Sop Manual1

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services & Vector Control
Standard Operating Procedures
Standard Operating Procedures
Mission Statement - The mission of the Corpus Christi Animal Care Services & Vector Control is to balance the health, safety and welfare needs of the people and animals in our City. Through our mission we will educate the public about responsible companion animal ownership, aggressively investigate animal cruelty cases, provide compassion and humane care for unwanted, stray, abused, and abandoned animals in our City, and give adoptable animals a second chance at a forever home Our Vision is to create and preserve a safe community through education, enforcement and leadership. Animal Care Services & Vector Control is comprised of four branches ! "nforcement and #nvestigations $ield %nit ! Sheltering and Adoptions %nit ! Vector Control and &revention %nit ! Veterinarian and Surgical %nit All of these units are under the direction of the &rogram 'anager, and are a division of Corpus Christi &olice (epartment.
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Last updated 02/12/2014 H.Hedrick
City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures
Table of Contents 1. Introduction

1.1 1. 1.# 1.' 1.( 1.& 1.+ 1.. 1./ 1.10 1.11 1.1 1.1# 1.1' 1.1( 1.1& 1.1+ Personnel Policies and Procedures Animal S!elter Polic" and Procedures Animal $egulations % Cit" Ordinance C!apter & Animal S!elter Advisor" Committee )*ual Opportunit" Polic" Cit" Propert" Cit" Services , Personal -se Mission Statement for Animal Services Outside )mplo"ment $ecords $etention Searc!es of Cit" Propert" Silent Auctions Substance Abuse Te1as 2epartment of State 3ealt! Services 42S3S5 Tobacco -se Control Polic" Vision Statement Values Statement
. Accident $eports and Personal Safet"

.1 . Team6or7 and Common Sense $eporting Accidents A. Personal In8uries 9. Ve!icle C. )*uipment 2amage 2. Propert" 2amage Safet" Apparel A. 2ust Mas7 9. )arplugs C. :loves 2. :oggles ). $estraint Poles ;. Safet" Vests , ;luorescent <our $esponsibilit" =!ile In8ured Material Safet" 2ata S!eets 9uilding , 9ac7 !all6a" as Storage Ve!icle Safet"
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.' .( .& .+
#. Citi>en Service
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures #.1 #. #.# #.' #.( #.& #.+ #.. 9usiness Cards Customer Service?Team6or7 Customer Surve"s 3andling Complaints 3andling Violations @ost?Stra" Aotices posted b" citi>ens Public $elations Telep!one Calls
'. 2ail" Operations

'.1 '. '.# '.' '.( '.& '.+ '.. './ '.10 '.11 '.1 '.1# '.1' '.1( '.1& '.1+ '.1. '.1/ '. 0 '. 1 '. '. # '. ' '. ( '. & '. + '. . '. / '.#0 '.#1 '.# '.## Introduction % @ocal $abies Control Aut!orit" 4@$CA5 Absence $eporting Access 9adges After 3ours Problems Animal Alread" in S"stem Animal )mergenc" Care Appearance % Staff Attendance Polic" Attendance S!eets 9rea7s Cell P!one -sage C!ildrenB ;amil" and ;riends at S!elter Cleaning Inside S!elter , Public Areas Cleanliness of Cennel Cages Collars % put on all Animals Compensator" Time Connemara Par7 Co"otes 2)A 42rug )nforcement Agenc"5 $egistration 2eceased Animals % 9ag 2epartment C!ain of Command 2isaster Aotification 2ispatc! , $adio Operations 2og Par7 2onations )%mail Polic" )mplo"ee Suggestion ;orm )*uipment Issued and $esponsibilit" ;acilities @ocation ;ood in Public Area ;orms -sed ;oster Animals ;uel Sites
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '.#' '.#( '.#& '.#+ '.#. '.#/ '.'0 '.'1 '.' '.'# 3olida"s 3olida"s % =or7ing 3ours of Operation 3ours =or7ed Inclement =eat!er Internet -sage Dob Abandonment Dob $esponsibilities @anguage -se @eave $e*uest A. 9ereavement 9. Compensator" @eave C. ;le1 Time 2. Sic7 @eave ). Vacation @eave @ig!t 2ut" =or7 Status A. 3urt on 8ob 9. 3urt off 8ob C. After surger" @ivestoc7 @ist @unc! Periods ManagerEs Absence Micro C!ip % Scanning for Micro C!ips Mu>>le Instructions % FT"ing a Mu>>leG Ae6 3ires On%Call Status and On%Call Ve!icle -se Open $ecords $e*uest Overtime Pa6s Applause 4peers applaud co%6or7ers5 Pa"roll P!one -se & Social Media Publicit" Purc!ases $eceiving Animals $esignations Sectors Securit" A. Ce"s 9. :ate Openers S!ift sc!edules Smo7ing Polic" Tag $egistration $ecords @oo7up Toll6a" ;ees 6!en Traveling Training -niforms and ;oot6ear
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '.&/ '.+0 '.+1 '.+ '.+# '.+' '.+( Vaccinations for Staff Veterinarian , $abies Vaccination Information Veterinarian Services Voicemail S"stem =or7 Area =or7ing 3ours =or7erEs Compensation @eave
(. 2isciplinar" Action and )valuation Criteria

(.1 (. (.# (.' Introduction 2ispute $esolution Process Alternative 2isciplinar" Matri1 )valuation Criteria
&. Administrative Operations , ;ront Office

&.1 &. &.# Introduction , Administrative Operations Adoption Pac7ets Adoption Polic" A. Cit" of Corpus C!risti )mplo"ees 9. 2eat! of Animal C. Cittens 2. $escue ). Vaccination and 3ealt! Testing for Animals ;. Ver" Important Pets 4VIP5 Animal Abandoned at t!e S!elter Animal Appearance Animal 9e!avioral )valuation Animal 2ata S!eets 4Cennel Cards5 Animal 3olding 2a"s at S!elter Animal Out of Cages Animal $econciliations , 2ail" Animal $eturned Animal Tag $egistration Process A. Internet 9. Mail $e*uest C. =al7%Ins Cas! 3andling A. Commingling of Mone" 9. Cas!ier Start -p C. Cas!ier $eceiving Mone" 2. Cas! ;ee $econciliation S!eet ). Cas! 9alancing
&.' &.( &.& &.+ &.. &./ &.10 &.11 &.1
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures ;. Cas!ier Obtaining C!ange :. C!ec7 Information $e*uired 3. Credit Card Procedure I. 2ail" 2eposit Complaint Calls 2angerous and Vicious 2ispatc!er 2uties 2onations )ducational Programs )valuating S!elter 2ogs ;ee Posting ;ees ;iling :ift Certificates Imaging 2ocuments Imaging Impounds listed under O6ner Surrender Internet Posting of Animals Inventor" A. Administrative Supplies 9. ;ield Operation Supplies C. Cennel Inventor" 2. Veterinar" Services Coordinator Supplies @ost $eports @ost?Stra"?;ound @$CA 4@ocal $abies Control Aut!orit"5 Incident $eport Medical Information in S!elter Soft6are Micro C!ipping , procedure to micro c!ip an animal Open $ecords Cost Open $ecords $e*uest O6ner 2efinition O6ner $edemption O6ner Surrender Protective Custod" Impounds Huarantine ;acilit" @icense $escue :roups % Contact S!elter%To%S!elter $eleases Sterili>ation Program Training Classes % Sc!eduling for Staff Trap Issuance Veterinarian 9illing Volunteers Volunteers % Mont!l" Sign up S!eet
&.1' &.1( &.1& &.1+ &.1. &.1/ &. 0 &. 1 &. &. # &. ' &. ( &. &
&. + &. . &. / &.#0 &.#1 &.# &.## &.#' &.#( &.#& &.#+ &.#. &.#/ &.'0 &.'1 &.' &.'# &.'' &.'( &.'&
+. C)AA)@ OP)$ATIOAS
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures +.1 +. +.# +.' +.( Introduction A. Cennel Staff 4AttendantsB ContractB Officers5 9. Veterinar" Services Coordinator 4VSC5 Animal Assessment Animals Out of Cage 9eds?Mats Cleaning Cages Procedure A. Introduction 9. Pupp"?Citten $oom C. Surger" Cages 2. Cats , Adoptable and Stra" ). Cats , Isolation and Huarantine ;. 2ogs , Adoptable and Stra" :. 2ogs , Isolation and Huarantine 3. ;lus!ing 2og 2rains )ut!anasia , Extensive Policy in Exhibits Insect Control Inspection of Cages Inventor" Cennel Operation Supplies Inventor" Medications Huarantine Animals , Special ;ood $abies Huarantine Saniti>ing , Manual Instructions S!ip and Test Process Sterili>ation Vaccinations for Animals =al7ing Animals =or7s!eets for Cennel Staff
+.& +.+ +.. +./ +.10 +.11 +.1 +.1# +.1' +.1( +.1& +.1+ +.1.
