will place it in the dogs folder in the Drive, informing
inform you it is there waiting for you to read it. It is you as the Key
Worker who makes the final decision as to the suitability of the applicant
for the dog based on the HV report.
If you are happy it should proceed to adoption the Application Team will
ring the applicant to inform them they have passed the HV and arrange
the visit/s to see the dog(s), in consultation with yourself to suit all
parties.
The Applications Team will inform the Social Media team to show the
dog as RESERVED on the website and inform the Social Media workers
not to share the dog pending a further update. It is SSC policy that no
dog is shown as reserved until such time that all necessary checks and
a successful home visit have been completed for a potential adopter and
they are ready to meet the dog.
Meet and Greets
Usually it will be you that is present at any meet and greet with potential
adopters.
This is a very exciting time for the adopter but it is important that you too
don’t get carried away in the excitement. Your role is to;
Prepare adopters for the visit - Prior to the visit potential adopters
need to consider how they will safely transport their new dog home.
They should have the necessary equipment with them to do so, such as
a car harness or dog guard for the car. They should also have a collar,
with a tag, and lead and preferably a harness. They should not be
allowed to transport the dog home loose on a back seat, nor sitting
between children. Your role is to ensure that the dog will be transported
home safely – the dog is your priority, he / she will be stressed by the
move and should not be placed in a position where an accident could
occur or where excitable behaviour could create an incident.
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Remain calm and remain objective - The potential adopters will be
excited to be visiting the dog and may want to over fuss the dog, crowd
it, or engage it in over the top play. Your role is to ensure the dog does
not get overly stressed so no incidents occur. That is not to say you do
not let the adopters handle, fuss or play with the dog but you should
remain aware of the dogs body language and the behaviour of the
adopters. By remaining objective you can maintain an overview of the
proceedings and step in if you feel the need to calm the meeting down
and ‘re-set’ the situation. Remember the adopters are keen and may
not realise their excitement is too much for the dog. So if you do feel
the need to step in do so politely, with an explanation and without
blame. For example; “Oh I think Fred is getting a little stressed by all
this lovely attention, let me have him here for a few moments so he
calm down and whilst he does maybe you can ask me anymore
questions you may have about him.”
Ensure that the adopter is given all the necessary information
regarding the health and behaviour of the dog - The adopter should be
aware of all this information prior to the visit but you should ensure it is
all given and discussed again during the visit
Give the adopter the opportunity to see the dog at its best but also
give them the chance to see any adverse behaviours the dog may have
for themselves – for example if a dog is reactive when walking past
other dogs, although the adopter will have been told this already, it is
important that if possible they can see how the dog reacts for
themselves. However we do not suggest that any behavioural issues
are ‘forced’, but in this scenario if there are other dogs around you
could walk past them at a safe distance. We do appreciate other
behaviours may not be as easy to recreate or you may not want to
recreate them. In those cases you should again discuss the issues in
depth with the adopter to ensure they have a full understanding of them
and how they manifest.
If you and they decide the adoption should go ahead set the
expectations of the first few days at home with their new dog – talk the
adopters through how the dog may behave in the home in the first few
days, how it may take time to settle and the behaviours they could
encounter.
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ACTION: What behaviours might a dog display in the home in their first
few days there?
Adoption paperwork
Prior to any adoption meeting taking place an Adoption Form (Appendix
9) needs to be prepared and you should have two copies of this form
ready to be signed at the meeting.
Working with your guidance the Adoption Application Team will prepare
the form for you, it will cover;
Any health conditions– any existing or ongoing health conditions
the dog suffers from should be listed i.e. a current or recurring ear
infection; any lumps and results of tests done on those lumps; any
lumps that have been removed and the analysis of the lumps; any
dentals done; any tests carried out on the dog and their results;
any existing diseases such as Cushing’s disease, Thyroid
conditions etc. – the list is not exhaustive as each dog will differ
but the aim is to be open and transparent about any existing
condition, and / or any condition we have had treated.
Agreed payments for vet care – on occasions we will cover,
either as a one off or on an ongoing basis, the cost of specific vet
care or medicines the dog needs. You should NOT agree to any
such payments without discussing it with your line manager
first.
However our aim is to avoid having to cover such costs – not
because we are mean! – But as we deal with Seniors most of them
will have existing medical issues on adoption and sadly the Charity
cannot support them all. This is for two reasons; firstly there is the
ongoing financial cost of doing so and secondly there is the
logistical issue of making payment for medicines and treatments
for numerous dogs all over the UK. The more dogs we are
supporting the more complicated this gets.
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Therefore the SSC policy is we will only support dogs who;
Are diagnosed as terminally ill – that is a vet has stated they
have only approximately 6 months to live;
Dogs that have a lifelong disease such as Cushing’s Disease
for which the medication is expensive. However negotiations
should always take place with the adopter as to whether they
require financial help as some adopters are happy to take on
the cost themselves.
We will also pay for any operations that we are already aware
need to be done but for whatever reasons have not been done
prior to adoption (This can include spaying/neutering in certain
circumstances).
Behavioural issues – any behavioural issues should be listed i.e.
reactive to other dogs, will lunge towards them, should not be
allowed off lead; mouths your arms when excited, grabs lead when
out walking etc. etc. – again these can be many and varied but all,
having been discussed with the adopter, should be listed on the
Adoption Form
QUESTION: Why do you think it is important to list all of these things on
the Adoption Form?
At the meet and greet, if it is decided by all parties that the adoption
should go ahead the adopter will need to sign the Adoption Form at the
time of adoption and pay the adoption donation.
The Adoption Form MUST be signed before the dog can leave the
kennels. This is the legal document that transfers ownership and
responsibility of the dog to the adopter.
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It is important that the adopter should be made aware that upon
signature the dog becomes their sole responsibility, they become the
legal owners, and they are legally liable from that moment for the dogs
actions and its vet care (excluding any vet care agreed on the Adoption
Form to be paid for by SSC). Although our dogs have a two week
settling in period (sometimes referred to as a home trial), during which
time we keep in contact, the adopter should not be left with the
impression that this means the dog still belongs to SSC and we are
responsible for its actions. Once the Adoption Form is signed the dog
belongs to the adopter and they are liable for the dog’s actions.
You should have two copies of the form prepared, both should be signed
by the adopter and their signature witnessed on both forms by yourself.
One copy should be given to the adopter, the second copy is the SSC
copy and you should put a photograph of it in the dog’s folder in the
Drive and send the original to the Main Office for filing.
The Application team will have liaised with you prior to the meet as to
what has been agreed with the adopter regarding payment of the
adoption donation and the amount they need to pay. The normal
adoption donation amount is £90 but this may be altered in certain
circumstances, or if they are adopting a pair.
The donation can be paid in cash, by cheque or online. If it is to be paid
online it may be paid before the meeting or after, and the Adoption
Application Team will have agreed to when the payment will be made
and will inform you prior to the meeting.
If they pay by cash to you, you should note on both Adoption Forms that
you have received the donation from them, state the amount given and
sign it. You should speak to the Main Office as to how to pay the money
into SSC.
If they pay by cheque it should be made out to Senior Staffy Club and
posted to the Main Office along with the Adoption Form.
