400.22 newborn puppies with mothers

1. COUNTY OF ORANGE
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
REGULATORY HEALTH SERVICES
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES
Number: 400.22
SUBJECT: NEWBORN PUPPIES WITH MOTHERS Page: 1
Date: 8/29/05
Approved: Jennifer Phillips Revised: 02/15/07
I. PURPOSE
To establish a uniformed procedure for the care of newborn puppies and their mothers
impounded at Orange County Animal Care Services (OCACS).
II. POLICY
OCACS shall house animals in designated areas based on established criteria to prevent the
spread of disease, ensure optimum observation by staff and the public, and to provide for the
safety of the animals and the visiting public.
III. SCOPE
Applicable to all Kennel Services staff.
IV. FORMS
Not applicable.
V. REFERENCES
Not applicable.
VI. DEFINITIONS
Not applicable.
VII. PROCEDURE
A. When birth is imminent, the animal shall be moved to the isolation section (kennels 16-
21 and 46-50). Prior to transporting the animal, the Kennel Attendant shall place a
whelping box with ample shredded paper inside the designated kennel.
1. The Kennel Attendant shall notify the Veterinary Services staff of the kennel
change and pending delivery.
2. Whelping mothers and their puppies shall not be disturbed until the Veterinarian
on duty has determined that all puppies have been delivered.

2. COUNTY OF ORANGE
HEALTH CARE AGENCY
REGULATORY HEALTH SERVICES
ANIMAL CARE SERVICES
Number: 400.22
SUBJECT: NEWBORN PUPPIES WITH MOTHERS Page: 2
Date: 8/29/05
Approved: Jennifer Phillips Revised: 02/15/07
3. A Kennel Attendant or Registered Veterinary Technician shall check the
condition of the mother and puppies throughout the day from outside of the
kennel. If the mother or puppies appear to be in distress, notify the Veterinarian
on duty immediately.
4. Food and water shall be made available to the mother at all times.
5. Without disturbing the mother and puppies, refill the food and water bowls as
needed.
6. When cleaning the kennel, the Kennel Attendant shall use extreme care as to not
wet the puppies or whelping box.