700.15 DISPOSITION OF ANIMALS WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS

1. COUNTY OF ORANGE
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
REGULATORY HEALTH SERVICES
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES
Number: 700.15
SUBJECT: DISPOSITION OF ANIMALS WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS Page: 1
Date: 9/14/01
Approved: Jennifer Phillips, Director Revised: 4/2/07
I. PURPOSE
To establish a uniform procedure for the disposition of animals with medical problems.
II. POLICY
Orange County Animal Care Services’ (OCACS) pro-life, pro-adoption philosophy
encourages the adoption of impounded animals, including those with conditions which may
require follow-up or continued medical treatment(s). By law, approved rescue groups may
claim any animal prior to euthanasia. Adoptability to the public shall be determined based on a
medical review by an OCACS Veterinarian and a temperament review by supervising kennel
staff.
III. SCOPE
Applicable to all OCACS Veterinarians and supervising kennel personnel.
IV. FORMS
Medical Waiver
V. REFERENCES
California Food and Agriculture Code 31108, Impound Holding Period for Stray Dogs.
California Food and Agriculture Code 31752, Cats: Impound Holding Period.
VI. DEFINITIONS
Not applicable.
VII. PROCEDURE
Following the initial or subsequent physical examinations, the OCACS Veterinarian shall place
the animal with the identified medical condition in one of following categories.
A. Not Recommended for Adoption (NRA)
Animals with severe medical or temperament issues such as significant genetic defects,
vicious behavior, zoonotic diseases, etc shall be categorized as NRA.

2. COUNTY OF ORANGE
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
REGULATORY HEALTH SERVICES
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES
Number: 700.15
SUBJECT: DISPOSITION OF ANIMALS WITH MEDICAL CONDITIONS Page: 2
Date: 9/14/01
Approved: Jennifer Phillips, Director Revised: 4/2/07
1. Veterinary staff shall have the authority to use this category based on medical
assessment.
2. Supervising kennel staff shall have the authority to use the category following
temperament assessment.
3. An animal with a NRA designation not redeemed by its owner may be
euthanized.
4. An approved rescue organization may claim any animal prior to euthanasia.
B. Treatable Medical Condition or Adoption Partner Candidate (APC)
An APC designation shall be reserved for animals with medical problems or conditions
that are treatable or may need follow-up care to prevent complications. These
conditions may include, but are not limited to, ear mites, pregnancy, flea bite dermatitis,
kennel cough, URI, broken limbs, etc.
1. The nature of the condition, treatment prescribed, and dates for treatment review
shall be recorded in the Chameleon Treatment Window by veterinary staff.
2. Animals that can be treated by veterinary staff shall receive treatment prior to
being made available for adoption or being released to an approved rescue
organization for further treatment.
3. Available animals that have been treated for medical conditions by veterinary
staff shall display “Before” and “After” cage card photos, explanations of the
treatment provided to the animal, and comments from authorized staff regarding
personality traits or temperament of the animal.
4. Potential adopters of animals with current or chronic medical conditions shall be
advised of the conditions, counseled by a veterinarian, and sign a medical
waiver acknowledging the medical condition and their medical and financial
responsibilities as an adopter.
5. In cases (e.g. URIs) in which an animal may fare better in a private home rather
than at OCACS, the OCACS Veterinarian may prescribe medication to be sent
home with the adopted animal .
6. If an adopted animal develops an illness or becomes worse within one week of
adoption, the adopter may bring the animal to OCACS for treatment.
7. An adopter may return an adopted animal to OCACS within 30 days for any
reason and exchange it for another animal.