.. ;I)@2 OP)$ATIOAS
..1 .. ..# ..' ..( ..& ..+ ... ../ ..10 Introduction A. Officers 9. Senior Officer and Officer%in%C!arge Animals $eceiving Process A. Stra"s 9. =ildlife Calls Mandator" Calls Pus!ed 9ac7 Calls Postponed Citations Issuance Procedure Citations T"pes Citation $ecord Ceeping Citation Training % FMunicipal Court Training for Animal Services Complaints , T"pes
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures ..11 ..1 ..1# ..1' ..1( ..1& 2OA @ogboo7 2og $uns Outside 2oor Tags )ut!anasia in ;ield ;orms -sed 3andling of Calls A. Animals in Attics or =alls 9. 9irds C. Cats 2. 2eceased Animals ). 2og Impound ;. )1tractions :. In!umane Treatment of Animals 3. In8ured?Sic7 I. Iguanas D. @ivestoc7 C. S!elter Animals @. Sna7es M. Stra" Calls A. Turtles O. =ildlife 3andling Possible $abies )1posure Animal Incinerator A. @oading 9. Maintenance In8ured Animals Inventor" ;ield Operation Supplies Cennel Cards Cennel Cleaning $esponsibilit" @$CA 4@ocal $abies Control Aut!orit"5 Incident @unc! 9rea7s On Call 2ut" O6ner 2OA O6ner Aotification O6ner Surrender ;ield Patrol $abies Testing $elease S!elter Animals , After 3ours Subpoena Polic" Sunda" s!ift responsibilities for Officers Ve!icle Operation A. Cleaning 9. )mergenc" @ig!ts C. ;uel 2. @oan of Ve!icle ). Operational
..1+ ..1. ..1/ .. 0 .. 1 .. .. # .. ' .. ( .. & .. + .. . .. / ..#0 ..#1 ..# ..## ..#'
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures ;. Preventative Maintenance :. $epairs 3. Speed @imit I. Tire $epairs Veterinarian 2eceased Animal Pic7up =or7s!eets for Officers =eapons for Self 2efense against Animals A. Tran*uili>er :un 9. 9ite Stic7 C. )lectro%Muscular 2isruption 2evices 2. Pepper Spra" ). =!en to Call P2 , @et!al ;orce
..#( ..#& ..#+
/. $A2IO COMM-AICATIOAS
/.1 /. /.# /.' /.( /.& /.+ /.. Introduction $adio Call Aumbers $adio Messages?Standard 10%Codes 9eginning and ending Transmission 9ase Station )mergenc" Communications Misuse of $adio $adio $epairs
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10. )I3I9ITS
;orms 2ac3ground #nformation for Canine 4..,.5 2ac3ground #nformation for $eline 4..,.5 2ehavioral Safer Test 6or3sheet 4..)15 Cash Chain of Custody 7og 4..),-25 "uthanasia "8tensive &olicy 4/..5 $ee 9econciliation 7og 4..),-(5 :ennel Staff (aily 6or3sheet 4/.)05 7ost 9eport 4..+/5 79CA #ncident 9eport 4..+1 and 0.+,5 ;oise letter when registered with City 40./5 ;oise letter when not registered with City 40./5 <fficer=s (aily 6or3sheet 40.,-5 9abies Submission $orm >-1 4/.)-5 Surgery Consent $orm 4/.)*5 Temperament "valuation for (ogs 4..)15 Traps - ?av-A-?eart Traps @ 2aiting Suggestions 4..-+5 Trap 9eAuest $orm 4..-+5 Tying A 'uBBle 4-.-1 and 0.)*5 Visitor Sign-#n Sheet 4..)5 6aiver and release of liability @ Adoptions 4..,05 %se of $orce 9eport 40.,/5
$egulations City <rdinance @ Chapter ., Animal 9egulations City <rdinance @Animal Shelter fees Chapter ).1 - Te8as ?ealth Code @9abies Control and "radication 4/.)-5 Chapter 0+. - Te8as (epartment of State ?ealth Services 4(S?S5 @ 9abies 4).)- and /.)+5 Chapter 0+0 @ Te8as (epartment of ?ealth @ (og and Cat SteriliBation 4..-C5 "mployees "valuation Criteria 4*.-5
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1. IAT$O2-CTIOA
1.1 Personnel Policies and Procedures
The City of Corpus Christi has developed consistent and uniform ?uman 9esources &olicies and &rocedures. "very employee has a copy of these policies and procedures. <ou are encouraged to familiari>e "ourself 6it! t!e contents of "our cit" manual as 6ell as "our Animal Care Services manual. 1. Animal Services Policies and Procedures
Animal Services strives to promote self-esteem, good wor3ing relationships, responsiveness to public needs, increased efficiency and pride in a Dob well done, by providing uniform and consistent &olicies and &rocedures. Animal Services Standard <perating &rocedures 'anual is designed to establish a system of appropriate (ivisional &rocedures to be followed by all employees of Animal Services. Animal Services Standard Operating Procedure Manual does not supercede any City of Corpus Christi Procedure. All emplo"ees are e1pected to ad!ere to instructions listed in t!e manual and non%ad!erence could result in disciplinar" action. This 'anual represents the maDority of Animal Services &olicy however, is subDect to change with updates and policy changes. 1.# Animal $egulations , Cit" of Corpus C!risti Ordinance C!apter &
Animal Services staff enforces City of Corpus Christi <rdinance Chapter .. The entire <rdinance is listed under e8hibits in this manual. 1.' Animal S!elter Advisor" Committee
Te8as (epartment of ?ealth Chapter 0+,.CC* reAuires a governing body of a county or municipality to appoint an advisory committee to assist in complying with Te8as (epartment of ?ealth reAuirements. The City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services meets this reAuirement and has an advisory committee that meets monthly. The purpose of the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee is to assist the City in communicating awareness to citiBens regarding the services, procedures and compliance with state regulations concerning the operation of the Animal Shelter, and coordinating review of programs and services to ma3e recommendations for improvement in those programs to better serve the community. The &rogram 'anager will be the staff liaison to the Animal Shelter Advisory committee. 1.( )*ual Opportunit" Polic"
#n accordance with the City of Corpus Christi &ersonnel &olicies and &rocedures, it is the policy of Animal Care Services to afford eAual opportunity for employment, for
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures advancement in employment and for continuation of employment to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, religion, se8, national origin, age or disability status, e8cept where specific age, se8, or physical reAuirements constitute a bona fide occupational Aualification necessary to the proper and efficient operations of the (ivision. 1.& Cit" Propert"
All items purchased by or donated to Animal Care Services is City &roperty. All donated items are for use at the Shelter. (isposable items 4food, paper products, plastic products, toys, etc.,5 not used by the Shelter can be donated to other entities, Shelter foster homes, senior citiBens or disposed as deemed by management. ;on-disposable property needs to be disposed by the City=s &urchasing (epartment. Staff should notify 'anagement of any items that are not used or bro3en so the items can be properly disposed and documented. 1.+ Cit" Services , Personal -se
City <rdinance indicates it is illegal to use City Services for personal use or have contractors perform personal favors or accept personal favors from contractors or suppliers. 1.. Mission Statement for Animal Services
To reduce the stray animal population by promoting responsible pet ownership, pet adoption and the caring treatment of all animals. To enhance public safety and reduce the threat of disease through vector control and by conducting fair enforcement of all laws and ordinances. Mission )lementsJ Administer animal code compliance &ic3 up stray animals Care for in-custody animals &romote pet adoption and pet ownership Control stray animal populations 9educe vector borne diseases 1./ Outside )mplo"ment
"mployees may not engage in outside employment, including self-employment, where such employment would constitute a conflict of interest or would adversely affect performance in City services. <utside employment must be reported and approved by the designated department. 1.10 $ecords $etention
State law reAuires certain documents to be 3ept for different periods according to E7ocal >overnment 9ecord Control Schedule.F 9ecords retention and storage is under the direction of the City=s 9ecords 'anagement department. Shelter Administration will obtain a new copy each year of the retention schedule. Staff will maintain the current and
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures last fiscal year of records on-site or as directed by 9ecords 'anagement. All other records will be sent to records storage according to record management policy. 1.11 Searc!es of Cit" Propert"
'unicipal facilities and offices are provided for the sole purpose of facilitating the wor3 of the City, and as such, wor3 places and wor3spaces 4offices, des3s, file cabinets, loc3ers, and City-owned vehicles5 are subDect to random investigator searches for evidence of suspected wor3-related employee wrongdoing or misconduct. "ntry and inspection without notice can be made, even if you have placed a personally owned loc3 on City property. Gour personal items, such as handbags or briefcases, cannot be inspected. Gou will be reAuired to sign an ac3nowledgment form to be placed in your personnel file indicating you have reviewed this &olicy. 1.1 Silent Auctions
'anagement opposes solicitation of items for a silent auction by any Animal Shelter staff. This is because part of the Shelter function is regulatory, solicitation opens a door to ethical Auestions. #f items were donated to an entity not affiliated with the shelter and they had a silent auction donating the proceeds that would remove the lin3 that might raise Auestions. 1.1# Substance Abuse
The citiBens and ta8payers of the City of Corpus Christi deserve City >overnment free from the problems associated with illicit drugs, both at the wor3place and in the private lives of the wor3 force. City of Corpus Christi &ersonnel &olicies and &rocedures set out the Substance Abuse &olicy, applicable to all City employees. #n accordance with this policy, you will be reAuired to review the Substance Abuse &rogram and sign a statement to be placed in your personnel file ac3nowledging that acceptance of the reAuirements and terms thereof will be a condition of your continued employment with the City. 1.1' T)IAS 2)PA$TM)AT O; STAT) 3)A@T3 S)$VIC)S 42S3S5 "ffective, September ), +CC-, the Te8as (epartment of ?ealth name no longer e8istsH it has been replaced by the Te8as (epartment of State ?ealth Services 4(S?S5. The service will be the same, as will staff and phone numbers. Corpus Christi is in the 9egion )) area. E-mail addresses format change for all employees: firstname.lastname dshs.state.t!.us.
7aura.9obinsonIdshs.state.t8.us ron.cornelisonIdshs.state.t8.us paulette.smithIdshs.state.t8.us Danice.widenerIdshs.state.t8.us http JJwww.dshs.state.t8.usJBoonosis.
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'ailing address isJ
2r. @aura $obsinson Te8as (epartment of State ?ealth Services .C) 6est Sesame ?arlingen, Te8as /0**C 41*.5 ----,+)+, $AK 41*.5 ----,+).
$abies test resultsJ (1 %'(.%+(/( 1.1( Tobacco -se Control Polic"
CCACS recogniBes the haBards to health and environment created by the use of tobacco products. Smo3ing and the use of smo3eless tobacco products are prohibited in any vehicle, building, and structure or within ten feet of said building. Some buildings have outside designated areas for smo3ing. At the Shelter this area is the sally-port area at the rear of the shelter. The Animal Shelter adheres to the tobacco use control policy and absolutely no smo3eless tobacco or smo3ing is allowed in Shelter vehicles. 1.1& Staff Vision Statement
Animal Services dedicates itself to e8ceeding the e8pectations of our customers in our service delivery. The Shelter staff envisions 1.1+ A professional, motivated wor3forceH Continuous improvement in the level of customer serviceH 'a8imum effective use of industry technology. Values Statement
6or3ing as a team, we will share the following values To respect individual dignity and rightsH To manage finances responsiblyH To incorporate a high degree of ethical integrity and professionalism in our day-to-day operationsH To respond promptly and appropriately to our sta3eholders= concernsH To develop innovative measures to address community needsH To establish a safe wor3ing environmentH and To provide opportunities for education, open communication and appreciation with respect to (ivision employees.
