DRAFT SUBJECT TO CHANGE

November 21, 2013

COMPANION ANIMAL RE-HOMING EVALUATION

STANDARDS (CARES)

Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center

November 21, 2013

COMPANION ANIMAL RE-HOMING EVALUATION STANDARDS (CARES)

Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center
November 21, 2013

The CARES evaluation tool is used to describe standardized definitions used by the Oakland County
Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center (OCAC/PAC) to classify the health and behavioral status of
animals at intake and exit.
BACKGROUND
OCAC/PAC is an open admission, government-operated animal shelter that accepts all animals within
its jurisdiction despite any health, temperament or behavioral issues. OCAC/PAC accepts all animals
presented, including but not limited to: strays within its jurisdiction, owner-relinquished animals for
adoption, and owner-requested euthanasia.
OCAC/PAC is dedicated to providing the best care and opportunity for re-homing animals which have
been admitted to this animal shelter. To this end, a classification system has been established to
characterize the age, medical conditions, and behavioral assessment of the animals in its care. Animals
that are classified as healthy (H) or treatable/manageable (TM) will be available for adoption. Animals
that are classified as unhealthy/untreatable (UU) will not be available for adoption. Absent intervention
by an approved rescue organization or a willing adopter, the likely outcome of an animal classified as
UU is euthanasia.
During October 2013, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved two resolutions involving
revisions to the operating, admission and other policies for the OCAC/PAC, such resolutions are
identified below, incorporated by reference and included as Exhibit A to this CARES matrix:

Transparency Policy for the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center
(Miscellaneous Resolution #13057).

Adoption of Policies and Reforms at the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption
Center (Miscellaneous Resolution #13058).

PROCEDURES
The veterinary staff will control the evaluation of and classify each animal admitted to the animal shelter.
Age, medical condition, and behavioral assessment will be taken into consideration at the time of
classification. While an animal is in the care of OCAC/PAC it will continue to be evaluated in its
entirety, taking into account the animals age and behavioral and medical conditions. As a result, a
reclassification could occur for some animals during their stay at OCAC/PAC.
The classification of the animals condition and any changes in the animals condition shall be formally
documented in the animals file.

PERSONNEL
The CARES evaluations are performed by the veterinary staff. The Administration Supervisor, the Road
Patrol Supervisor, the Kennel Office Leader and the Division Manager may also be called upon to
participate in the CARES evaluation at the discretion of the veterinary staff.
DEFINITIONS
The following terminology will be used for evaluation and classification purposes of animals under the
care of OCAC/PAC.
Healthy (H)
Those animals eight weeks of age or older that, at the time of veterinary examination, have manifested no
sign of behavioral or temperamental characteristics that could pose a health or safety risk to the public or
other animals. Additionally, these animals have manifested no sign of disease, injury, or congenital or
hereditary condition that adversely affect the animals current health or that is likely to adversely affect
the animals health in the future.
These animals will be available for adoption in accordance with the OCAC/PAC procedures.
Treatable/Manageable (TM)
Animals under the age of eight weeks or found to have a treatable medical, congenital, hereditary or
behavioral condition posing no significant health or safety risk to the public, themselves or other animals.
Animals classified as TM are likely to become healthy, or at a minimum, maintain a reasonable quality of
life if given medical, behavioral or foster care. The medical prognosis and / or behavioral assessment
must be fair to good to meet this definition.
These animals may be available for adoption to individuals or 501(c)3, IRS-registered rescue groups
before or during treatment or management. Upon adoption, the physical and financial responsibility of
these animals will be assumed entirely by the adopter. OCAC/PAC is not equipped to provide long-term
medical or behavioral care for animals in the TM classification. Consequently, one week shall be the
longest OCAC/PAC can maintain these animals before reclassification. After that one week period, the
animal may be reclassified to UU status at the discretion of OPAC/PAC administration and veterinary
staff.

The below listing is not intended on being an all-inclusive listing of medical issues, rather examples of
Treatable / Manageable conditions:

Infectious Disease (Upper Respiratory Infection, Infectious Tracheabronchitis).

Osteoarthritis.
Allergy.
Parasitism.
Prolapsed nictitan (cherry eye).
Neo-natal with a mother.
Physical disability (loss of eye, loss of limb).