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You should also inform the Admin Team to activate the five week free
insurance policy that every adopted SSC dog gets. The adopter should
be informed that they will receive an email from the insurance company
with the necessary information, and at the end of the 5 weeks the
insurance company will contact them to see if they wish to extend the
cover. The adopter is under no obligation to do so and they should make
their own enquiries about this insurance and its suitability against other
insurance companies and their policies. We do not make any
recommendations as to which insurance company or policy they should
use
Although the dog has now headed off to his/her new home the empty
kennel space should not immediately be filled but remain empty for two
weeks whilst the dog completes their two week settling period. This is so
we have a space available straight away to take the dog back should the
adoption be unsuccessful, which can occur, for various reasons on
occasions.
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11.Post Adoption
Well done! – You have found the dog a new home but your work in
relation to that dog is not quite finished. For the next two weeks you will
check in with the family to see how things are progressing, which
hopefully will be well. SSC follows a set procedure for these calls:
Follow Up Calls
Three follow up calls should be made at the following stages;
After 48hrs
At the end of the first week
At the end of the second week
It is hoped during each of these calls you will simply be told everything is
going well and be thanked for calling. If this is the case a friendly,
professional chat is all that is needed. At the end of the first two calls
inform the adopter when you will call again, but advise them to get in
touch with you before then if they do require any advice.
The aim is to keep a professional distance and to keep contact to a
minimum of the three courtesy phone calls post adoption. This is so you
can avoid the adopter becoming overly dependent on you for an answer
to every small thing that may occur.
Sometimes however the adopter may seek some advice as to issues
they may be having with the dog, which do require you to give advice
and sometimes to intervene, these may be in relation to behaviour,
health, training or eating issues.
QUESTION: What sort of issues do you think you may have to deal
with?
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Dealing with concerns
It is difficult to give a definitive list of issues you may encounter because
each dog is an individual, as is each adopter especially in how they cope
with issues, or even what they consider to be an issue.
It is equally as difficult to provide you with a list of specific answers for
you to give for any situation, as each response will need to be tailored to
the circumstances, the dog and the adopter.
In the majority of cases the adopter will simply be looking for some
assurance that they are doing things right, seeking some confirmation
that the issue is ‘normal’ during a settling in period or just wanting some
general guidance on anything they can do to help the situation.
You will know the dog from the time he / she has spent at the kennels so
you may be able to assure the adopter that the issue they are discussing
is not unusual for the dog and is part of their normal behaviour.
However, a dog may act / react in a home environment very differently to
how they behaved in kennels (This is something you should emphasise
at the Meet and Greet to the adopter), and so you may need to spend
some time gathering information to assess the issue, before advising - if
you feel you are able to offer the right advice yourself.
You may feel that you need to discuss the issue with your Line Manager
and / or the SSC Behaviourist before offering guidance, and it is
important that you do not hesitate to do so. The adopter needs the
soundest and safest advice and in certain situations you may not be the
one best qualified to give it. So please do not be afraid to ask for help
rather than give unsound advice to the adopter that may make matters
worse. Remember you are part of a team who can offer you support - no
one expects you to have the answers to everything!
If at any point you have serious concerns that the adoption for any
reason is not working out, or the adopter at any point states they wish to
return the dog to SCC please contact your Line Manager or any Trustee
immediately.
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SSC will always take a dog back, this may be before the two week
settling period is over or may even be a few years down the line – but
we offer lifetime back up and so will always take them back.
However, this may require some planning; in the first instance the
Adopter should be the one to return the dog themselves to the kennels
at an agreed time and date, where they will be required to sign a
Surrender Form (see Intakes Section Page 30) and legally sign the dog
back into our care.
It may not be possible to take a dog back in immediately this could be
due to a number of factors; for instance; it may be that the issue that has
caused the breakdown of the adoption has revealed a behavioural issue
which means the dog cannot simply go back to kennels, and an
alternative arrangement such as spending time with the SSC
behaviourist may be required and will need planning.
Each case will need to be assessed on its own merit and the right and
relevant plan for the dog put in place. Once again you will work together
with the Trustees and if applicable the SSC Behaviourist to decide the
best course of action – but we will bring the dog back into SSC care as
soon as possible.
As is always the case all information from the phone calls relating to the
dog (s) / adoption, should be recorded in the dog’s folder. This may be
as simple as logging the dates the calls were made, who was spoken to
and the fact there were no issues reported. – but any issues discussed
should be logged together with any advice given or action taken on your
part.
QUESTION: Why is it necessary to log information regarding the
dog / adoption gathered during the follow up calls?
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The vast majority of adoptions will though have happy endings and after
the third and final phone call, when everyone is satisfied the dog is there
to stay, you should take your leave. Advise the adopter they can contact
SSC at any time in the future as we are always here for any adopted
dogs, and wish them well.
Microchip / Vax Cards / Insurance
Once you have successfully completed your third and final call you will
need to post on to the adopter the vaccination card relating to the dog
they have adopted. It should remain in your possession up until this
point in case the dog should get returned to us, as experience has
shown that quite often the vax cards are not returned with the dog!
You should also inform the adopter during the last call that SSC will
arrange for the dogs microchip details to be changed from SSC to the
adopters. Please check if they have renamed the dog which name they
want recorded on the chip, and any specific contact numbers they want
listing on it.
We do not change the chip details until the two week settling in period is
completed, once again in case they are returned to us, but also so we
will and can be contacted should the dog escape from the house during
the two weeks or anything else occurs during this time. If during the two
weeks we are contacted via the microchip it gives us the opportunity to
delve deeper into the circumstances and decide if it is okay for the dog
to remain there. If we changed the details immediately we would not be
notified of any such event.
You should let the Admin Team know that they can now change the
Microchip details, and they will do that for you. Do remember to give
them any new details the adopter has asked to be added. The adopters
will be contacted by the Microchip Company once it has been done.
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Happy Endings
A happy ending is always good but you have a couple of final tasks to
fully complete the adoption;
Ask the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter volunteers to let the
supporters now that the dog has happily found a home and has
been adopted. If possible, provide them with a few photos from the
adopters that they can use on the sites (Please ensure you have
permission off the adopters to use the photographs on social
media first).
Invite the adopters to join the SSC Happy Endings Facebook
Group. This is a private group that all SSC adopters are invited to
so that they can chat with other adopters, share photographs, ask
for advice and generally just keep in touch. It is well used and is a
very friendly group. It also enables you to keep in touch and see
how ‘your dog’ is getting on in his / her new home. If they would
like to join you can add them to it.
Request that the dog be taken off the website
Thank your volunteer walkers for the work they did with the dog,
and the help they gave in enabling the successful adoption of the
dog.
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12 Moving on to Foster Homes
All of the dogs that come into the kennels will be stressed to a certain
degree, as it is not the most natural of surroundings and for many it is a
very big change of environment. However that is not to say that all the
dogs need to go to foster homes. Although no one would argue that a
foster home is nicer than kennels, most dogs can cope in the kennel
environment and will settle quite well after a week of adjustment.
If you recall from the Ready for Adoption section; “The aim of SSC is to
ideally get the dogs adopted from kennels as soon as the two week
assessment period is over”. So in general this is what you should work
towards. However there are occasions when a foster home will be
required, these are;
The dog is very elderly and frail
The dog is ill, has severe underlying health conditions or requires a
big operation.