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. Accident $eports and Personal Safet"

.1 Team6or7 and Common Sense
A need e8ists for recogniBing and following good safety principals and practices. To accomplish this, management will provide reasonable safeguards to ensure a safe wor3ing environment. Ao 8ob is so important and no order is so urgent t!at staff cannot ta7e time to use common sense to safel" perform t!eir duties. The cooperation of employees and management in observance of this policy will provide safe wor3ing conditions and accident free performance. #gnorance of safety practices, policies, and procedures will not be accepted as an e8cuse for neglect or the use of unsafe practices in performance of the employeeLs Dob. Staff should chec3 shelterJtruc3 gear and eAuipment routinely and report defects on the bac3 of the "aily Officer #or$sheets. %hese report &ill 'e reported to (leet or the authori)ing entity &ith *+ hrs of notice. &ersonal safety is a matter of teamwor3 and common sense and any personal inDuries are to be reported immediatel". #t is your duty to wor3 safely, efficiently, and to develop safe wor3 habits and environments. Thin3 safety at all times - loo3 at a Dob before starting and chec3 for haBards and dangerous situations. 2e familiar with safety procedures and always wear specialiBed safety apparel. Do not take shortcuts and never place yourself in a dangerous situation - wait for help, if needed. &resence of haBards or unsafe conditions or eAuipment should be reported as soon as discovered to a Supervisor. Staff has the right to refuse to do a Dob if they feel it will endanger their safety, or that of others. 'anagement will later review the situation. M?orseplayM is never tolerated and is grounds for disciplinary action. . $eporting Accidents
The City 9is3 'anagement (ivision manages the CityLs insured and self-insured programs, including the investigation and adDustment of all casualty claims. #n the event of an accident, a report of inDury, vehicle collision andJor eAuipment damage, will be placed in your personnel file, reviewed by the Safety Coordinator and 'anager and must also follow the reporting procedures of 9is3 'anagement. Accidents are divided into four categories. 4&ersonal, Vehicle, "Auipment and &roperty5 A. Personal In8ur". An accident in which you suffer an inDury, which may or may not reAuire medical attention or result in lost time. #f an inDury appears life threatening, contact 1-)-) immediately. #n all cases of inDury, loo3 for these items and ta3e care of them in this order 7ac3 of breathing, heartbeat, bleeding, shoc3, burns, fractures, and minor wounds.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures 1. )mergenc" :uidelines. :eep the person lying down. #f the person is in shoc3, cover with blan3et, towel or Dac3et and 3eep them still. (o not give fluids to unconscious or partially unconscious persons. :eep others from crowding around and give encouragement to the inDured. "mployees who are inDured on the Dob will report the accident to the 'anager or Supervisor immediately, after calling 1)). "mployees receiving inDuries reAuiring the services of a physician should notify their 'anager or Supervisor before reporting for medical care or if an emergency, as soon as possible after arriving at the emergency facility. #f the accident involves serious bodily inDury or occurs outside normal business hours, the employee should be transported, if necessary, by ambulance to the nearest hospital. %se common sense.
$eporting In8ur" Any inDury on the Dob, regardless of how minor 4animal bites, etc.5, will be reported 6it!in t6ent"%four 4 '5 !ours to your Supervisor. $ailure to do so may result in interruption or loss of 6or3erLs Compensation benefits. MSupervisor=s 9eport of #nDury $orm,M must be completed and forwarded to the 9is3 'anagement (ivision 6it!in t6ent"%four 4 '5 !ours of the accident. #f you reAuire medical attention before the form can be completed, 9is3 'anagement is to be notified by telephone so 6or3erLs Compensation coverage can be verified to the medical facility.
9.
Ve!icle AccidentJ An accident involving collision or contact between a City vehicle and another vehicle, eAuipment, property or a person, resulting in damage or inDury. ). 9eport any accident involving damage to any City vehicle, private vehicle 4while on City business5, private property or inDury to a person to your Supervisor. #mmediately as3 if an ambulance is needed and wait for the arrival of the police and your Supervisor. A &olice <fficer shall investigate all accidents that involve a CCACS vehicle, whether on private or public property, regardless as to the e8tent of damage. %nless inDured do not leave the scene of the accident until an investigation has been completed and the officer has cleared you to leave.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures +. (o not discuss the incident with the second driver or anyone else e8cept the investigating &olice <fficer. ,. Call 1)) and if possible, you=re Supervisor. #f the accident is minor and impeding the flow of traffic, you may move the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. C. )*uipment 2amage 4Incident $eport5J An incident involving damage to a City vehicle or piece of eAuipment, but without collision or contact with another vehicle, eAuipment, property or person. ). #mmediately notify your Supervisor and complete appropriate paperwor3. 2. Propert" 2amage 4Incident $eport5. An accident involving damage to any public or private property, such as fence, mailbo8es, utility structures, etc.. #mmediately notify your Supervisor or dispatch, stating the problem, and complete an appropriate paperwor3 6it!in t6ent"%four 4 '5 !ours. #f applicable leave your business card on the resident door with a brief description of damage or if citiBen is at home give them your business card so they can contact you regarding the accident. Safet" Apparel
.#
All employees should utiliBe proper safety clothing and eAuipment. ;ailure to observe proper safet" apparel rules 6ill result in disciplinar" action. Staff is reAuired to ta3e at least minimum safety steps whenever appropriate and wear proper eAuipment. "8amples include, but are not limited to the following A. 2. C. (. ". $. 2ust Mas7s are available and should be worn as necessary when cleaning. )arplugs are available and should be worn as emplo"ee and Supervisor deem appropriate. @eat!er :loves or $abies :loves are to be worn when dealing with all stray cats, wildlife, and any fractious animals either during the removal from your vehicle, transfer of cages during the cleaning operation, or removal for euthanasia. :oggles or Safet" :lasses must be worn when a Dob site warrants it and a situation calls for it. $estraint poles will be used when handling stray, Auarantine animals or fractious dogs and the restraint pole or "N ;apper can be used with cats. Safet" Vests - ;luorescent vests or shirts will be worn on all Dob sites in or near all traffic areas, medians and rights-of-way, streets andJor while in transit to the wor3 site. State 7aw reAuires that all employees wear reflective vests when wor3ing in traffic.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures .' <our $esponsibilit" =!ile In8ured
6hen inDured, you are e8pected to adhere to internal procedures and physicianLs instructions. (isregarding these will be considered grounds for discipline or other remedies described by City &olicy. .( Material Safet" 2ata S!eets
6henever the Shelter purchases a chemical, insecticide, paint, thinner, or other EhaBardousF material, a 'aterial Safety (ata Sheet 4'S(S5 e8plaining the proper usage and haBards of the particular product is provided. &rior to using these products, review the sheet and be aware of the precautions specified. Copies of these sheets will be updated and placed in the three ring binder located in the hallway by the bac3 door of the Administration building. .& 9uilding , ;ire )1its
&lease note all doors in this facility that lead outdoors will be considered $ire "8its, whether mar3ed or not. (ue to safety concerns, items are not to be left in this hallway for any reason. Ta3e e8tra time and put items where they should go. "verything has a place. #f you have donations and donLt have time to put the donations where they belong ta3e them to the Vaccination room. #f you have donations, traps, cages, bo8es, trash, etc., do not put these items in this hallways, put them where they go. #f you do not 3now, as3 someone. .+ Ve!icle safet"
>ood attitudes are necessary to develop the 3nowledge and s3ills reAuired so that defensive and safe driving practices become habit. The following pertain to daily operation and maintenance of vehicles by employees of the Animal Services (ivision. A. Safety of the vehicle will be chec3ed dail" before the vehicle is driven and any other time when circumstances warrant. %tiliBe <fficer=s (aily Vehicle 6or3sheet to report any defects to your Supervisor immediately. Chec3 levels of fuel, radiator and engine oils, belts, hoses, lights, signals, horn, windshield wipers, bra3es, instrument gauges, switches and tires. All of this is reAuired by City policy and is reported to $leet. (rivers will be randomly selected on their performance of completing a pre-trip inspection. After starting engine, the vehicle will be moved slowly while the bra3es and steering are tested The (river of the vehicle will 3now and observe all traffic regulations and will have the appropriate vehicle license as reAuired by State law. 6henever an accident occurs involving a City vehicle, the employee will follow
9. C. 2.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures procedures set out in Section +.+ 425. ). 2ad 6eather (riving ). Slow down. AdDust speed to e8isting pavement conditions. +. Apply bra3es gently. Allow more distance for stopping. ,. To recover from a s3id, ease up on the gas. Steer gently in the direction of the s3id, as traction is gained. Steer gently to your lane as you smoothly add power. ;. %sing the M$our-Second 9uleM will provide adeAuate vehicle following distance for normal heavy truc3 operations. &ic3 a landmar3, and when the vehicle ahead passes the landmar3, immediately count M<ne thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one thousand four.F #f the following distance is correct, your vehicle will pass the landmar3 as you count Mfour.F #ncrease the interval to five or more seconds for slippery conditions, lac3 of visibility 4fog, mist, and dust5, and soft or rough road surface. 2e aware that the safe separation for truc3s is significantly greater than that needed for passenger cars 4which should use a twosecond rule5. (rive slowly over bumpy roads, potholes or traffic humps, especially when carrying animals. They have no cushion and inDuries can occur. 6atch out for low-hanging branches, wires or other obDects close to the vehicle. %se all lights and four-way signals 4emergency flashers5 when collecting animals from streets or alleys and par3 as close to the curb as possible to avoid bloc3ing traffic. :eep the cab free of Dun3, trash, litter, mud and clean of obDects not related to Animal Services. (o not leave the truc3 before it comes to a complete stop. Always stop engines before fueling and do not smo3e or use cell phone near the pump while fueling. (rive with headlights and or daytime running lights on at all times for safety. Safe 2ac3ing ). (ue to siBe and physical structure of the vehicle, vision to the rear is impeded. Try to avoid situations reAuiring bac3ing, however, if bac3ing is necessary use e8tra caution to prevent bac3ing into things. +. (river should bac3 out of traffic rather than bac3 into it. $or e8ample, bac3 into dead-end alley and drive out. ,. #n order to avoid flat tires and bro3en mirrors, vehicles should avoid bac3ing into unpaved alleys.
:. 3. I.