Untreatable/Unhealthy (UU)
Untreatable / Unhealthy animals represent animals that at the time of veterinary staff examination:

Have a behavioral, temperamental or medical characteristic that would pose a danger to other
animals, themselves or the public.

Are suffering from a disease, injury or a congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects
the animals current health or is likely to adversely affect the animals health in the future.

Are under the age of eight weeks and are not likely to become healthy with medical or foster care.

A condition that may not necessitate a UU classification on its own, when present in combination
with other medical or behavioral issues, may lead to this designation. In addition, animals with a
poor prognosis, protracted painful recovery, incurable debilitating illness, are non-responsive to
treatment and / or if treatment is not reasonably available, are candidates for this classification.

The below listing is not intended on being an all-inclusive listing of medical issues, rather examples of
Unhealthy / Untreatable conditions:

Classification as directed by a court order.

Feral cats, healthy and unhealthy (Caretaker or Barn not available).
Infectious disease (URI, FIP, Distemper, FeLV, FIV, Parvovirus, Rabies).
Animal or human aggression.
Auto-Immune disease.
Orthopedic fractures.
Severe traumatic injuries.
Organ disease (Urinary, Cardiac, Dental, Hepatic, Neurologic, Endocrine).
Zoonotic disease (Rabies, Leptospirosis, Ringworm, Sarcoptic Mange).
Dermatologic conditions with other health factors.
Neoplastic conditions with guarded to poor prognosis.

At times, animals are presented to OCAC/PAC in emergency situations. OCAC/PAC is not a full-service
veterinary hospital and is not equipped to address all emergency scenarios as presented. While awaiting
contact with the injured animals owner or caregiver, reasonable efforts will be made to care for the
animal. If pain and suffering cannot be alleviated, or the owner cannot be contacted in a reasonable
period of time, OCAC/PAC may euthanize the animal on humane grounds.
No dog or cat that is determined to be either healthy or treatable/manageable by the shelter veterinarian
and/or staff shall be euthanized by the shelter until the dog or cat is offered on a public listing accessible
on the internet by all 501 (c) 3 animal rescue organizations registered with Oakland County.
All cats and dogs adopted (transferred) in partnership to rescue organizations under this policy shall have
all fees waived, with the exception of licensing fees, and the animal will be spayed / neutered prior to
transfer (unless medical conditions dictate otherwise in which case the rescue can return at a future date
for the spay/neuter procedure).
ADOPTION POLICY
Adopters of an animal(s) from OCAC/PAC must be present to sign the appropriate documents at the time
of adoption.
At the discretion of OCAC/PAC administrative staff, adopters must fill out an adoption application and be
approved by shelter administrative staff. OCAC/PAC reserves the right to deny an individual a pet
adoption in accordance with the state statutes.
Adopters must be 18 years of age or older and must provide proof of identification at the time of
application for the animal(s).
General Public Adoption Fees
All fees at OCAC/PAC are approved by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners.
Animals adopted from OCAC/PAC are delivered fully vetted, spayed/neutered, and all appropriate shots
and vaccinations have been given. In addition to the listed adoption prices as set by the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners, people/organizations must also purchase a dog license in accordance with State
Law.
Current Prices:
Dogs

$136.50

Cats

$57.50

The OPAC / PAC administration reserves the right to waive or reduce the above fees when facing facility
capacity issues or such other demonstrated needs that serve to improve adoptions.

Restrictions
The OCAC/PAC reserves the right to place restrictions on animal adoptions that may include any or all
breeds of animals or animals with certain medical or behavioral issues. Animals with adoption
restrictions will be adopted out at the discretion of OCAC/PAC administration to 501(c)3 rescue groups.
Rescue Policy
Participating rescue agencies must be an IRS registered 501(c)3 organization or a rescue that is under the
umbrella of a 501(c)3 organization.
The rescue agency interested in pulling an animal must have demonstrated a valid 501(c)3 status to
OPAC / PAC. The status document will be held on file at the shelter for future animal pulls.
A signature for the transfer of the animal is required by a representative of the rescue agency. If the
person coming to pick up the animal is not listed on the 501(c)3 documentation on file, then it must be
noted so in writing by the listed 501(c)3 official. This notice in writing can be hand delivered, faxed or emailed to the shelter.
OCAC/PAC will attempt to network animals in need of rescue pull through available social media
networks and through other means as determined by OPAC / PAC administration.
Most dogs held for general adoption at the shelter for more than 30 days will be available for rescue pull
at rescue adoption prices. These dogs will also be networked and promoted via available social media
when possible. Animals up for general adoption and that have been at the shelter for less than 30 days
can also be pulled via rescue at the discretion of OPAC / PAC administration. However the reduced
rescue adoption fee does not apply. Instead, the above general adoption fees apply.
Cats are available for rescue pull once the cat has been approved for general adoption at no charge.
Current Rescue Adoption Prices:
Animals adopted from OCAC/PAC are delivered fully vetted, spayed/neutered, and all appropriate shots
and vaccinations have been given. In addition to the listed adoption prices as set by the Oakland County
Board of Commissioners, people/organizations must also purchase a dog license in accordance with State
Law.
$27.50
$10.00
$ 0.00 (no charge)

