400.18 animal found dead in kennel or cage

1. COUNTY OF ORANGE
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
REGULATORY HEALTH SERVICES
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES
Number: 400.18
SUBJECT: Animal Found Dead in Kennel/Cage Page: 1
Date: 08/25/05
Approved: Jennifer Phillips, Director Revised: 6/4/07
I. PURPOSE
To establish a procedure for the handling of deceased animals found in kennel or cages.
II. POLICY
Animals found deceased in kennel or cage shall be removed immediately and in a dignified
manner.
III. SCOPE
This procedure applies to all Shelter Services personnel.
IV. FORMS
Not applicable.
V. REFERENCES
Not applicable.
VI. DEFINITIONS
Not applicable.
VII. PROCEDURE
Any Kennel Attendant (KA) who finds a deceased animal in a kennel or cage shall ensure that
the following steps are completed.
1. Remove deceased animal from the kennel or cage immediately.
2. Transport body to Station III.
3. Use a manila tag to identify the date, kennel number, the Animal Identification number
and mark it for necropsy.
4. Place the deceased animal on a gray cart in the morgue in Station III and notify the KA
assigned to station III of the deceased animal.
5. Update the Kennel Window placing the animal in “Tag- Morgue” and notify supervisor.

2. COUNTY OF ORANGE
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
REGULATORY HEALTH SERVICES
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES
Number: 400.18
SUBJECT: Animal Found Dead in Kennel/Cage Page: 2
Date: 08/25/05
Approved: Jennifer Phillips, Director Revised: 6/4/07
6. The PM KA will also follow the above procedure and send an email to the Supervising
KAs.
7. If the animal has been adopted, a member of Veterinary Services staff shall contact the
adopter to inform them of the loss.
8. Due to the unknown cause of death, the cage/kennel shall be cleaned and sterilized with
a bleach solution prior to being utilized for another animal.