D. C. @. M.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures -. 2efore bac3ing, the driver should wal3 to the rear of the truc3 to see if it is clear. Slowly bac3 up. 2ac3up only *C feet. After bac3ing *C feet, once again, get out of the truc3, wal3 to the rear of the truc3 to see if clear. Continue same procedure every *C feet. Chec3 both sideJrear view mirrors while bac3ing, however, do not rely on the mirrors aloneH chec3 your direct line of sight as much as possible. Chec3 for clearance of vehicle height and watch for clearance of mirror brac3ets. *. #f you are carrying an authoriBed passenger, have them get out and assist you by giving you directions. A. ;o person, other than an employee wor3ing for the city, will be allowed to ride in a city vehicle unless the person is needed to assist in conducting city business. Animal Services 'anager must approve volunteers, guest, or anyone else riding in the vehicle unless during an emergency situation. #f management approves a person to ride then the person must sign a waiver of liability release, indemnification and hold harmless agreement prior to riding in the vehicle. "mployees operating city vehicles are e8pected to be the safest, most courteous and efficient drivers on city streets. (rivers will adhere to all traffic rules and regulations. Vehicles are not allowed to drive on hi3eJbi3e trails unless authoriBedJapproved by Supervisor or during an emergency situation. Vehicles are not to be off concrete unless on par3 patrol or an emergency situation e8ists or under consent from your 'anager or Supervisor. 9acing or gunning the motor, digging the tires, or any other such type activity will not be tolerated. (rivers of city vehicles will be in complete charge of the vehicle. Seat belts are re*uired to be 6orn at all timesB 6!ile operating a Cit" Ve!icle. T!is applies to all occupants. This is both City &olicy and State 7aw. #f you receive a citation while operating a City Vehicle, this will be paid by the employee not CCACS. 'ore than three tic3ets or accidents in a City Vehicle may result in termination. Any employee under the influence of drugs or into8icants while driving a city vehicle or not following the above rules shall receive disciplinary action. Ve!icle Safet" )mergenc" lig!ts
O. P. H. $. S. T. -. V.
=. I.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures #f an animal is inDured or dead in the street, the overhead lights and flashers should be used. The truc3 should be used to bloc3 the lane of travel where the animal lies so that the <fficer has a protective barrier from traffic. The vehicle should be moved away as soon as possible. 6hen in pursuit of an animal within heavy traffic flow, the emergency lights and flashers should be used to alert traffic of the danger of the animal darting out into traffic. %se turn signals to alert traffic as to your intended direction.
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#. CITIK)A S)$VIC)
Animal Services is committed to serving the citiBens of Corpus Christi. employees are e8pected to always act in a courteous and professional manner. #.1 9usiness Cards CCACS
2usiness cards will add a professional initiative to customer service for the division. All staff should have business cards with their titles printed on them and each citiBenJcustomer contact should receive a card. #. Customer Service?Team6or7
#t is our intention for Animal Services to have an e8cellent reputation for maintaining high standards of customer service, which is one of the Shelter=s primary goals. As a member of Animal Services Team, you are e8pected to strive to maintain a positive attitude and a professional image. Citi en !ervice is the single "ost distinguishing factor of our City organi ation. #our attitude deter"ines appearance, $ob perfor"ance, tea" spirit and the %uality of your work. ?ow your attitude translates into citiBen service reflects not only on the (ivision, but also upon the entire City organiBation. #n the eyes of the public, you are the City of Corpus Christi. MTeamwor3 - "8cellence - &rideM is our byline. EOuality Service <ne citiBen at a TimeF is the standard of service and professionalism that is e8pected of all CCACS employees. 'anagement recogniBes the input you can provide. Gou are encouraged to evaluate your duties and Mthe systemM and ma3e any reasonable recommendations you feel would enhance your performance, wor3 environment, Dob duties or the performance of the Animal Services Team. Gou may discuss your ideas directly with your Supervisor. #.# Customer Surve"s
&eriodic calls or surveys to complainants will also be conducted by Administrative staff to ensure the complaint was resolved. Animal Services Administrative staff will review all citiBen reAuests for service and randomly send out a customer survey card. All staff assisting a citiBen should give the citiBen their business card and inform the citiBen that they may receive a survey and if they do, please indicate their name as the one that assisted them. Administrative staff will 3eep trac3 of the Auestionnaires and prepare a monthly report for reviewJaction. #.' 3andling Complaints
As a rule, most citiBens initiating a complaint are calling because they are upset. ?ave patience and help them in a calm and professional manner. #f a complaint is ignored, a bad situation worsens. #f a complaint receives prompt and careful attention, the (ivision will be able to provide better service to the citiBens, which is the Shelter=s primary function. All complaints are to be received in a courteous manner. (ispatch and Administration
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures normally receives complaints via telephone, e-mail or referral by another (epartment. 6hen a complaint involves more than one (epartment, Animal Services will wor3 with that (epartment to resolve the problem. #.( 3andling Violations
Violations are reported by Animal Services employees or by calls received from citiBens. A reAuest is generated so an <fficer can attempt to ma3e initial personal contact with the citiBen. #f no one is home then leave a door tag with your business card 4if available5 attached at the residence, providing notification of the problem and a date to resolve the violation currently seven 4/5 calendar days. #.& @ost?Stra" Aotices posted b" citi>ens
<fficers performing neighborhood patrols should document information on lost dogs and cats posted in patrolled neighborhoods. 6hen <fficers return to the Shelter they can determine if the animals are at the shelter or chec3 the found logboo3. This is good customer service and if the animal is at the Shelter, it would not only insure that the animal gets bac3 home but would allow staff to verify current rabies vaccination and city license. #.+ Public $elations
Gou must always be conscious of public image and conduct yourself in such a way as to represent your (ivision and the City in the most positive manner while in your City vehicle or while in uniform. 9emember that in the eyes of the public #&' ()E the City. 'aintain a positive wor3 ethic, pride in your wor3 and the realiBation that C*+*,E!E)V*CE is the reason our organiBation e8ists. #n the event that you cannot resolve a problem with a citiBen and the potential for conflict arises, remove yourself from the situation and call a Supervisor for assistance. #.. Telep!one Calls
The initial contact of many citiBens in need of assistance is made by the telephone. All employees 4office, field and 3ennel5 will assist with answering phones. Answer the telephone in a courteous voice, informing the caller of (ivision reached and "our name. $or e8ample E>ood afternoon. Animal Care Services. This is 4your name5, may # help youPM The manner in which you conduct yourself on the telephone will greatly impact the citiBenLs image of the City, (ivision and yourself. #f possible, phone calls are to be answered 6it!in t!ree rings. (onLt assume it is someone elseLs Dob to answer a ringing phone. (ocument all messages on phone message boo3 and give the original message to appropriate staff to return the call. ;ever transfer a caller unless you are certain of the proper department or individual who can provide the correct assistance or the caller insists on being transferred. 6hen transferring a call, always identify yourself and the (ivision and give a brief summary of the citiBenLs need.
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'. 2ail" Operations

'.1 Introduction % @ocal $abies Control Aut!orit" 4@$CA5
CCACS Animal Shelter is designated by statute as the 7ocal 9abies Control Authority and reports to the Chief of &olice or designee. Animal Services adheres to enforcement of all State laws and City <rdinance Chapter .. Any modification or deletion of these procedures will reAuire approval, in writing, from the &rogram 'anager. '. Absences $eporting
Any employee absent for any reason 4tardiness, illness, etc.5 must notify their Supervisor prior to the start of their scheduled shift. 2eing absent affects Auality of service the shelter provides and, in some instances, other employees have to change their hours to compensate for employee absence. Staff should contact their supervisor by phone. #f the supervisor does not answer, leave a voice mail. #f the employee does not get confirmation within )* minutes from the supervisor, they should contact the &rogram 'anager to report the absence. 2o AOT leave a voicemail on t!e main s!elter message mac!ine. #n case of prolonged illness, you will be reAuired to call in wee3ly to update your status. 9efer to ?uman 9esources &olicies and &rocedures 'anual pertaining to $amily and 'edical 7eave for an e8planation of this leave. All absences will reAuire proper documentation and 9eAuest for 7eave form to be completed within +- hours of absence. '.# )mplo"ee 9adges
"mployee badges are not to be loaned to anyone. #f you lose your badge, please contact ?uman 9esources to acAuire a new one. '.' After 3ours Problems
The following are some numbers for after-hours problems. A. 9uilding - for after hours problems with the Animal Shelter building 4heat, aJc, shelter doors, bac3 access gate, etc.5, please contact &( 2uilding 'aintenance (epartment ,.)-/,.-C/,+ Santiago SancheB. )mergencies , $or fires, brea3-ins, or other emergency, please call 1)) and the &rogram 'anager. Ve!icles - for after hours problems with any City eAuipment 4truc3s to be towed, flat tires, out of gas, etc.5, call $leet services at ,.)- 0+.-)1C+
9.
C.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '.( Animal Alread" in S"stem
#f an animal is already logged into the computer system and is later transferred to a rehabilitation clinic or other entity under disposition indicate Etransfer to rehabF, etc.. #f animal is then returned to Shelter, pull the original paperwor3, re-disposition the animal to Shelter, indicate cage number animal is put into and file 3ennel card under appropriate cage number. '.& Animal )mergenc" Care
#f an animal is inDured during normal business hours the Staff Veterinarian or Senior <fficer on duty will have animal evaluated by a contracted Veterinarian. After hours calls should be routed to the Shelter Veterinarian or her designee. #f vet is not available, following the below procedures #f an animal is owned 4collar, microchip..etc5 you may ta3e the animal to VCA <so Cree3 Animal ?ospital. They are open +- hours a day. //+) S. Staples Corpus Christi, Te8as /0-), ,.)-+-)-+*++ '.+ Appearance % Staff
#t is common practice and legally permissible for an Animal Services department reAuire employees to meet certain uniform dress standards and this implies that the entire appearance of uniformed personnel is important to the duties to be performed. To facilitate a professional appearance, reasonable hair regulations are established, considering contemporary standards, neatness, safety and uniformity. As an employee of a public entity, all Animal Services employees have the responsibility of promoting a positive public image. 'aintaining a clean, neat, professional appearance is a simple, yet effective way, to establish a positive, professional appearance upon first impression. A neat appearance reAuires attention to personal hygiene, uniform appearance, hair, and beards. All uniforms and other approved clothing purchased for staff should be wrin3le and lint free, buttons and badges in place, and properly fitted. <fficers should refrain from wearing overpowering scented deodorants, after-shaves, colognes, or perfumes. These can sometimes be offensive to the public and may cause negative reactions with certain animals. Qewelry must be tasteful and may not interfere with the Dob or safety. CCACS is adopting the same policy as used by the &olice department and is intended to clarify hair styles and lengths that are considered proper for personnel within Animal Services. The &rogram 'anager will ma3e final decisions regarding appropriateness of appearance. AOT)J $efer to dra6ing belo6 of acceptable !airst"les of t!is directive.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures :eneral Statements All employees should conform to the specific standards of grooming that apply to their position. The hair should be evenly graduated, particularly at the temples, so it does not present an e8cessively bushy appearance when the uniform cap is worn, and in such styles that it will not interfere with wearing of the cap. The hair must be so styled and cut that the uniform cap can be worn sAuarely on the head with the front bottom of the band not more than ) inch above the top of the eyebrows. ?air must be so cut and styled that it will at no time e8tend below the top of the eyebrows when the cap is not in place and must be entirely concealed when the cap is worn.