The dog is really struggling to cope in the kennel environment i.e.
Has stopped eating, is losing lots of weight, refuses to come out of
their bed or go walking, is becoming very wary of people, or has
started to kennel guard. This is not a definitive list but basically the
dog is showing behaviours above and beyond normal levels of
stress.
The dog has behavioural issues that will be difficult to improve in
the kennel environment but which a carefully selected foster home
would be able to work with and modify.
The dog is ready for adoption and has been advertised for a
month, but whilst you have made every effort to promote the dog
sadly no interest has been received. In these cases where there is
no interest in the dog, although the dog may be coping in kennels
after six weeks it may be time to move the dog to a foster home. A
foster home will help show the dog in a different light to help find
him / her a home, and it is preferable that none of the dogs are
kept in kennels too long, no matter how well they seem to cope.
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You should note that we generally have a waiting list of adopters so it
may be of benefit in certain circumstances, if the dog is ready for
adoption, but also meets one of the criteria for fostering, to liaise with
the Applications Team first to see if there is a suitable adopter rather
than look for a foster home. Adoption should always be the first
option.
QUESTION: Why might initially liaising with the Adoption Application
Team be of benefit to a dog who is ready for adoption, but is severely
stressed in kennels?
Working with the Foster Team
If and when a foster home is needed you should liaise with the Foster
Team.
You will need to have a detailed conversation with them regarding the
needs of the dog and the most suitable set up for them. You should
also ensure the Foster Team read all the notes and information you
have saved to the dog’s folder so that they have a clear
understanding of the needs and requirements of the dog so that they
can match the dog to the most suitable foster home.
If a potential foster home is identified the Foster Team should
highlight this to you and ask you to check the foster home information
and also to speak to the foster carer about the dog.
QUESTION: Why is it important that you as the Key Worker speak to
the foster carer prior to any agreement for the dog to go there?
What sort of information would you give to the foster carer?
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Please be aware that we do NOT operate a ‘Foster with a view to
Adopt’ approach. We need and expect foster carers to take on
different dogs over a period of time, to get them ready for their
adoptive homes. This will mean we can help the dogs that need it
most by having foster carer spaces available on a rolling basis.
Therefore when you speak to the foster carer it should be with the
approach and understanding that this is a temporary home for the
dog and that the fosters role is to help care for and progress the dog
ready for its forever home.
Once all parties involved have agreed this is a suitable foster home
for the dog, the Foster Team will commence arranging transport to
get the dog there.
This can be done in a number of ways; the foster carer themselves
could collect the dog from the kennels, meeting you there; you could
transport the dog to the foster carer or a volunteer transporter will
take the dog to the Foster carer at our request. It will all depend on
locations, distance, days and timing – but you should be kept fully
informed at all times by the Foster Team as to the plans being made.
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Equipment Pack/ Foster Handover Forms
You should ensure that the dog goes to a Foster care placement with
as much equipment that is needed, provided from the kennel stores –
Collar,
Tag (The Kennel Tag should be changed to a Foster Tag as this
will have the Foster Team contact details on not yours),
Lead,
Harness,
Coats,
Car harness
Toys,
Bowls,
Beds,
Blankets,
Treats,
Crate (if needed)
Starter pack of food.
You should liaise with the Foster Team to ascertain if the Foster
Carer already has any equipment already and tailor what you send
with the dog accordingly. i.e. they may not require bowls and beds.
If you do not have all the equipment needed inform the Foster Team
what is missing from the pack so they can make provision to order
what is needed and get it to the foster home in time.
You should also make the dog ready for the move and if safe to do so
i.e. the dog won’t be too stressed and can cope with it; book the dog
a bath at the kennel groomers or a local groomers the day before. It’s
nice for the foster carer to have a clean smelling foster dog arrive as
opposed to one that smells of kennels!
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The dog should also be sent with a Foster Handover Form
(Appendix 10). This lists various details such as date of injections,
medicines required and dosage, vet checks already done etc. –
essentially a brief overview and history of what has been done with
the dog whilst at the kennels for the Foster Carer to work with and
keep.
Recording Information
As always throughout this period of working with the foster team /
foster carer you should continue to update the dog’s notes.
You should follow up your conversation with the foster carer with an
email outlining all the information you have given them about the dog
and any advice and guidance you have given to prepare them for the
arrival and day to day care for the dog.
QUESTION: What sort of things do you think you would cover in your
discussion with the foster carer?
Why is it important to follow up your conversation with the foster carer
with an email stating what you have discussed, and also to record it in
the dog’s folder?
Once the dog leaves the kennels to go to the foster home, do not fill the
kennel space for at least ten days to make sure the foster placement is
working out and the dog does not need to come back to kennels.
Once the dog is in foster care the Foster Team will allocate a Foster
Buddy and that person will now take over the role as Key Worker for the
dog, and it will be their responsibility to keep in touch with the foster
carer and take any further action as necessary in relation to the dog.
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63
DOGS
APPENDIX 1
Code of practice for the welfare of
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Code of Practice for
the Welfare of Dogs
Presented to Parliament pursuant to section 15 of the
Animal Welfare Act 2006
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This Code of Practice applies to all dogs
The purposes of the Code is to provide practical guidance to
help you to comply with the provisions set out under Section 9
of the Animal Welfare Act (www. legislation.
gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/section/9). It does not tell you precisely
how to care for your dog but it does summarise important
things you should know and what to do when making decisions
about how best to care for your dog.
Breach of a provision of this Code is not an offence itself but
if proceedings are brought against you for an offence under
Section 9 of the Act, the Court will look at whether or not you
have complied with the Code in deciding whether you have
committed an offence.
If you are unsure about anything to do with the care and
welfare of your dog, you should always seek advice from an
expert such as a veterinary surgeon, mainly referred to as vet.
You will also find reference within this Code to “other suitably
qualified dog behaviourists or trainers.” These are people who
hold the qualifications and experience to provide expert advice
on dog welfare and behaviour.
A list of suitable organisations and places to find help are provided on
page 13 of this Code.
You can find out more about the legislation relating to dogs at www.defra.gov.uk
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Contents Understanding the
Animal Welfare Act 2006
................................................................. 1
How to provide a suitable
environment for your dog to live in
................................................................. 2
How to provide a suitable
diet for your dog
................................................................. 4
How to provide for your
dog’s natural needs
................................................................. 6
How to provide the right
companionship for your dog
................................................................. 8
How to keep your dog
healthy and protect them from pain,
suffering, injury and disease
............................................................... 10
Sources of further information ............................................................... 13
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1
Understanding the
Animal Welfare Act 2006
Introduction to the Code Owning and caring for a dog can be a source of great enjoyment, but you should be aware
that dog ownership is a major responsibility. On average dogs live for around 12 years but
some may live much longer. Consequently, you should think carefully about all factors that
will affect your ability to care for a dog and whether a dog is suitable for you. Would you be
able to provide for all of a dog’s needs? You will need to consider the size of your property
and the financial and time implications of having a dog as a pet and its exercise needs.