Puppy or Dog over 14 weeks

Puppy under 14 weeks
Cat or Kitten

Company charge card information can be kept onsite for ease of payment.
From time to time and at the discretion of OCAC/PAC administration, the above fees may be reduced or
waived.
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LICENSING FEES
Dog License Fees as approved by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners follow:
Spayed/Neutered

$7.50

Senior Citizen*

$6.75

Male/Female

$15.00

Senior Citizen*

$13.50

DELINQUENT AFTER JUNE 1ST..$30

*Senior Citizen price for dog owners 65 years of age or older. (Must show proof of age)
These licenses are issued by the authority of the Oakland County Treasurer; license expires December
31st of the current year. If you have a limiting disability which may require assistance in obtaining your
dog license, please contact our office.
REPORTING
OCAC/PAC will post monthly statistics on its website, www.oakgov.com/petadoption, in accordance
with the Board of Commissioner Miscellaneous Resolution #13057 as reflected in Exhibit A. These
reports will include:

Starting Population at the beginning of the month.

Return to Owner.
Adopted.
Transferred to other shelters and/or rescues.
Euthanized.
Healthy.
Treatable / Manageable.
Untreatable/Unhealthy.
Animals received within the month.
Owner Give Up.
Owner Request for Euthanasia.
Strays.
Contract.
Ending Population at the end of the month.

EXHIBIT A

COMPANION ANIMAL RE-HOMING EVALUATION

STANDARDS (CARES)

Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center

November 21, 2013

Content of Exhibit A:

Transparency Policy for the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center
(Miscellaneous Resolution #13057).

Adoption of Policies and Reforms at the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption
Center (Miscellaneous Resolution #13058).

MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #13057

BY: Commissioners Helaine Zack, District #18; Dave Woodward, District #19; Bill Dwyer, District, #14; Mike
Bosnic, District #16; Shelley Goodman Taub, District #12; Phil Weipert, District #8; Michael Spisz,
District #3; Marcia Gershenson, District #13; Gary McGillivray, District #20.
IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TRANSPARENCY POLICY FOR THE OAKLAND COUNTY
ANIMAL CONTROL AND PET ADOPTION CENTER
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the policy of Oakland County is to provide full accountability and transparency in all aspects of
sheltering; and
WHEREAS annual reports are mandated and are currently provided by the Oakland County Animal Control
and Pet Adoption Center to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, voluntary monthly reports
can assist the public and decision makers in the measurement and development in policies created locally; and
WHEREAS the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center has adopted policies to actively
pursue treatment and rehabilitation for appropriate animals by offering these animals to non-profits that have
medical/treatment facilities the County lacks, through transfers and adoptions at no cost, except licensing
fees, and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioner request that a
regular monthly report accounting for both separate and combined numbers of dogs and cats be posted on the
Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Centers website including, but not limited to:
Starting Population
Return to Owner
Adopted
Transferred to other shelters and/or rescues
Euthanized
a. Healthy
b. Treatable
c. Untreatable/Unhealthy
Animals received within the month
a. Owner Give Up
b. Owner Request for Euthanasia
c. Strays
d. Contract
Ending Population
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in furtherance of transparency and public understanding the Oakland
County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center is requested to utilize standard terminology and definitions used
in shelter management when available and appropriate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds is requested to forward copies
of this adopted resolution to Oakland County Executive, the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption
Center.
Chairperson, we move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.
DAVE WOODWARD, HELAINE ZACK, NANCY
QUARLES,
MARCIA
GERSHENSON,
JANET
JACKSON,
GARY
MCGILLIVRAY,
MATTIE
HATCHETT

MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION # 13058

BY:
Commissioners Helaine Zack, District 18, Marcia Gershenson, District #13; Dave Woodward, District #19;
Mike Bosnic, District #16; Shelley Goodman Taub, District #12; Bill Dwyer, District #14; Gary McGillivray,
District #20.

IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ADOPTION OF POLICIES AND REFORMS AT

THE OAKLAND COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL AND PET ADOPTION CENTER
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:

WHEREAS the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center provides care and temporary homes
for thousands of animals every year, enriching the lives of our people and their families; and

WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners is invested by law with the authority to establish
policies to be followed by the government of the county in the conduct of its affairs..; and

WHEREAS in open dialogue with citizens, experts and managers of the center, members of the Public
Services Committee of the Board of Commissioners have identified areas where increased support would be
beneficial to the efforts of staff to fulfill their mission of finding homes for adoptable, treatable animals; and

WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners support efforts to fulfill a mission at the Oakland
County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center of maintaining an open admissions shelter and to find a home
for every adoptable, treatable animal possible; and

WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners further supports efforts to aggressively pursue
transfers to other facilities for animals that cannot find homes or care within County facilities; and

WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners further supports efforts to maximize the use of
volunteers, recruitment of foster families and encourage the non-profit community to provide for additional capacity
so no animal is sacrificed due to space concerns; and

WHEREAS the Oakland County Board of Commissioners understands the need for fully trained veterinary staff to
treat and evaluate each animal is critical to the well-being of animals entrusted to the shelters care; and

WHEREAS many models of success exist for the improvement of operations of shelters and Oakland County
should be open to explore the best ideas from each of them to implement policies that work best locally; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners affirms its
commitment to maintain the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center as an open
admissions shelter.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners asks that the following
policies and steps be undertaken at the Oakland County Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center in the
spirit of finding homes for as many animals as possible:

1. The maintenance of an active adoption policy that utilizes numerous programs to increase
adoption and transfer rates of animals to other animal welfare organizations. Such a program
should include adequate staffing to ensure that animals in the shelter can be tracked and
their status can be communicated to these organizations. This program should also include
special adoption promotions, offering adoption events during off hours for working people and
in different regions of the county.

2. Maintain a strong public relations and volunteer recruitment/coordination program.

Through the expansion of these efforts the shelter will find a resource of assistance in areas
of special need such as training foster families. With adequate staffing and enthusiasm, the
shelter may find new partners and opportunities.

3. Adequate veterinary staffing is a concern that has been expressed both within the
department and from concerned citizens. The staff is encouraged to participate in
specialized training in animal shelter medicine.

4. The Department should pursue additional low cost or free spay/neuter programs. The
Department should also consider offering these services on an occasional basis in areas of
the county with the greatest economic challenges.

In the pursuit of these goals, the Department shall have the support of the Board of
Commissioners if additional funding or staffing is necessary.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following policy is adopted for animals at the Oakland County
Animal Control and Pet Adoption Center:

No dog or cat that is determined to be either healthy or treatable by the shelter veterinarian
and/or staff shall be euthanized by the shelter until the dog or cat is offered on a public
listing accessible on the internet by all 501(c)(3) animal rescue organizations registered with
Oakland County. Animals who for time reasons are at risk of being re-designated as
unadoptable/untreatable shall be listed as such no later than ten (10) days prior to that date.
All cats and dogs adopted (transferred) in partnership to rescue organizations under this
policy shall have all fees waived, with the exception of licensing fees, and the animal will be
spayed/neutered prior to transfer (unless medical conditions dictate otherwise in which case
the rescue can return at a future date for the spay/neuter procedure). No animals
determined healthy or treatable shall be euthanized until such time as the shelter has
reached or is in danger of reaching capacity. The shelter shall aggressively pursue
partnerships to provide overflow capacity in such situations.

Chairperson, we move the adoption of the foregoing resolution.

HELAINE ZACK, DAVE WOODWARD,

MARCIA
GERSHENSON,
MATTIE
HATCHETT, JANET JACKSON, NANCY
QUARLES, GARY MCGILLIVRAY

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