Male )mplo"ees 3airJ 'ay be worn in contemporary styles, but may not e8tend over the uniform shirt collar at the bac3 of the nec3 when standing with normal head posture. ?air must be neat with respect to being o Tapered, bloc3ed or sAuared. o Combed and clean. o Cut and combed to not e8tend more than + inches in length from the side of the head. o Cut and combed so that it will not cover the ear. Sideburns 'ay not e8tend beyond the bottom of the ear lobe. 'ust be neatly trimmed and the hair should not e8ceed ) inch in length.
Moustac!esJ 'ust be neatly trimmed and cannot e8tend or straggle over or below the upper lip. ;acial 3airJ $acial hair is permitted yet must remain trimmed and neat. 2eards should be 3ept groomed and tight to the face. >oatee and long beards e8tending past two inches should be avoided.
;emale )mplo"ees ?air should be ;eat, clean and well-groomed. &resent a professional appearance. 6orn off the nec3 in a professional ponytail, bun or other appropriate manner. &lease avoid unnatural hair colors 42lue, green, purpleRetc5
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Employees may deviate from these regulations with written approval of the Manager.
HAIR LENGTH E AM!LE"
The manner in which uniforms, Dac3ets, coveralls, hats and shoes are worn will be ta3en into account in formulation of that appearance. Shirt tails must be tuc3ed into trousers. Shirts and caps must be City-issued. ;o lettering or advertising is acceptable on caps and wearing apparel e8cept when cleaning 3ennels in the morning or when Shelter is closed. #f this type of clothing is worn it must not be offensive in any content 4words, pictures, etc.5. City-issued shirts or pants cannot be torn in any manner. #f any staff returns to the Shelter to assist a citiBen or have any contact with the public, you need to be in uniform. Gou represent the City and your image reflects the department. So, please do not wear shorts or any clothing other than your uniform. #f you have a day off and return to the Shelter and will be anywhere in the wor3 area, then please dress appropriate. Tattoos #f staff has a tattoo it should be covered with clothing so that the tattoo is not seen by the public. )ar $ings
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures "ar rings, if worn, should be worn in pairs 4one in each ear5 and no more than two pairs should be worn at a time. Tongue $ings Tongue rings are not permitted to be worn while on duty as ACS. '.. Attendance Polic"
<perational hours and staff schedule is designed to accommodate the public thereforeH staff is e8pected to adhere to their schedule. Sic3 time will be monitored and a pattern of absences will be documented and appropriate action ta3en, as the absence creates staffing shortages at the front counter, 3ennel and field coverage. This reAuest complies with ?uman 9esources &olicies and &rocedures 'anual regarding employee responsibility for complying with the attendance guidelines and wor3 hours of their position. './ Attendance S!eets
CCACS has an attendance sheet indicating staff=s scheduled hours and to document any absences during the day. This includes classes, meetings, medical appointment, 4including wor3er=s comp5. This documentation allows other staff to 3now when employees have left their wor3 area. This is an honor sign-in system so please document your start and end time and certify your shift schedule with accurate hours wor3ed. The morning a.m. shift especially needs to be punctual due to Shelter opening. At the end of your completed shift Dust initial attendance sheet to certify that you wor3ed your scheduled hours. Staff will also sign in and out for lunch and brea3s so other staff 3nows you are away from wor3 area. The brea3 sheet is a separate sheet reAuiring you to put your name, date, and time for any brea3s. '.10 9rea7s
(ue to the )C hour shift schedule, you are allowed a ) hour meal brea3. Gou may utiliBe the meal brea3 during normal meal times. &lease ensure that all employees are ;<T leaving for meal brea3s at the same time. <nly + people from each division may be out on a meal brea3 together. &lease space your meal brea3s in that staffing is available at all times in each division. At no time will brea3s be scheduled so the front entrance area is left without staff. '.11 Cellular P!one -sage
)mplo"eesE Personal Cell P!one CCACS is a business. Te8ting and personal calls are not permitted within the view of the public. ;o staff person should use their personal cell phone while assisting citiBens. Gou may have your personal cell phone on silent and during your lunch hour or brea3 can chec3 for messages. <therwise, if friends or family need to contact you please have them
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures call your e8tension at the Shelter and reAuest to spea3 to you. Cit" Issued Cell P!one Should an employee receive a cell phone call while driving a City vehicle, heJshe will let the call go to voice mail and retrieve messages, ma3e and return calls when the vehicle is at a complete stop in a safe location . At no time will calls be ta3en or made while the vehicle is in motion unless a hand=s free devise is used. All City-issued cellular phones will reAuire the use of hands-free devices at all times while driving City vehicles. This includes employees who drive personal vehicles while conducting City business. '.1 C!ildrenB ;amil" and ;riends at S!elter
The Animal Shelter is a place of business and children will not be allowed to stay at wor3 with staff. #f you are off duty and come to the Shelter, children may accompany you, but will not be allowed in Ouarantine, Administrative ?old, or "uthanasia areas. Common sense dictates where children and family should be allowed and e8posed to. "mployees wor3ing evening shift, on-call, Sundays or any days the Shelter is closed to the public should not allow family members, friends or anyone else visit the Shelter. Gou are on duty and the only person4s5 allowed to be at the Shelter after non-business hours is limited to authoriBed city employees, rescue groups 4with prior approval5 to pic3 up animals or citiBens redeeming their animals. '.1# Cleaning Inside S!elter , Public Areas
CCACS does not have a Danitorial staff to assist with cleaning the Shelter. 'ost times these tas3s can be performed by Community Services wor3ers. ?owever in the event that CS is not available, it is the duty for all CCACS staff to perform daily cleaning. #t is the responsibility of all staff to clean their wor3 area and all employees should assist with Shelter cleaning. This includes but not limited to rinsing off dishes you use and 3eeping the 3itchen clean. Additional cleaning may be reAuired of staff during the course of a business day. Sunday Cleaning @ "ach Sunday, all CCACS duty staff will participate in deep cleaning of the shelter. Steps shall not be s3ipped. Staff will complete the assigned tas3s and initial off what duties they performed. Cleaning sheets will be given to the &rogram 'anager. '.1' Cleanliness of Cennel Cages
Condition of cages is a primary area the public will view and ma3e a determination of how animals are being treated. Animals that have food, water, and clean cages will present a positive image to the public and allow a positive perception to develop regarding care of the animals. Cleanliness should consist of more t!an t!e initial morning cleaning of cages. All Shelter staff should be aware of citiBen perceptions and should periodically monitor cages, visitation rooms and if necessary, clean, or ta3e necessary
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures action to maintain sanitary conditions for animals. '.1( Collars % put on all Animals
Any animal having a collar 4whether surrendered or pic3ed up in the field5 should continue wearing their collar while at the Shelter. This will assist staff when animals are redeemed or adopted, as Staff can attach rabies and city registration to the collar. #f the collar is dirty, tattered, too tight or embeddedH remove it and discard. '.1& Compensator" Time
Compensatory time will be credited to eligible employees for hours wor3ed in e8cess of regular scheduled hours. Supervisors are responsible for approving compensatory time. '.1+ Cit" Par7s
City &ar3s are considered public property. CCACS is responsible for animal related issues in all City &ar3s. '.1. Co"otes
Animal Services does not ever recommend a citiBen approach a coyote. CitiBens are reAuested to ma3e a loud noise and the coyote will run off, and then report the sighting to CCACS. A $ield <fficer will be dispatched to patrol the area. As municipal AC<s, you are not trained to do anything other than confirm a sighting of the Coyote. Gou cannot catch it with a pole, please do not attempt this. Gou will not attempt to dart a coyote and T&67 discourages this. #n the event that the coyote is a nuisance, Animal Services will contract with a licensed trapper to trap the animal humanely and relocate it into the wild <9 contact T&67 2iologists for recommendations. CCACS will not attempt to trap a Coyote. Traps of this nature must be baited with live animals 4rabbits..5 and this is prohibited by management. Should CCACS capture an inDured Coyote, it will be considered a wild-animal and humanely euthaniBed. Staff should attempt to educate the public and inform citiBens not to let their cat or small dogs run loose. Coyotes are rarely aggressive and are terrified of people. #n ;actB t!ere !as A)V)$ been an actual recorded Co"ote attac7 in Te1as. The only times that coyotes are threatened is when people get too close and corner them, and they Dust want to escape. They are in this area because they are hungry and their homes are eliminated by urban home building. #t is common for them to eat cats, mice, and other vermin but ;<T &"<&7". There is a circle of life that is e8plained in the below lin3 that you must 3now in order to be a good AC<. http JJwww.tpwd.state.t8.usJhuntwildJwildJnuisanceJcoyoteJ #n the event we have more than )C sightings in a month, management will contact T&67 biologists to start a program for our area.
&ages ,C of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '.1/ 2)A $egistration
The Shelter=s ("A certificate needs to be displayed near the housing of the scheduled drugs used by the Shelter for animals. '. 0 2eceased Animals % 9ag
(eceased animals either pic3ed up in the field or those at the Shelter should be bagged. The issue of decaying matter is a nuisance and health issueH the bagging of the deceased will aid in lowering of flies and odor that could become a problem in the summer. 6hen day shift <fficers unloads their deceased animals 4-)Ls5, please inform :ennel Staff. Truc3s, carts and other eAuipment used to carry the animal will be washed and sanitiBed at the end of each shift. $or large animals, please include two or more people for lifting. #nDury due to failure to as3 for assistance will be investigated by the City=s 9is3 'anagement (epartment. '. 1 2epartment C!ain of Command
$or all issues regarding Shelter management, please use the department listing line succession. All staff reports to a Senior <fficer and any issues should be discussed with them first and if issues are not resolved with the Senior <fficer, the &rogram 'anager should be contacted. '. 2isaster Aotification
Animal Services and the &olice (epartment have a comprehensive "mergency 'anagement &lan to be followed in the event of a disaster. A copy of this &lan has been given to each employee for review. #n the event of a disaster, your Supervisor or other Staff will notify you, primarily by phone. Should you not receive phone notification and are uncertain whether or not to report, you should tune to any Corpus Christi maDor area radio station for City announcements. #f unable to determine if in fact a disaster has occurred, staff is as3ed to respond as though an emergency situation does e8ist. #f there is a disaster, staff will be placed under assigned team leaders. '. # 2ispatc! , $adio Operations
$ield <fficers will receive calls while in the $ield from the dispatcher at Animal Services or &olice (epartment (isptacher Center 4'etrocom5. At no time will <fficers argue or complain with dispatcher regarding their assigned calls. &roper and appropriate radio etiAuette and language are e8pected of all <fficers and staff. <fficers are prohibited from using slang or e8cessive verbiage.
