The document outlines a LIFE Program policy for Orange County Animal Care. The policy aims to create a uniform procedure for waiving fees for animals identified as Adoption Partner Candidates that require significant medical costs, cannot be housed long-term, or have lacked adoption interest. These animals will be promoted to registered non-profit rescue organizations, and all fees for services provided to selected animals will be waived. Animals may be selected based on medical conditions, behavior issues, length of stay, being scheduled for euthanasia, or amount of medical treatment received.

1. Number: 800.09
SUBJECT: LIFE PROGRAM Page: 1
Date: 8/21/08
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised: 7/23/14
I. PURPOSE
To create a uniform procedure for waiving fees on animals at OC Animal Care that have been
identified as Adoption Partner Candidates (APC), require significant medical costs and
procedures, cannot be housed by OC Animal Care for an extended period following retention,
or have had a lack of interest in adoption.
II. POLICY
LIFE Program animals will be selected by the criteria herein and will be promoted to non-profit
501(c)3 animal rescue organizations by the Adoption Partner Coordinator. All fees associated
with services provided to selected animals shall be waived for registered non-profit animal
rescue organizations only.
III. SCOPE
Applicable to Community Outreach Team, Shelter Services, Veterinary, and Customer Services
Staff.
IV. FORMS
Spay/Neuter Deposit Waiver Form
V. REFERENCES
Not applicable.
VI. DEFINITIONS
AP – Adoption Partner
Adoption Partner refers to a 501(c)3 animal rescue group that is currently registered with the
OC Animal Care Adoption Partner Program.
APC – Adoption Partner Candidate
Adoption Partner Candidate animals are those that have medical or behavior issues that OC
Animal Care feels would be best handled by our Adoption Partners. APC animals may also

2. Number: 800.09
SUBJECT: LIFE PROGRAM Page: 2
Date: 8/21/08
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised: 7/23/14
have been at the shelter for an extended period of time with no adoption interest from the
public.
VET
VET animals are those that have minor medical issues. They are available for adoption to the
public with a veterinary consultation.
VII. PROCEDURE
A. Program Eligibility
1. The animal must be identified by the shelter services staff or by the veterinary
staff, as an APC, VET or unadoptable animal.
2. The Adoption Partner Coordinator will then identify potential candidates for the
LIFE program based upon one or more of the following criteria:
a. Significant physical and/or medical condition(s).
b. Reoccurring or significant temperament and/or behavioral issues (not
including excessive aggression or significant aggressive history).
c. Length of stay (longer than 30 days).
d. Available animals that are scheduled for euthanasia for time/space or
lack of adoption interest at the shelter.
e. Amount of medical treatment (surgeries, x-rays, medication, etc.),
services, and resources provided by OC Animal Care resulting in a
vested interest in the animal as determined by Veterinary Services staff.
3. The Adoption Partner Coordinator will submit a list of potential LIFE program
candidates to the Veterinary Services staff and/or the Chief of Shelter Services
on an ‘as needed’ basis for consideration and recommendations.
4. The list of LIFE program candidates will then be submitted to the Director or
designee in their absence, for final review and approval based on the criteria and
recommendations provided.
B. Potential LIFE program candidates may be taken directly to the OC Animal Care

3. Number: 800.09
SUBJECT: LIFE PROGRAM Page: 3
Date: 8/21/08
Approved: Ryan Drabek, Director Revised: 7/23/14
Director or designee in their absence, for emergency cases involving life-threatening
conditions in which the animal must be placed with an AP immediately.
C. All LIFE Program animals shall be promoted to OC Animal Care’s non-profit AP’s by
identifying them on the daily special needs email that is automatically generated and
sent to the AP’s each day. In addition, special emails may be sent to the AP’s as
needed. Each animal shall be identified as a LIFE Program candidate, including
information regarding the LIFE program, and associated criteria, shall be included in the
Adoption Partner Manual which is distributed to and utilized by all OC Animal Care
AP’s.
D. Adoption & Services
1. All LIFE Program candidates shall receive an identification microchip prior to
placement with an AP.
2. All LIFE Program candidates that are not altered shall be adopted with a
Spay/Neuter Deposit Waiver Form signed by the adopter upon release of the
animal.
3. All fees associated with a LIFE Program candidate shall be waived in full upon
release of the animal and the adopter shall receive a receipt of services
provided.