400.37 pets belonging to oc animal care personnel

1. Number: 400.37
SUBJECT: PETS BELONGING TO OC ANIMAL CARE PERSONNEL Page: 1
Date: 11/3/10
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised:
I. PURPOSE
To standardize OC Animal Care’s position on the management of pets belonging to
personnel at OC Animal Care; uphold federal, state, and local laws and regulations;
ensure the health and safety of personnel, members of the public, and volunteers;
preserve the integrity of our grounds and buildings; and support a healthful environment
that respects the rights of individuals.
II. POLICY
This policy prohibits pets belonging to personnel from being on OC Animal Care
property, except for those pets that are specifically exempted by this policy. In addition,
while on OC Animal Care property, pets belonging to personnel must be attended to and
restrained at all times. Pets belonging to personnel, both running free and brought to OC
Animal Care, pose a significant liability risk to the County and its community members.
Pets belonging to personnel can pose a threat to the health and safety of the OC Animal
Care community, as well as to a productive work environment (through allergy, excessive
noise, distraction from duties, animal bites, and disease transmission via fleas, ticks,
parasites, viruses, bacteria, etc.). Pets belonging to personnel brought to the shelter could
also possibly be exposed to disease transmission via fleas, ticks, parasites, viruses,
bacteria, etc.).
Pets belonging to personnel at OC Animal Care can be destructive, causing damage to
grounds, buildings, and property. OC Animal Care will seek restitution for any animal-
related damage to OC Animal Care property, facilities, or grounds resulting from pets
belonging to personnel. The repair or replacement cost of damaged property is the sole
responsibility of the owner of the animal that caused the damage.
III. SCOPE
Applicable to all OC Animal Care personnel.
IV. FORMS
Not applicable.
V. REFERENCES

2. Number: 400.37
SUBJECT: PETS BELONGING TO OC ANIMAL CARE PERSONNEL Page: 2
Date: 11/3/10
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised:
Americans with Disabilities Act
VI. DEFINITIONS
Not applicable.
VII. PROCEDURE
A. The following pets belonging to personnel are permitted on OC Animal Care
property, at the discretion of the Director:
• service animals while performing their duties.
• shelter pets already in residence (kennel office cats, etc.).
• fish in containers, at the discretion of Director.
In addition, temporary exemptions may be granted on an individual basis. To be
granted such an exemption, an individual must make a specific request to an OC
Animal Care Administrative Manager.
If approved to be at OC Animal Care, all pets belonging to personnel, must be,
• housebroken;
• properly groomed and treated with a flea preventative;
• well-behaved pets that are comfortable and reliably safe around
strangers;
• properly confined/restrained.
Owners must properly dispose of their animals’ waste.
Management reserves the right to revoke a temporary exemption at any time that
the animal or owner becomes uncooperative or disruptive in any way.