'. '
2og Par7 4Aot Applicable at t!is time5
&ages ,) of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Par7 $ules

&ar3 ?ours @ / a.m. to sunset daily. (og owners must have a leash in their possession at all times. (ogs must be 3ept on a leash until inside the double-gated entry. "nter the first gate with the leash on and remove it prior to entering the second gate. (o the reverse when leaving. (ogs must be under voice control and in sight of owners at all times. Any dog e!hi'iting aggressive 'ehavior must 'e leashed and removed immediately. <wners must clean up and properly dispose of waste left by their dog4s5. "ogs must 'e licensed and vaccinated &ith tags displayed on a collar. &uppies using the par3 must be older than four 4-5 months. 7imit of three 4,5 dogs per person per visit. <wners must cover any hole4s5 their dog digs. (ogs in season are not allowed. &arents must refrain from bringing toddlers and small children to the dog par3. &arents are strongly discouraged from bringing children less than )+ years of age. Children should, at no time, be allowed to run with, or chase after dogs in the par3. &ar3 users and dog owners assume all ris3 related to dog par3 use. ;o food or drin3 allowed within the fenced area. 6ater bowls for the animals are permissible. 2onations
'. (
"very donation must be logged into a (onation 7og 2oo3 on the front des3. 6hether the donation comes in the front door or from the field, it is mandatory that the donation be trac3ed by the log boo3. 6hen a donation is received in the office or field, be as specific as possible for each donation when writing in the log boo3. #f donor wants a receipt, send an email to the &rogram 'anager and one will be mailed out within /+hrs. 6hen a donation is received in the field, note the donation on your wor3sheet. 'oney is ;<T allowed to be ta3en in the field as a donation. 'ultiple residentsJbusinesses give donations and each donation receipt must be logged separately. #tems left out front after hours will need a receipt donation indicating items and Sun3nown citiBen.= $ailure to properly report or document a donation to Animal Services is grounds for disciplinary action. '. & )%mail Polic"
#t is each staff member=s responsibility to ta3e time during the day to chec3 their email account for messages or memos from 'anagement as all 'anagement updates will be sent electronically. #f necessary, ma3e a copy of these emails for your records.
&ages ,+ of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '. + )mplo"ee Suggestion ;orm
An employee suggestion form is on the E:F drive. Any employee may use this form to ma3e a suggestion. The suggestion may be e-mailed or printed so suggestion can be completed and given to 'anagement. '. . )*uipment Issued and $esponsibilit"
<fficers should complete their daily wor3sheet indicating all eAuipment on their truc3 is present, to verify no animals are left on the truc3 and that bins are clean. Truc3 eAuipment is the fiscal responsibility of the <fficer who chec3ed out the truc3. #f the truc3 doors are not loc3ed and eAuipment is stolenJdamaged, CCACS will hold the <fficer responsible for the first T),CCC worth of lostJdamaged eAuipment. Any personal items left in the truc3s are the owner=s responsibility and Animal Services and the City of Corpus Christi are not responsible if something is lostJstolen. '. / ;acilit" @ocation
Animal Shelter operates out of the Animal Care Services Center located at +.+. ?olly 9d. Corpus Christi, Te8as /0-)* '.#0 ;ood in Public Area
(uring hours that the Shelter is open to the public there will be no food allowed at the front counter area. "mployees may have coffee or soda but staff should refrain from drin3ing these drin3s while assisting citiBens. Also, staff will be responsible to pay for any damage to eAuipment 43eyboards, telephones, printer, etc.5 due to drin3 spills. '.#1 ;orms -sed
A copy of select forms used by the Shelter is in the e8hibit section of this manual. All other forms can be obtained form Administrative staff. '.# ;oster Animals
All foster animals must be documented on a log and the 3ennel cards. This provides written documentation of who has the animal. At a minimum, documentation should indicate date, animal #(, who is fostering and 'anagement approval. &ut the 3ennel card behind the log so when the animal is returned the card will be with the log and staff will re-disposition the animal into the Shelter. The log, 3ennel card and computer will be updated with return date when the animal is returned to the Shelter. '.## ;uel Sites
$ueling station address is 5352 Ayers
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '.#' 3olida"s
<nly regular, full-time employees are entitled to paid ?olidays. ?oliday pay will be for eight hours on the following recogniBed ?olidays. ;ew GearLs (ay 'artin 7uther :ing (ay 'emorial (ay #ndependence (ay 7abor (ay Than3sgiving (ay (ay after Than3sgiving Christmas (ay
Animal Services may adDust days off for any holiday depending on the wee3 day the holiday falls. As many employees as possible will be given each holiday off, consistent with the maintenance of essential services. State law reAuires animals can=t be without food and water for twelve hours. At the beginning of the year employees will be scheduled for holidays. Staff, if agreeable by both, may switch their holiday schedule. An email should be forwarded to Supervisor and 'anagement with a copy to the agreeable staff switching. This allows either party to dispute the switching. 'anagement will then change the holiday schedule to reflect staff wor3ing. "mployee in Mleave without payM status on the holiday or on the scheduled wor3day immediately preceding or following the holiday will not receive pay for the holiday. '.#( 3olida"s =or7ing
$or staff scheduled to wor3 holidays these holidays are a regular scheduled wor3day and all calls and 3ennel duties should be completed. "8ception is Christmas "ve and Christmas (ay. &n Christ"as Eve and Christ"as Day, once shelter cleaning is properly co"pleted kennel staff "ay leave. &fficers "ay take a truck ho"e so they can handle priority calls and check voice "ail. Docu"ent all voice "ail on a dispatcher log sheet or phone "essage books. <n all other holidays, scheduled $ield <fficers will come to the Shelter and perform normal duties e8cept they 6ill not do routine patrol. Animal cleaning should be performed in the following order. 1st Adoptable dogs. nd Adoptable Cats. #rd Ouarantine (ogs & Cats. 't! >eneral &opulation (ogs. (t! >eneral &opulation Cats. &t! All <therR
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures :ennel staff and <fficer=s should also perform the following '.#& Assist filling water bowls. &ull food bowls. #f necessary, empty trash. 6ash bowls. 7aundry. Assist Volunteers.
3ours of Operation
The hours of operation may periodically change to accommodate the public. The current Summer, $all, 6inter and Spring hours open to the public for city tag registration, traps and other day-to-day business is 'onday-$riday )C CCam -* CCpm and Saturday ) CCpm* CCpm. Adoptions and tours of the facility are from ) CCpm to * CCpm. The Shelter is closed to the public on Sundays. Staff schedule will be different than hours open to the public so they can complete their daily wor3. '.#+ 3ours =or7ed
"mployees must have pre-approval by a Senior <fficer or 'anager to wor3 any time beyond their scheduled shift. (uring shelter hours, pre-approval can be documented with a leave reAuest and any after hours wor3 can be obtained via a phone call and then the leave reAuest processed the ne8t day. '.#. Inclement =eat!er
City services will be maintained, if possible, during inclement weather such as in storms, hurricanes, ice storms, etc. #f road conditions are difficult to travel and could 3eep employees from reporting to wor3 at the beginning of their wor3 shift when the operations are suspended or delayed, the shelter will still reAuire a minimum staff to meet the needs of animals and residents. The shelter will pursue the following to meet the needs of residents who may call the Shelter. The 'anager will notify the Senior <fficers that service has been suspended or delayed due to bad weather. Staff will immediately change the voice mail 4before 0 a.m.5 to announce that service is not being performed or that services are delayed that day. As the weather improves, additional employees may be reAuired to come in for the remaining activities of the day. #f outside service has been suspended or cancelled, and employees cannot drive to the office, please notify your Supervisor as the animals have to have food and water. The only instance when employees will not be reAuired to be in the office on an inclement weather day4s5 is when all City offices are announced closed by
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures the City 'anager. ?owever, all employees will stay in touch via phone and a decision as to how animals are fed will be made. 6hen operational services are not suspended or canceled, employees who are unable to report to wor3 due to poor road conditions or other weather-related problems may use accrued vacation or compensatory time for wor3 missed. '.#/ Internet -sage
?uman 9esources 'anual discusses the City=s policy regarding use of the #nternet. Access to #nternet and use of e-mail are City resources, are provided to enable City employees to 6or7 more efficientl" and effectivel". (uring scheduled wor3 hours 4including lunch hour5 the computers and #nternet are not to be used for personal business, games or non-business use. '.'0 Dob Abandonment
An employee will be considered to have abandoned hisJher Dob if heJshe Auits without notice or fails to appear for wor3 and does not notify hisJher Supervisor by * CC p.m. of the second consecutive scheduled wor3day. '.'1 Dob $esponsibilities
2asic Dob responsibilities for Administrative Assistant, :ennel Attendants, <fficers, Senior <fficers, and Veterinary Assistant are listed at the beginning of Administrative Operations, (ield Operations, or ,ennel Operations. '.' @anguage -se
7anguage must be professional and courteous to the public and each other. Cursing will not be tolerated. (isciplinary action will be ta3en on anyone that has an outburst, or uses offensive language. Additionally, staff may have opinions that differ from management or City philosophy, however, please refrain from voicing them in front of the public. #f you have an issue with a management decision or have a difference of opinion with a co-wor3er, please voice it in private with the co-wor3er, Supervisor or 'anager. '.'# @eave $e*uests
All employees should submit a leave reAuest to their Supervisor reAuesting time off. 7eave reAuest should be submitted as soon as the employee 3nows they need time off. #f the leave reAuest is done at least a 6ee7 prior to needing off, staff can probably be rescheduledH however, with less than a wee3 notice, the leave may not be approved due to Shelter staffing needs. "ach leave reAuest will be evaluated separately and compared with