Caring for a dog can be expensive and you should consider whether, for instance, you
would be able to afford the cost of routine and unexpected veterinary treatment, or the cost
of pet health insurance.
There is no one “perfect” way to care for all dogs because every dog, and every situation,
is different but they all have the same needs. It is up to you to find out what your dog’s
precise needs are and how to meet them. Under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006
(the Act) you must take such steps as are reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure
that the needs of an animal for which you are responsible are met, to the extent required
by good practice which are set out in the Act as follows:
(a) need for a suitable environment
(b) need for a suitable diet
(c) need to be housed with,
or apart from, other animals
(d) need to be able to exhibit normal
behaviour patterns
(e) need to be protected from pain,
suffering, injury and disease.
Under the Act you are always responsible for your dog’s needs.
Furthermore, if you are a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 16 years old, you
are responsible for any animal that child looks after. If you are unable to care for your dog
at any time, you must make arrangements for another suitable person to look after it on
your behalf. It is important to remember that you remain legally responsible for your dog’s
needs, even when you are away. The person with whom you leave your dog will also be
legally responsible for your dog’s welfare in your absence.
If you own or are responsible for a dog, and fail to meet its welfare needs or cause it
unnecessary suffering, you may be prosecuted under the Act.
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How to provide a
suitable environment
for your dog to live in
Your dog needs a safe environment and, whether they live inside or outside, they need
protection from hazards. Examples of hazards in the home include: open windows and
balconies, which may be inadequately protected to prevent your dog from falling from
them; household and garden chemicals; and poisonous plants.
Dogs are naturally inquisitive and a dog may put themselves in danger if they are left to
explore unsupervised.
Your dog needs a safe, comfortable place to rest, situated in a dry, draught-free area.
Living in a cold or damp place can lead to suffering. If your dog lives outside, they will need
protection from adverse weather or other threats. All dogs must be able to avoid things that
frighten them and need a place to hide where they feel safe.
A dog is naturally disinclined to soil its living area and needs regular opportunities to use a
toilet area, or it will become distressed. Some dogs may need access to a toilet area more
frequently, for example: very young, very old and those that are ill.
Dogs are vulnerable to heat stress. In hot weather they rapidly become distressed and can
die in enclosed areas such as conservatories, vehicles, balconies and outdoor kennels. On
warm days, these are inappropriate environments for a dog, even for a short time. Their
bodies cannot cool like humans, and so heat can become dangerous very quickly.
Your dog
needs a
safe,
comfortabl
e place to
rest
2
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What you should do:
• Provide your dog with a safe, clean,
quiet environment. Make sure that you
provide adequate protection from
hazards.
• Provide your dog with a comfortable,
clean, dry, quiet, draught-free rest
area, which has appropriate ventilation
and is lit either naturally or artificially.
• Provide your dog with somewhere they
can go to avoid things that frighten
them.
• If your dog is kept in a kennel, you
should check them frequently and
ensure they are not in danger or
distressed.
• Provide your dog with access to an
appropriate place, away from their
resting area, which they can use as a
toilet area regularly as needed and at
least every few hours.
• Make sure that any place you leave
your dog is large enough to provide,
at all times, a comfortable area with
effective ventilation and temperature
control, and that your dog is able to
move around to ensure its comfort,
avoiding becoming too hot or too cold.
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• When you transport your dog make
sure they are comfortable and safe at
all times.
• Do not leave your dog unattended in
situations, or for periods of time that
are likely to cause them distress or
render them unsafe.
• Keep your dog under control and safe
at all times and do not let them stray.
• If you are going away and not taking
the dog, make sure they are only ever
left with someone who can meet their
welfare needs.
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How to provide a
suitable diet for
your dog
Diet includes water, and dogs need
fresh, clean drinking water at all times.
Without water to drink, a dog will become
distressed and seriously ill.
A dog needs a well-balanced diet to stay
fit and healthy. Meals designed for people
may not provide dogs with the balanced
nutrition they need and some foods
commonly found in the home, such as
grapes, raisins, chocolate or onions, can
be harmful or even fatal to dogs.
An individual dog’s nutritional needs
depend on their age, sex, activity, the type
of food they eat, their state of health and
whether they have been neutered. Some
dogs, such as those that are pregnant,
or nursing puppies, have special dietary
needs. Diets designed for adult dogs are
not always suitable for growing animals
and puppies. Growing dogs may have
special dietary requirements. Other dogs,
for example; senior dogs, working dogs
and those with poor health, may also
require a special diet.
Dogs need at least one meal a day and
how much an adult dog needs to eat
depends on the type of food, their
bodyweight and how active they are. A
healthy adult dog should have a stable
weight appropriate to their age, sex,
breed and level of activity. Dogs should be
neither too thin nor too fat. Overfeeding
a dog will lead to them becoming
overweight, which can lead to health
problems. Underfeeding a dog will cause
them to lose weight, suffer and can cause
health problems
Dogs can suffer from digestive problems
that can be caused by their diet being
changed suddenly. Strenuous exercise
shortly before, or after, food can
also be harmful.
Dog
im
ag
es a
nd
in
form
ation
: P
DS
A
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4
1 VERY THIN
• Very little muscle
• Easily seen
ribs,
backbone and
hipbones
• No body fat
2 UNDERWEIGHT
• Clearly seen ribs
and backbone
• A little fat over
hipbones
• Obviously
tucked-in waist
3 IDEAL
• Can feel ribs,
backbone and
hipbones, but not
prominent
• Smooth, curved,
tucked-in waist
• Base of tail smooth
4 OVERWEIGHT
• No waist and
back broader
• Ribs, backbone and
hipbones difficult
to feel
• Fat at base of tail
5 OBESE
• Bulging pot belly
• Cannot feel
ribs, backbone
or hipbones
• Thick fatty pads
at base of tail
BODY CONDITION SCORE
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What you should do:
• Provide your dog with clean fresh
drinking water at all times. If necessary
carry water, in a suitable container,
with you when clean water is unlikely
to be available.
• Make sure your dog eats a balanced
diet suitable for their individual needs
and maintains a stable weight that is
neither over nor underweight for their
age, level of activity, sex, breed and
state of health. Do not let your dog
overeat or they will become obese,
and do not feed too little or your dog
will be underweight.
• Be aware that any change in the
amount your dog eats or drinks may
be a sign of ill health. If your dog’s
eating or drinking habits change,
consult your vet.
• Read, and be guided by, the feeding
instructions relating to any dog foods
you buy but adjust so that your dog
does not become over or underweight.
• Provide all dogs (including puppies)
that have special needs with diets that
meet their individual requirements.
• Feed your adult dog at least once
each day, unless advised otherwise
by your vet.
• Do not change your dog’s diet
suddenly. Changes should be made
gradually over several days.
• You should not feed your dog shortly
before, or after, strenuous exercise.
• If you are uncertain what to do you
should seek advice on feeding your
dog from a vet, veterinary nurse or
other reliable source.
Dogs
need constant
access to fresh,
clean drinking
water
Afr
ica S
tud
io S
hu
tte
rsto
ck
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How to provide
for your dog’s
natural needs
Dog training and behaviour
The way a dog behaves is individual and depends on their age, breed or type, breeding,
rearing and past experiences. However, most dogs are playful, sociable animals and they
enjoy playing together with toys, people and other dogs. Play with people and other dogs is
a valuable source of interaction and fun, although dogs will spend some time playing alone
with toys. They should have regular opportunities for interactive playing.
