This document outlines the procedure for pre-empting animals for adoption at OC Animal Care. It states that all healthy dogs must be spayed or neutered before adoption. It describes the process where kennel staff will select the most adoptable dogs based on interest from the public or adoptability. The selected dogs will then receive a pre-surgical exam and either be cleared for surgery or passed over based on medical or behavioral reasons. After surgery, microchips will be implanted and information updated in the system. Adoption packets are then prepared and veterinary staff check animals before release.

1. Number: 400.48
SUBJECT: PRE-EMPTING BEFORE ADOPTION Page: 1
Date: 7/23/14
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised:
I. PURPOSE
To outline and define the procedure for selection and preparation for pre-empting animals for
adoption.
II. POLICY
It is the policy of OC Animal Care to spay or neuter all healthy dogs before adoption.
III. SCOPE
Applicable to all staff.
IV. FORMS
Not applicable.
V. REFERENCES
Not applicable.
VI. DEFINITIONS
Not applicable.
VII. PROCEDURE
Dogs:
The Supervising Kennel Attendant will print out the “DUE OUT” list to determine animals that
are available for adoption, review all Kennel screens and conduct a behavioral assessment.
Once it is determined that the animal will be placed for adoption, enter SURG WAIT as the
outcome type. The “DUE OUT” date will be for 5 days from the date placed on the surgery log.
After the 5 days have passed and the dog has not had surgery the dog will be made available.
This allows any potential adopter the opportunity to adopt the dog. At the close of business, the
Supervising Kennel Attendant will print 2 copies of the Surgery Log. They will highlight those
dogs that have Interested Party memos or those dogs they feel are the most adoptable for

2. Number: 400.48
SUBJECT: PRE-EMPTING BEFORE ADOPTION Page: 2
Date: 7/23/14
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised:
surgery first. One copy goes to the PM Kennel Attendant to pull food and another goes to
surgery staff.
Surgery:
The morning of surgery the Registered Veterinarian Technician (RVT) or the Veterinarian
Assistant (VA) will bring the animals to the surgery room for the pre-surgical exam by the
veterinarian performing surgery.
The surgery exam will consist of rabies vaccination, flea treatment, and general weight/health
exam of the animal.
Any animal that is determined to be unfit for surgery either because of medical or behavioral
reasons will be passed over. The supervisor on duty will be notified and the surgery staff will
continue down the list in the order they appear on the list.
Once the animal has been sedated for surgery the Microchip will be implanted.
Surgery will be performed and the information updated in the Chameleon Treatment screen.
Surgery staff will give the microchip packet, after recovery, to clerical staff to attach to the
adoption packet.
Any problems will be addressed with the supervisor on duty.
Customer Service:
Adoption packets will be prepared the day of surgery by clerical staff.
Veterinary staff:
When the animal has been adopted the RVT/VA or veterinarian on duty will check the incision
area and confirm the animal is healthy for release. They will verify the correct microchip is
implanted and entered into Chameleon.