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures other leave reAuest or unscheduled absences. A. 9ereavement @eave Staff may be granted time off in the event of a death within your immediate family. $or the purpose of bereavement leave, a Efamily memberF shall be defined as a spouse, parentU, parent-in-law, childU, brotherU, sisterU, brother-in-law, sisterin-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparent, grandchild or grandparent-inlaw. UAlso includes step. Vacation leave may be used to supplement 2ereavement 7eave upon reAuest and approval. 9. Compensator" @eave Compensatory leave reAuest will be treated the same as vacation leave and staff must submit a leave reAuest to use earned compensatory time. Compensatory time must be used prior to vacation time and approval will be dependent on staffing. C. ;le1 Time $le8 time is granted in lieu of overtime and if staff has approval to finish a tas3 at the end of their shift then 'anagement prefers staff to either come in late or leave early the ne8t day depending on scheduled and unscheduled absences. (iscuss any fle8 time with your Supervisor prior to ta3ing. #t time is approved and you will fle8 the ne8t day your Supervisor will indicate on the attendance sheet or schedule. 2. Sic7 @eave ?uman 9esources policy allows new employees to use time as it is acAuired. Accumulation of Sic3 7eave credits will be unlimited. Approved, paid absence from wor3 resulting from illness or medical treatment must be charged in one hour increments. Sic3 leave may be used to care for an ill family member who resides in your immediate household or for a dependent child who does not reside at home. #f you become ill or inDured during a vacation, you may reAuest the vacation be terminated and the time of the illness or inDury charged to Sic3 7eave. &lease refer to the ?uman 9esources policy for additional information. 6hile off sic3 4not inDured5, you must ma3e verbal contact daily and report your status to your immediate Supervisor or hisJher bac3-up. 9eAuest for sic3 leave will be monitored and a pattern of absences will be documented and appropriate action ta3en, as the absence creates staffing shortages in the field and office reducing the Shelter=s ability to respond to calls for service. A doctor=s note does not necessarily mean you can=t perform other Shelter Dob duties. ). Vacation @eave Should several employees reAuest the same vacation dates, the conflict will be resolved by a drawing of the effected employees or if the reAuest is for a period of time around a holiday, the previous years holiday schedule will be reviewed prior to approving the reAuest. "mployees that did not ta3e off the previous year
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures holiday will be given preference. 6hen reAuesting five or more vacation days you must submit a 7eave 9eAuest at least t!irt" da"s prior to the scheduled leave day. Vacation time cannot be used as sic3 time e8cept in the case of a true emergency where no sic3 leave is accrued and at the discretion of 'anagement. (uring summer months, due to the wor3load, Vacation 7eave will be limited to no more than one 4)5 or two 4+5 employees gone at the same time, depending on the number of employees absent due to inDuries or illnesses. Vacation can be granted in one-hour increments. A reAuest for vacation does not guarantee leave approval. Staff should ma3e reservations or purchase tic3ets until the leave reAuest is approved in writing. Absence or leave that has been approved may be rescinded at the discretion of the 'anager based on the Shelter reAuirements. '.'' @ig!t 2ut" =or7 Status
&lease refer to ?uman 9esource policy for additional information. #t is the Supervisors= responsibility to 3now an employee=s ability to perform essential Dob function. 7ight duty will be reviewed and determined by 'anagement, on a case by case basis, if the condition for which the reAuest for light duty is made can best meet the needs of Animal Services the staff member may be allowed to perform light duty wor3. 6hen returning to wor3 from light duty activities, a physician will need to provide a release to duty with verification that the Qob Tas3 Analysis for your position can be safely met. A. 3urt on t!e Dob 7ight (uty 6or3 Status means that a licensed physician has authoriBed an employee to perform wor3 of a light duty or limited nature, as opposed to the normal range of duties outlined in employee=s Dob description. 7ight duty wor3 status will pertain to on-the-Dob inDuries. #f placed in a light duty wor3 status employee will be assigned a duty reAuiring light or limited activities within hisJher own (ivision, if suc! assignments are available . #f such duty is not available within employee=s (ivision, the 9is3 'anagement (epartment will be contacted and a light duty wor3 assignment in another department will be arranged. 7ight duty wor3 status may also pertain to those Dob descriptions so deemed by the CityJ(ivision. "mployees will not be eligible for overtime while on light duty status. 6hen returning to wor3 from light duty activities, a physician will need to provide a release to duty with verification that the Qob Tas3 Analysis can be safely met. &lease see ?uman 9esource policy for additional information. 9. 3urt off t!e Dob #f placed in a light duty status for an inDury that occurred outside of wor3, the (epartment will attempt to accommodate said restrictions. ?owever, if no productive light duty positions are available, the employee will be reAuired to use hisJher personal sic3 time.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures C. After Surger" After surgery, an employee will be reAuired to provide a physician release to duty with verification that the EQob Tas3 AnalysisF can be safely met. #f the physician prescribes Elight dutyF then upon return to wor3 the employee will meet with their Senior <fficer and 'anager to determine if the employee will be reassigned to another department or if the Shelter can provide a light duty Dob for the employee. '.'( @ivestoc7 @ist
7ivestoc3 lists are 3ept updated with areas of town that have livestoc3. This list allows the <fficer to have contact information in the event they are dispatched loose livestoc3. 9epeated offenses of loose livestoc3 will warrant a no restraint citation. '.'& @unc! Periods
Staff may not all leave for lunch at the same time. ;o more than + people from each division will leave for lunch at a given time. #n order to provide sufficient customer service, all shelter staff will be assigned specific times for their lunch hour and are e8pected to ta3e lunch at this time. The 'anager or Supervisor must approve any e8ception to the scheduled lunch, in writing. $ield staff will contact dispatch to reAuest lunch. All lunch brea3s will be staggered to maintain the largest number of staff in an active role, to respond to reAuest for services. The lunch brea3s will be staggered in hour increments appro8imately four hours after the start of their shift so only one or two <fficer are on lunch at a time. ?aving a large number of priority calls does not allow <fficers to ta3e a scheduled lunch within four hours after the start of their shift. #nstead, $ield <fficers may ta3e their lunch with them and ta3e a brea3 to eat or to purchase something to eat. $ield <fficers may use the City truc3 and are not reAuired to return to the facility to get their personal vehicle. $ood or drin3 may be in your vehicle but <fficers are not allowed to eat or drin3 while their vehicle is moving. '.'+ Managers Absence
(uring the 'anagerLs absence, the Supervisor 4$ield or :ennel5 will act in their place. All Animal Services personnel should follow normal chain of command procedures, wor3ing through the Supervisor. The Supervisor should give directions and be responsible for coordination of field and shelter operations in accordance with normal policies and operating procedures. 9eports of activities should be provided by the Supervisor to the 'anager upon their return to wor3.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '.'. Micro C!ip % Scanning for Micro C!ips
<fficers should chec3 for e8isting tags, tattoos 4inside the lip, flan3, and ear5, microchips, or any other type of identification. All animals should be scanned a minimum of three times as indicated below. This scanning will include the entire body as some chips can migrate down the shoulder. This scanning for chips will be documented in the Animal Shelter system so the microchip number will be printed on animal=s 3ennel card. '.'/ ;irst scan <fficers will scan when animal is brought to Shelter or with <wner Surrender Animals 4in case they are really not the <wner5 or cats and dogs 4alive or deceased5 pic3ed up in the $ield. Second scan :ennel staff will scan all live and deceased cats and dogs upon entry into the shelter. T!ird scan Staff will scan prior to surgery or euthanasia. Mu>>le Instructions ,FT"ing a Mu>>leG
#f a muBBle is available please use, otherwise use diagram as shown in e8hibit section illustrating an emergency muBBle that may be used on dogs. This muBBle can be very useful in protecting Animal Services <fficers from animals that may have cause to try and bite. 'aterial 4such as a leash5 for a muBBle should always be on hand in case you need to ma3e one. AOT)J All in8ured animals s!ould be mu>>led and t!en t!e mu>>le removed after animal is loaded into truc7 bin or carrier. '.(0 Ae6 3ires
6hen a new <fficer begins employment, they should receive the following, 4listed in alpha order5 upon arrival at the (ivision, in addition to materials provided by the ?uman 9esources (epartment Access 2adge 4issued by ?95. Copy Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures. $ueling #nformation & &in Vs. >ate <pener or access codes. :eys, must sign ,ey Authori)ation (orm. <fficer 2adge. 9adio @ hand held used by $ield <fficers. %niforms, must sign -niform .nventory (orm. All other assigned eAuipment. 'ust sign -niform .nventory (orm.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '.(1 On%Call Status and On%Call Ve!icle -se
The Shelter=s primary purpose of Mon-callM is to provide assistance to $ire and &olice (ispatch and citiBens who reAuest emergency service after hours. '.( =or7ing on%call s!ift is a re*uirement for all Officers. <n-call hours will vary depending on need. Animal Services provides dispatch with a listing of Eon-callF <fficers. (isptach records all incoming calls and conversation with dispatched <fficer. The on-call <fficer will be responsible for on-call shift for a period of one wee3 on a rotation basis. <fficers scheduled to wor3 Eon-callF will be responsible for contacting their Supervisor to confirm on-call status. "mployee must be able to respond to any location 6it!in one%!our from the time a call is received. "mployee on-call will not possess, purchase or be under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages while operating a City vehicle. "mployee will not use the City vehicle to haul or tow anything other than City eAuipment needed in the performance of duty. %niforms will be worn if <fficer has to run a call.