Dogs are intelligent animals and can suffer from boredom. If your dog is bored and does
not have enough to do, they may suffer or engage in inappropriate behaviour e.g.
excessive barking or destructive behaviour such as chewing furniture. Aggressive displays
or changes in behaviour, including vocalisation and eating, may indicate that something is
wrong with the dog’s physical and mental health.
Dogs experience a range of emotions including happiness, anxiety, fearfulness and anger.
How they behave and their body language can help you understand what they are feeling
and whether they are physically and mentally fit and healthy.
All dogs, in particular puppies, need rest. However, individual dogs have different needs and
some will sleep for long periods after exercise or food; others will need less rest and will be
more active.
A dog needs regular exercise and regular opportunities to walk, run, explore, play, sniff
and investigate. The amount of exercise a dog needs varies with age, breed and health.
Some individuals need a lot of exercise and you should take account of this when
choosing a dog. Young dogs may need to have their exercise restricted during periods of
rapid growth to avoid developmental problems. Try to avoid exercising dogs in extreme
weather or during events which they may find frightening such as firework displays.
Training dogs is important to help them learn to behave appropriately and to make it easier
to keep them under control. can also help strengthen the relationship you have with them.
It is important to seek professional advice to identify/discuss any behaviour problems and
the best training options for your dog.
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An incorrect training regime can have negative effects on your dog’s welfare. Reward
based training which includes the use of things that dogs like or want (e.g. toys, food and
praise) is enjoyable for your dog and is widely regarded as the preferred form of training
dogs.
Training which includes physical punishment may cause pain, suffering and distress. These
techniques can compromise dog welfare, lead to aggressive responses and worsen the
problems they aim to address.
Puppies need to be carefully introduced to the many noises, objects and activities in their
environment, some of which are frightening when first experienced. They also need to be
adequately and carefully introduced to many different animals and people so that they
learn how to interact appropriately and behave normally as adults.
What you should do:
• Make sure your dog has enough to
do so that it does not become
distressed or bored.
• Make sure your dog has access to
safe toys and suitable objects to play
with and chew.
• Ensure that your dog can rest
undisturbed when it wants to. Puppies
and older animals may need more rest.
• Provide your dog with regular
opportunities for exercise and play with
people or other friendly dogs.
• Give your dog the exercise it
needs, at least daily unless your vet
recommends otherwise, to keep your
dog fit, active and stimulated.
• If you are unsure how much exercise
your dog needs; take advice from your
vet, veterinary nurse or other suitably
qualified dog behaviourist or trainer.
• You should know the behaviour of your
dog when it is fit and healthy and be
able to recognise and understand the
signals your dog and others use when
they are worried, unsure, angry or
happy, fit and healthy.
• All dogs need to be trained to behave
well, ideally from a very young age and
should be introduced gradually and
positively to different environments,
people and animals.
• Reward based training methods
including food; toys and praise are
preferred in dog training systems.
• Your vet may refer you to a dog
behaviour expert who should have a
combination of qualifications, up to
date knowledge, skills and experience
and who treats dogs in such a way that
their welfare is protected.
• If you become aware of changes in
behaviour, or your dog is fearful of, or
aggressive, towards other dogs and
people, avoid the situations which lead
to this and seek veterinary advice.
• You should ensure you prevent your
dog from chasing or attacking any
other animals, including livestock and
horses through use of the lead or
avoidance of such situations.
76
How to provide the
right companionship
for your dog
Dogs are sociable animals that need,
enjoy and value company. Consequently,
many dogs do not like being left alone
and may suffer if left without company, or
with nothing to do for long periods of time.
Some dogs become distressed and suffer
if they are left on their own, even for short
periods. Experts recommend four hours as
the maximum time period.
The length of time individual dogs can
be left varies, depending on factors such
as age, training, previous experience of
being left alone, breed or type, lifestyle
and housing conditions. However, no
dog should routinely be left on its own
for prolonged periods. If the time alone is
excessive, you can expect behavioural
problems that are distressing for both you
and your dog.
Learning to get on with people, dogs and
other animals is an essential part of social
development for a puppy. Puppies that
are deprived of opportunities to develop
social behaviour or who are not introduced
carefully can become withdrawn, anxious
and aggressive as adults. However, if a
dog has appropriate contact with people,
other dogs and animals early in their life,
they will be more sociable and this can
enhance their quality of life. Dogs that
have not had opportunities to develop
socially, perhaps by being removed from
their mother or littermates too early,
or which have had bad experiences
involving people or other animals, may be
frightened or aggressive in normal social
situations or react inappropriately.
Dogs which are frightened show
characteristic signs such as flattening of
the ears and lowering the tail or signs of
stress such as excessive panting, licking
lips, hiding, cowering and aggression.
Dogs usually get on well with other dogs
in the same household, but may need
time to get to know each other.
However, they will need to have their own
space and places to get away from other
dogs if they want to.
Dogs get to know the people with whom
they regularly interact.
They can become confused and
distressed if the behaviour of those people
is inconsistent and unpredictable. It is
never acceptable to frighten a dog, cause
pain, injure or encourage them to behave
aggressively by teasing
or tormenting them.
77
What you should do:
• Make sure your dog has opportunities
to spend enough time with people
and friendly dogs so that it does not
become lonely or bored.
• When dogs live together you should
provide enough extra resources
(e.g. toys, beds, food and water bowls
and places where they feel safe)
and space to stop them from
becoming competitive and fighting
with each other.
• Make sure that your dog is never
left alone long enough for it to
become distressed.
• Encourage your dog to be friendly
towards other dogs and allow it to
interact with friendly dogs on a
regular basis.
• Puppies should be given regular and
appropriate opportunities to learn
how to interact with other dogs,
animals and people.
• If your dog is not fully vaccinated
check with your vet before mixing it
with other dogs.
• You should always check health issues
with your vet before allowing your
puppy to mix with other dogs.
• Provide your dog with regular exercise,
play and training
• You should ensure that children are
not left alone with your dog.
• If you keep more than one dog, you
should keep them together for
company if possible. They will need
to get on with each other, but will also
need space to get away from each
other when they want to.
• You should ensure that dogs in your
care are handled properly and are
not stressed or endangered by other
adults or animals, including those who
look after your dog for you when you
are away from home
• Be consistent, kind and gentle in the
way you, your family and friends, react
to your dog and do not encourage
aggressive or other anti-social
behaviour.
• When you are away, make sure
your dog is properly cared for by a
responsible person. When someone
else is looking after your dog they also
have a legal responsibility to ensure its
welfare, and you should ensure that
they understand its needs and any
special requirements that it may have.
You are still legally responsible for the
dog even when they are not with you.
• If your dog is fearful of, or aggressive
towards, other dogs or people avoid the situations that lead to this
behaviour and seek advice from a vet,
veterinary nurse or suitably qualified
dog behaviourist or trainer.
78
How to keep your dog healthy and protect them from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Dogs do feel pain and have similar pain
thresholds to people. However, individual
dogs and different breeds or types may
show pain and suffering in different ways.
