NEW CAT ARRIVAL PROCEDURES


At the YCSPCA:

 

 

1.  All cats coming to Hanover need to have a rabies vaccination, at least 2 distemper vaccinations and be microchipped.  This should be reviewed at the shelter before leaving.  If in doubt, ask Lori or staff to ensure that they are done.

 

2.  Ideally, there is someone waiting at Hanover PetSmart to help with bringing in the new cat.  If possible, fax the AFS top sheet and vaccination history to the awaiting person so they can start the paperwork needed within the cat room.  This person can also double check that the cat has been micrchipped and vaccinated.  With this information, the awaiting person can do the volunteer notebook, the PetSmart notebook, the window card and the feed card.  Also, if there is time, the volunteer's adoption packet can be made.  A cage can be made ready and cats moved around if necessary.

 

Once at Hanover PetSmart:

 

1. The most important thing to do is to log the new cat into the PetSmart adoption notebook located in the cat room above cage #2. After the cat is entered, make sure that a PetSmart manager initials their section.

 

2. Every cat should arrive with AFS paperwork including information sheet, vaccination and health record, rabies certificate and possibly microchip certificate. A microchip sticker should appear on the top sheet - normally upper right corner.  A copy of all of this goes in the PetSmart adoption notebook.  Also, a copy of the vaccination sheets should be placed behind the AFS sheets.  There is a form in the back of the PetSmart adoption notebook that (as of February 2013) must be completed for each cat.  Enter all of the blank information from the AFS sheet.  Include date of vaccinations and date due (vaccination expires 1 year from the last vaccination date).  Sign the bottom of the form and place on top of the AFS sheets in the protective sleeve.

 

3. A copy of the top sheet of the AFS paperwork goes in the volunteer notebook in a sleeve. This is where the journal for each cat is. I usually enter the date of arrival on the journal with a note to the effect of “welcome ____. A slip of paper with the cat's name can be put in the index tab.

 

4. Scan the cat to ensure it has a microchip. The scanner is located in the pen/pencil container. Press the button and it should eventually say scanning. While holding the button down, scan around the shoulder blade area. When located it will beep and show the microchip number. Keep holding the button down then compare the number scanned with the number on the AFS sheet – normally upper right corner.

 

5. Each cage gets a bed, litter pan (preferably smaller size unless it's a big cat), and a few toys from the toy bin above cage #4. If there is room, the bed can be put in a small litter pan.  If a divider is needed, there is one above cage 1 in a cardboard box.

 

6. The cage card goes in the holder. In the back of the volunteer notebook, there is a paper with the feeding instructions. Annotate date of arrival to PS, then write feed ID x 3 days, then ½ ID ½ ______ x 3 days then ___________. Annotate adult, kitten or lite as applicable. This paper goes in the cage card holder in front of the cage card.

 

7. The window card holder, paper and suction cups are in the adoption table. Fill in as much as you can on the paper using the AFS information. This will later have typed information and a photograph mounted but can be handwritten temporarily.

 

8. Prepare an adoption bag (located in the adoption table) for the new cat putting a few toys from the adoption toy bin. The cat's name can be written on the bag. Put the bag back in the adoption table to be ready for when the cat goes home.

 

9. Make a copy of the AFS sheet for the person who is going to type the information for the window card and set aside or email the person with information about the cat to type up the card. If you are able, take a photograph of the cat for the photo card (landscape format) and email to the person who is going to process the card. Please keep receipts for any cost incurred for photo developing.

 

10. Email the person who is posting the cats on the photo site with photo(s) and descriptive information about the cat(s) so they can get it post on the photo site.

 

11. If you want, you can send out a volunteer group email to let everyone know about the cat that has come in including and issues / special care.