Any change in the way a dog behaves
can be an early sign that it is ill, or in pain.
Dogs which are ill, or in pain, often change
their eating and drinking habits. They may:
• stop or reduce eating and lose weight
• drink water excessively, drink less or
not at all
• become withdrawn and unwilling to
exercise or play
• cry when approached or touched
• show uncharacteristic fear or
aggression when approached
• try to hide
They may also show specific signs of ill
health such as:
• discharges from the eyes,
ears or nose
• excessive salivation, vomiting,
difficulties passing urine,
diarrhoea or constipation
• coughing or wheezing
• excessively scratching and developing
skin sores
• limping or swelling
This list is for guidance only and
is not exhaustive.
Dogs are vulnerable to a range of
infectious diseases and other illnesses.
They need protection from serious
infections, which can be provided by
vaccination. Like us, dogs benefit from
routine health care.
Many people choose to have their dogs
neutered. If you do not intend to breed
your dog, your vet can advise on neutering
and the welfare benefits of neutering dogs.
If you decide to breed your dog, your vet
can advise on the risks of inherited
conditions and exaggerated features
that could affect the welfare of the
puppies. Puppies require care, must be
microchipped before sale and cannot be
sold under eight weeks. Raising puppies
is difficult and time-consuming, and the
puppies are your responsibility, with the
same needs as any dog under the
Animal Welfare Act.
79
From 6 April 2016, it is a legal requirement
to have dogs microchipped, details
recorded on an appropriate, recognised
database and kept up to date. A dog which
can be easily identified (e.g. by microchip)
is more likely to be reunited with its owner
if injured, or lost, particularly if it loses its
collar. This will ensure they receive the
prompt veterinary treatment needed if
injured. Dogs are inquisitive and may put
themselves in danger if left to
explore unsupervised.
What you should do:
• Take sensible precautions to keep your
dog safe from injury.
• Monitor your dog daily and watch out
for signs of injury, disease or illness.
Make sure someone else does this if
you are away.
• If you notice changes in your dog’s
behaviour you should contact your vet
and follow the advice you are given.
• You should carefully check your dog’s
coat regularly and groom your dog, as
necessary, to maintain a healthy coat.
• You should ask your vet how often
your dog needs a health check, and
about the things you can do to protect
your dog’s health. You should follow
the advice you are given.
• Routine preventive healthcare, such as
vaccination and treatments to control
parasites (e.g. fleas and worms), as
well as any current health problems
your dog may have, is an essential
part of keeping your dog healthy.
• Clean up your dog’s faeces to avoid
disease transmission.
• Take sensible precautions to keep
your dog safe including prevention
of access to poisonous food, plants,
chemicals and any other hazards.
• Only use medicines and drugs
that have been prescribed for your
individual dog.
• Human products and medicines
intended for other animals can be
dangerous to dogs and sometimes
fatal. If you are unsure seek
veterinary advice.
• You should always consult your vet
if you are concerned that your dog
has eaten or come into contact with
anything that could be harmful.
• Your dog is required by law to wear a
collar and identity tag when in a public
place. Collars should be of the correct
size and fit, and should not cause any
pain or discomfort. Once your dog is
microchipped, remember to keep the
microchip database up to date with any
changes in your contact details.
Batt
ers
ea
Do
gs
& C
ats
Ho
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• If you are considering having your dog neutered, your vet will be able to advise you
about the best age to have this done.
• You should seek the advice of your vet before allowing your dog to breed and take all
reasonable steps to ensure that you will be able to provide the care required during
pregnancy as well as finding suitable homes for the puppies.
• If you recognise signs and symptoms of disease or suspect that your dog is in pain, ill
or injured; contact a vet promptly and follow veterinary advice regarding their treatment.
If at any time you have concerns about the health or welfare of your dog you should
seek advice from a vet or veterinary nurse.
PD
SA
81
Sources of further information
• Your vet. You can contact the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to
find details of vets in your area. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
(RCVS), Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London, SW1P 2AF:
www.rcvs.org.uk – the website has a “find a vet” facility.
https://findavet.rcvs.org.uk/find-a-vet/
• Local libraries and bookshops for up to date books on dog care.
• Websites such as: • Defra hosted on www.gov.uk – has
information on the Animal Welfare
Act 2006, Pet Travel Scheme
(PETS) and copies of the Code of
Practice for the Welfare of Dogs.
• Association of Dogs
and Cats Homes:
www.adch.org.uk
• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home:
www.battersea.org.uk
• Blue Cross:
www.bluecross.org.uk
• British Veterinary Association:
www.bva.co.uk
• British Small Animals Veterinary
Association:
www.bsava.com
• Dogs Trust:
www.dogstrust.org.uk
• PDSA:
www.pdsa.org.uk
• Pet Industry Federation:
www.petfederation.co.uk
• Pet Health Council:
www.pethealthcouncil.co.uk
• Royal Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals:
www.rspca.org.uk
• RCVS’ “Find a vet” service at
www.findavet.rcvs.org.uk for health,
nutrition or behavioural advice
• The Animal Behaviour & Training
Council :
www.abtcouncil.org.uk/
• The Kennel Club:
www.thekennelclub.org.uk
If you wish to take your dog abroad
you can find out how to do this at:
www.gov.uk/take-pet- abroad/overview
APPENDIX 2
Senior Staffy Club rules for volunteer dog
walkers. (Hilderstone)
1. Please let Senior Staffy Club know if you are unable to walk the dogs as planned via the walkers group Facebook page or by contacting the SSC Dog Welfare Officer on
2. The opening hours for us to visit the kennels are: 8:00 - 10.30 am and 3 - 6 pm.
Please ensure you bring the dogs back on time. 3. Be guided by and follow any particular advice given by the SSC or the kennel
staff with regards to the handling and walking of any of the dogs, i.e. they can only walk short distances, do they need a muzzle, do they walk better on a harness, have they kennel cough etc.
4. Please remember that this is a boarding kennels, do not let the SSC dogs
approach other dogs being walked by the kennel staff.
5. Keep the dog on a short lead when moving in and out of kennels, and while
opening outside door in case of kennel staff bringing dogs in or out.
6. When walking along the road where there are no pavements always walk facing
approaching traffic – do not walk with the vehicles approaching behind you, you
may not hear them. If it is a particularly bad blind bend you should in these
circumstances cross the road with care prior to the bend and walk with the traffic
approaching behind you and cross back carefully to face the traffic once you
have negotiated the bend.
7. If a car approaches stand still and keep the dog on a short lead in at the side of
the road until the car has passed.
8. Each walker should only be walking one dog.
9. Dogs can be walked together if there are the appropriate numbers of walkers
available – i.e. 2 dogs=2 walkers...but care must be taken in keeping distance
between them.
10. All dogs MUST be kept on a lead at ALL times when walking. There is an
enclosed paddock available to allow the dogs some off lead time, please ask the
kennel staff first if you can use it. (Usually they are very busy with the boarding
dogs though)
11. All dogs should have a collar on at all times, with a tag, in addition to any
harness. Please let the SC Dog Welfare Officer know if they do not have one on.
12. If it is advised by SSC or the kennel staff a dog should be muzzled if necessary.
13. Whilst we want you to assess the dog’s behaviour when out walking please do
NOT force the dog into confrontational situations with other dogs. If walking with
another volunteer walker allow the dogs to walk side by side, but only at a safe
distance apart, if they are not reacting adversely.
14. DO NOT take the dogs to meet other dogs being walked by their owners and if a
private owner approaches with their dog please keep the rescue dog apart from
the other dog, explain the situation, and the fact the Senior Staffy Club dog is
under assessment.
15. DO NOT introduce the dog to children on the walk – if you are walking with your
own children this should only be taking place with prior permission of Senior
Staffy Club.
16. Please ‘Scoop the poop’ and pick up after the dog wherever you are walking, if in
public areas.
17. Please report any concerns you have about the dog in terms of its health to the
kennel staff at the time AND to the SSC Dog Welfare Officer, along with
information regarding your assessment of them.
18. In winter please always wear reflective jackets / arm bands when walking when it
is darker.
19. Do NOT enter a field with livestock, but if you do have to the dog MUST always be on a lead and kept away from the livestock. A farmer has the legal right to shoot
them if they are worrying livestock.
20. Please keep to public footpaths if crossing fields.
21. If transporting dogs in a vehicle they should be secured by car harness, in a crate, or behind a dog guard. Do NOT transport two dogs together unless advised it is safe to do so. If doing so they should be secured separately, in crates.
I have read, understood and agree to abide to these terms when walking Senior Staffy Club rescue dogs;
Signed:
Date:
Print Name:
Senior Staffy Club rep:
APPENDIX 3
Senior Staffy Club rules for volunteer dog
walkers. (Worcester)
1. Please give the kennels know asap if you need to cancel your planned rota time / date for that week so they are not left waiting for you. They can be contacted on 01905 821686.
2. Please let Senior Staffy Club know via the walkers group Facebook page or by contacting Bev on 07940788990 asap as well.
3. Be guided and follow any particular advice given by the SSC or the kennel staff with regards to the handling and walking of any of the dogs i.e. can they only walk short distances, do they need a muzzle, do they walk better on a harness, have they kennel cough etc.
4. Please remember to shut the gates at the kennel yard when entering and leaving
the car park and wherever possible use the back gate to enter and exit with the
dogs.
5. Do not attempt to fetch or return the dogs to / from the main kennels yourself –
only employed Kennel staff are allowed to do this and you will need to wait until
one is available. If the dogs are in the holding pens you can get them out as per
the handling advice shown to you on your induction and constantly via the
Facebook walkers page on specific dogs.
6. When walking along the road where there are no pavements, always walk facing
approaching traffic – do not walk with the vehicles approaching behind you, you
may not hear them. If it is a particularly bad blind bend you should in these
circumstances cross the road with care prior to the bend and walk with the traffic
approaching behind you and cross back carefully to face the traffic once you
have negotiated the bend.
7. If a car approaches, stand still and keep the dog on a short lead in at the side of
the road until the car has passed.
8. Each walker should only be walking one dog. Dogs can be walked together if
there are the appropriate numbers of walkers available – i.e. 2 dogs=2 walkers
but care must be taken to keep them at a safe distance apart.
9. All dogs MUST be kept on a lead at ALL times
10. All dogs should have a collar on at all times in addition to any harness. There are
collars, leads, harnesses and extending leads in the box provided at the kennels
in the room at the side of the office.
11. If it is advised by SSC or the kennel staff a dog should be muzzled if necessary.
12. Whilst we want you to assess the dog’s behaviour when out walking please do
NOT force the dog into confrontational situations with other dogs. If walking with
another volunteer, walkers allow the dogs to walk side by side a safe distance
apart, if they are not reacting adversely and socialise as seems safe.
13. DO NOT take the dogs to meet other dogs being walked by their owners and if a
private owner approaches with their dog please keep the rescue dog apart from
the other dog, explain the situation, and the fact the Senior Staffy Club dog is
under assessment.
14. DO NOT introduce the dog to children on the walk – if you are walking with your
own children this should only be taking place with prior permission of Senior
Staffy Club.
15. Please ‘Scoop the poop’ and pick up after the dog wherever you are walking.
16. Please report any concerns you have about the dog in terms of its health to the
kennel staff at the time and to the Senior Staffy Club, along with information
regarding your assessment of them.
17. In winter please always wear reflective jackets / arm bands when walking when it
is darker.
18. You should NOT enter fields with livestock in, but If you have to enter a field with livestock the dogs should as always be on a lead and kept away from the livestock.
A farmer has a legal right to shoot a dog if it is worrying livestock.
19. Please keep to public footpaths if crossing fields.
20. If transporting dogs in a vehicle they should be secured by harness, in a crate or by having a passenger to assist. If transporting two dogs they should be secured separately.
I have read, understood and agree to abide to these terms when walking Senior Staffy Club rescue dogs;
Signed:
Date:
Print Name:
Senior Staffy Club rep:
APPENDIX 4
TETANUS FORM Tetanus is a bacterial disease caused by an infection in an open wound. It causes a continuous, painful contraction of some or all of the body’s muscles, which usually results in violent spasms and rending of the muscles. The disease is life threatening, even with intensive care and support for victims. In view of this, it is not surprising that everyone should be vaccinated to prevent infection. In order to comply with our responsibilities under Health and Safety at work, it is now a requirement that all Senior Staffy Club volunteers, in roles which involve walking / handling the dogs, must be suitably protected, except for extenuating circumstances.
Provided a person has had 5 doses of vaccine (i.e. their childhood doses, preschool & teenage booster) protection lasts for life and those born after 1961 will normally have been vaccinated. If you were born before 1961, or have arrived from overseas you may not be fully protected and you are therefore advised to check with your GP or practice nurse. Should a volunteer suffer a high risk injury, they may be advised to have a booster injection if it is more than 10 years since the last vaccination. Please complete the following statement, sign it and return a copy to your point of contact.
I, ………………………………………………………………….. (Please print full name) of (Address) …………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………. I have read and understood the directive regarding tetanus and understand that I should be protected against the disease. 1. I confirm that I am still protected.
Signed………………………………………… date…………………………..
Information on this form will be kept confidential and the form will be stored securely in line
with the Data Protection Act.
APPENDIX 5
Date
I (Owners name) of (owners full address) being the legal owner of (name of dog),
a (put colour and age) year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier (or Staffy Cross), Un/neutered
fe/male dog, chip number xxxxxxx do hereby sign (Dogs Name) into the legal ownership and
care of Senior Staffy Club.
I understand by signing this surrender form that I relinquish all legal rights to xxx and any
future decisions made as to the subsequent rehoming of xxxx will be made by SSC in the
best interests of xxxx and will be final. I wish xxxx to be rehomed by SSC
In consideration of this I hereby donate £ to Senior Staffy Club to help with the
costs incurred in caring for (Dogs name) whilst s/he is in Senior Staffy Club care.
Signed (Owner):
Date:
Telephone number:
Senior Staffy Club rep / Witness signature:
Print Name:
Telephone number:
Date:
INITIAL KENNEL ASSESSMENT
Dogs Name
:
Age
Date:
Name of assessor
Where undertaken
CHECK LIST
Collar and Tag
Harness
Coats
Toys
Treats
Food
Bath
ASSESSMENT
How does the dog
react to you
approaching and
entering the
kennel?
How long it takes
for the dog to pay
attention to you?
What is their
reaction to being
approached by
you? (e.g. friendly,
tentative, fearful,
neutral?)
What is the dogs’
response to being
touched by you in
various places of
the body / putting
on harness (does
the dog move
closer, pull away,
stand still, wag,
relax, stiffen)?
What is the
condition of the
coat? Any fleas,
mange etc.
What is their
reaction to being
presented a toy and
the degree to which
the dog attempts to
guard the toy?
Does the dog jump /
mouth etc. for
treats / toys?
Response to food
and any signs of
food-guarding?
How does the dog
react to others dogs
in kennels?
How does he/she
walk on the lead?
How does the dog
react to others dogs
when on lead and
out walking?
Reaction to being
called by you?
Reaction to being
coaxed into a sit/lie
down position
(accepting? willing?
fearful?
struggling?)
How does the dog
react when being
returned to the
kennels
What is the overall
demeanour of the
dog
Does the dog have
any evident health
problems?
If yes what are
they?
Write up for Walkers:
Date:
By:
APPENDIX 7
Senior Staffy Club
List for Initial Veterinary Health Check Date of visit:: Taken By: Dogs Name: Dogs Age Vets Details: Vaccinations : L2 vaccine consists of 2 x vaccinations carried out 2 weeks between injections L4 vaccine consists of 2 x vaccinations carried out 4 weeks between injections
1st Vax Date:
2nd Vax Date:
Kennel cough -
KC Vax Date:
Microchip number:
Weight :
Ears :
Eyes:
Nose :
Mouth inc. teeth:
Heart:
Lungs:
Legs:
Toe-Nails:
Genitals:
Tail :
Body inc. lumps:
Any growths to be fine needle aspirated (FNA) at time of health check - Results:
Get a general blood test taken at time of health check -Results:
Vet Recommendations
SSC Representative Name:
Date:
APPENDIX 8
ONGOING ACTION PLAN
Week One assessment
Dogs Name
:
Age
**Please note any changes from Initial assessment**
How does the dog
react to you
approaching and
entering the
kennel?
How long it takes
for the dog to pay
attention to you?
What is their
reaction to being
approached by
you? (E.g. friendly,
tentative, fearful,
neutral?)
What is the dogs’
response to being
touched by you in
various places of
the body / putting
on harness (does
the dog move
closer, pull away,
stand still, wag,
relax, stiffen)?
How does he/she
walk on the lead?
How does the dog
react to others dogs
when on lead and
out walking?
What is the
condition of the
coat? Any fleas,
mange etc.
What is their
reaction to being
presented a toy and
the degree to which
the dog attempts to
guard the toy?
Does the dog jump /
mouth etc. for
treats / toys?
Response to food
and any signs of
food-guarding?
How does the dog
react to others dogs
in kennels?
If yes what are
they?
Action Plan for Walkers: Date:
By:
Reaction to being
called by you?
Reaction to being
coaxed into a sit/lie
down position
(accepting? willing?
fearful?
struggling?)
How does the dog
react when being
returned to the
kennels
What is the overall
demeanour of the
dog
Does the dog have
any evident health
problems?
APPENDIX 9
Adoption Agreement Conditions
Dog Name:
Age:
Colour: Microchip:
Senior Staffy Club accepts no responsibility as to description, condition or health of the
animal and gives no warranty of any kind expressed or implied.
Information concerning the habits and past history of the animal is passed by Senior Staffy
Club in good faith, based on what is known to them, and there is no guarantee of reliability.
Senior Staffy Club is therefore unable to accept liability for any consequences whatsoever
resulting from events attributable to the failure to give information or the transmission of
wrong information.
The animal is believed to be in normal health on leaving Senior Staffy Club care except
where conditions have been made known to the adopter in writing. It is regretted that Senior
Staffy Club is unable to accept liability for any expenses of any kind arising from sickness
developed subsequently.
In cases where an animal is known to have a specific condition the presence of which is
notified to the adopter the responsibility for and the cost of future treatment shall be that of
the adopter.
Attention is drawn to the possible liability of those adopting animals for damage and injury
which they may cause to third parties or their property. In particular liability may arise in
negligence under Section 8 of the Animal Act 1971 and in the case of dogs Section 3 of the
act imposes a general liability on the keeper of a dog for causing death or injury to livestock.
The possibility of an action for nuisance should also be recognised. Senior Staffy Club
therefore strongly advises all adopters to arrange appropriate insurance for their animals.
You (the adopter) accept the following responsibilities with regard to adopting the
dog:
● The dog shall be kept by you as a pet and shall not be used for vivisection, experimentation or breeding purposes.
● You will undertake to have the dog spayed / neutered if the operation has not already been carried out at the time of adoption. Please contact SSC who will cover the cost of the spay / neuter operation.
● You will feed and house the dog to Senior Staffy Club’s satisfaction, and the dog shall not be kept chained up, or kennelled outside – they are to live as part of the family in the home.
● You will maintain a suitable exercise and training program as required for the dog.
● You understand that Senior Staffy Club cannot be held responsible for the dog’s behaviour once it has left the care of Senior Staffy Club.
● You will register the dog with a qualified Veterinary Surgeon within one month of the contract, and maintain a suitable vaccination and worming programme in accordance with veterinary advice.
● Any known medical conditions of the dog are listed below for your and your vet’s information only. There can be no guarantee the dog is not incubating any infection nor has any other medical condition. You understand that Senior Staffy Club will not be held liable for any future treatment and that once officially adopted then veterinary fees become your sole responsibility.
Known medical conditions:
● You agree to take reasonable steps to find the dog and to notify Senior Staffy Club within 24 hours should the dog become lost. As per the Control of Dogs Order 1992 any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag.
● You agree to permit an authorised Senior Staffy Club representative to visit your premises, contact you via phone or email from time to time to ensure the dog is happily settled.
● You hereby irrevocably understand and authorise that the dog will and can be removed from your care if it is believed the terms of the contract are not being reasonably followed.
● You accept full responsibility for the dog for the lifetime of the dog.
● You understand that any donations given are NOT payment for the dog. Any money received is used for the continuing work of Senior Staffy Club in helping unwanted dogs.
● You agree not to part possession with the dog except to Senior
Staffy Club or their representative rescue organisations. If you
can no longer care for the dog Senior Staffy Club should be contacted in the first instance.
Senior Staffy Club contact details: admin @seniorstaffyclub.co.uk
www.seniorstaffyclub.co.uk
Adopters signature:
Print Name
Address:
Tel:
Senior Staffy Club
representative signature:
Print name:
Date:
APPENDIX 10
SENIOR STAFFY CLUB
Foster Dog Handover
Date Name of dog
Vaccination given: Next vaccination due:
KC vax given: Next KC vax due
Wormer given: Next wormer due:
Flea treatment given: Next flea treatment due:
Regular medication required:
Vet visit /treatment:
.
Behavioural issues seen at kennels
Senior Staffy Club contact name: /
Tel Number
Emergency contact if main contact not available:
Name
Tel Number