Open $ecords $e*uest
The &ublic #nformation Act was adopted by the Te8as 7egislature to ensure the public has access to documents relating to operations of its governments. All open records reAuests have to be in writing and if staff receives a reAuest please give the reAuest to the Senior Administrative Assistant or Administrative Assistant with a copy to 'anagement. All open records reAuests should be received from the City Secretaries <ffice. '.(# Overtime
6hen funding is available, overtime will be paid to eligible employees for hours wor3ed as per ?9 policies. '.(' PA=S Applause 4peers applaud co%6or7ers5
&aws Applause form is on the E:F drive. Any person can write a &aws Applause for any employee. There are no specific criteria for this memo however, they should not be written for Dust doing one=s Dob. Verbal compliments may be used to than3 another employee for assistance, but this is not the paws applause. The following are e8amples of situations when &aws Applause should be handed out 9esident commendations for e8ceptional service. 6illingness to change schedule on short notice due to unscheduled absences.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Any good Dob memos or &A6S applause should be posted on the appropriate memo board. '.(( Pa"roll
&ayroll is distributed every two wee3s per ?9 policy. Gou are responsible for trac3ing your hours wor3ed, including any overtime hours, or hours away from the Dob due to sic3 leave, vacation, etc.. '.(& P!one -se & Social Media
"8cept for emergency calls, personal phone calls should be limited to brea3 times and lunch hour. &ersonal phone calls are not allowed in the front administrative area, even during brea3s or lunchtime. #f you have to ma3e a personal call, use a phone that is not in this area. At no time will it be acceptable for staff to receive personal calls when assisting a citiBen. Although staff may have their own personal cell phone, the Shelter is a business and use of the personal cell phone would be considered ma3ing and receiving personal calls and is not acceptable. <nly City issued cell phones are allowed in the wor3 area. #f family or friends have an emergency they can call the Shelter and reAuest to spea3 with you. 6hile CCACS encourages employees to enDoy and ma3e good use of their off-duty time, certain activities on the part of employees may become a concern if they have the effect of impairing the wor3 of any employeeH harassing, demeaning, or creating a hostile wor3ing environment for any employeeH disrupting the smooth and orderly flow of wor3 within the divisionH or harming the goodwill and reputation of the division among its customers or in the community at large. #n the area of social media 4print, broadcast, digital, and online services such as $aceboo3, 7in3ed#n, 'ySpace, &la8o, and Twitter, among others5, employees may use such media in any way they choose <$$ (%TG as long as such use does not produce the adverse conseAuences noted above. ). #f an employee publishes any personal information about the employee, another employee of the organiBation, CCACS, a client, or a customer in any public medium 4print, broadcast, digital, or online5 that a. has the potential or effect of involving the employee, their cowor3ers, CCACS, or the City of Corpus Christi in any 3ind of dispute or conflict with other employees or third partiesH b. interferes with the wor3 of any employeeH c. creates a harassing, demeaning, or hostile wor3ing environment for any employeeH d. disrupts the smooth and orderly flow of wor3 within the division, or the delivery of services to the citiBens or customersH
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures e. harms the goodwill and reputation of CCACS among its customers or in the community at largeH or f. tends to place in doubt the reliability, trustworthiness, or sound Dudgment of the person who is the subDect of the information, the employee4s5 responsible for such problems will be subDect to counseling andJor disciplinary action as allowed by ?9, up to and potentially including termination of employment, depending upon the severity and repeat nature of the offense. +. ;o employee may use company eAuipment or facilities for furtherance of nonwor3-related activities or relationships without the e8press advance permission of Wdesignated member of managementX. ,. "mployees who conduct themselves in such a way that their actions toward and relationships with each other interfere with or damage wor3 relationships, disrupt the flow of wor3 or customer relations, or cause unfavorable publicity in the community, should be concerned that their conduct may be inconsistent with one or more of the above guidelines. #n such a situation, the employees involved should reAuest guidance from Wdesignated member of managementX to discuss the possibility of a resolution that would avoid such problems. (epending upon the circumstances, failure to see3 such guidance may be considered evidence of intent to conceal a violation of the policy and to hinder an investigation into the matter. -. %se of social media that involves any 3ind of criminal activity or harms the rights of others may result in criminal prosecution or civil liability to those harmed, or both. *. Social media access and use involving company eAuipment and resources are subDect to City of Corpus Christi M#nternet, "-'ail, and Computer %sage &olicyM at all times. .. "mployees may not access social media for personal gain or use at anytime while on duty. '.(+ Publicit"
All ads, flyers, boo3s, brochures, pamphlets or other printed material going to citiBens must have written approval from &rogram 'anager andJ or &ublic #nformation prior to final printing. Also, any agency or news media contacting staff for information must be reported to t!e Program Manager and?or Public Information department. Staff will wor3 with &ublic #nformation department to provide news releases about services at the shelter, &ets of the 6ee3, information regarding reasons to be careful during holidays, summer and winter. Onl" aut!ori>ed personnel ma" spea7 6it! t!e ne6s media . The Animal Shelter 'anager or a Supervisor should be contacted immediately regarding any attempts by the media to solicit information concerning Animal Services.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '.(. Purc!ases
AuthoriBed staff, shall purchase all eAuipment and supplies. 6hen staff needs supplies, they should document what is needed on the Shelter=s ESupplies /e0uest (orm1 4form on : drive5 and submit via e-mail to the :ennel 'aster or $ield Supervisor for approval. #t will then be forwarded to the Administrative Assistant handling purchases and budgeting. $inal approval will be made by the &rogram 'aster. %nauthoriBed purchases of eAuipment or supplies will not be reimbursed. '.(/ $eceiving Animals
<fficers are to put healthy animals 4dogJcats5 and wildlife in their designated areas and provide fresh water and food. Adult 2ogs Puppies ?ealthy impounded puppies will be put in the &uppy room. %nhealthy impounded puppies will ;<T be placed in the &uppy room. ?ealthy impounded dogs will be put approved stray areas only. %nhealthy impounded dogs will be in holding areas that would assist with disease prevention.
Adult Cats Cittens =ildlife All wildlife will be given fresh food & water. 6ildlife that is meant to be relocated '%ST ;<T be left in a trap for more than +-hrs. Although some wildlife appears Ecute,F it will ;<T be handled for pleasure. &&"s and bite prevention gloves must be utiliBed when handling wildlife and traps containing wildlife. S3un3s will not be relocated and should be humanely euthaniBed in the field or upon inta3e. 2ats will not be relocated and should be humanely euthaniBed ?ealthy and unhealthy non%feral impounded 3ittens will be put in the appropriate areas as directed by the :ennel 'aster or Vet. ?ealthy impounded non%feral cats will be put on the stray cat area until later moved to adoptions.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures and processed accordingly if e8posure is present. o $ood for 6ildlife 4most common5 <possums @ 6et cat food SAuirrels @ (ry cat food '.&0 $esignation
An employee may leave the City service in good standing by submitting written resignation at least two wee3s in advance of the resignation. $ailure to provide reAuired notice will be indicated on your personnel action form and would be considered should employee reapply for employment. All City provided eAuipment, supplies and uniforms must be returned prior to receiving your last paychec3. $ailure to do so will result in deductions from your last paychec3. '.&1 Sectors
The Animal Shelter has assigned sectors. 6hen sufficient staff is wor3ing the dispatcher will assign <fficers to sectors. Common sense should prevail when only one or two <fficers are wor3ing and handle calls within certain sectors. Also, when an <fficer only has a few calls they should assist <fficers having more calls in other sectors. AC<s should sign in on the $ield AC< Sign-in sheet each morning. This is located on the dispatch counter. A color map indicating the sector boundaries is also provided in the e8hibit section. Sectors are ;orth South "ast 6est '.& A. Ce"s "mployees shall sign the ,ey Authori)ation (orm when 3eys are issued. This form indicates when an employee was assigned a 3ey. The Ouarter 'aster will 3eep a master log and a copy of the form will be 3ept in the employee=s individual personnel file. 7ost 3eys must be reported to Supervisor or 'anagement via email. 9. :ate Openers All staff will be given a gate opener or gate access code to the Animal Shelter=s bac3 gate. #t is the duty of each employee to be responsible for these openers. They are not to be loaned to other employees or anyone else. Securit"
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures '.&# S!ift sc!edules
Shift schedules are designed to meet %e!as "epartment of 2ealth Chapter 3*4.55* 6'7, which reAuires animals not to be without necessary food and water for more than )+ 4twelve5 hours. Shift schedules are also designed for convenience to the public. +here are no per"anent set shift schedules. Shift schedules or Shelter hours may be changed to meet Shelter and $ield <peration reAuirements and provide the best service the Shelter can provide. #n the event of staff shortages in one area of operation, staff may be reassigned to assist in that area. #f an <fficer has a vehicle accident 4fault or no-fault5 the <fficer may be reassigned to wor3 in Administrative, Clinic, or :ennel operations. '.&' Smo7ing Polic"
City policy is not to smo3e or use smo3eless tobacco on any City owned properties, including City owned buildings, vehicles, wal3ways, par3ing lots, or EotherF areas. "mployees will refrain from using smo3eless tobacco anywhere else at the Shelter or while visiting with citiBens or running calls. This includes under the sally port, bac3 par3ing lot, out front, your vehicle or from your vehicle to Shelter. '.&( Tag $egistration $ecords @oo7up
Administrative <perations 4staff assigned to the office shift5 will be responsible for issuing animal tags for all dogs and cats as reAuired by City <rdinance. Staff will inform citiBens that City registration 4license5 can be done in person, at the shelter, through the mail or via the Shelter=s #nternet site. $or all registrations, owners need to submit the following '.&& A copy of the animal=s current rabies certificate on Veterinarian letterhead showing date of vaccination, owner=s name, and owner=s phone number. <ne year or three year rabies vaccine. Current rabies tag number. Animal=s description, breed and name. #ndicate if animal is spayed or neutered. &roper fees for the registration. Toll 6a" ;ees
6hen reAuired for travel or EotherF situations, <fficers may occasionally access toll roads or bridges. $or <fficers who are in uniform and in their City truc3, the <fficer should reAuest to be reimbursed the toll fees that they accrued. '.&+ Training
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Animal Services stresses its commitment to ensure employees are properly trained and cross trained. This allows all employees to understanding policy and procedures so they can perform any tas3 and be aware of what is e8pected of them. The Shelter has four wor3 areas and each employee must complete the training program for each wor3 area. ). :ennels +. Admin <ffice ,. $ield J City <rdinances, State 7aws, City ?9 &olicies..etc -. Vet Clinic A. Administrative Operations All employees can provide Auality service if they are cross-trained to perform impounds, adoptions, dispatching, deposit, tag registrations and trap procedures. Administrative <perations will reAuire all employees to train in the office area for several months. Training will reAuire interfacing with citiBens wanting to adopt or redeem their animals and to assist citiBens in obtaining traps. Staff will be reAuired to show animals in visitation rooms, process adoption of animals, process traps for citiBens, answer incoming phone lines, dispatch calls, accept owner surrenders and ta3e cash for transactionsRetc. 9. ;ield Operations "mployees are cross trained in the safe operation for handling all types of field calls, caring for captured animals, use of vehicles and eAuipment operation. $ield training includes the following, but not limited to Studying City <rdinance so <fficers 3now the rules they are hired to enforce. Shown animal capture and care. Show proper completion of documentation and paperwor3. #nformed of uniform policy. Studying radio communications. Studying signal codes. Shown map reading.
"ach employee is made aware of the need to go that Ee8tra stepF in order to meet customer e8pectations. C. Cennel Operations :ennel <perations reAuires staff to perform duties in the 3ennel areas so that they 3now how to clean animal areas, proper cleaning of animal dishes, laundry, receiving animals, showing animals to citiBens, perform euthanasia, ship and test, loading and cleaning incinerator and overall cleaning of the shelter. Staff must be aware of cleaning procedures, effects of cross contamination, diseases, handling of animals, observing health of animals and moving animals to isolation when necessary. This training allows staff to be more 3nowledgeable and with staff recogniBing symptoms of sic3 animals and ta3ing appropriate action,
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures will assist to reduce the spread of diseases and allow prompt medical attention for animals needing attention. 2. Vet Clinic Vet clinic training will reAuire staff to assist the Veterinarian with daily tas3s. These include customer phone calls, vaccine administration, assisting with surgeries, understanding sterile Bones, cleaning eAuipment and all other tas3s assigned by Vet. ). T)IAS 2)PA$TM)AT O; 3)A@T3 S)$VIC)S 42S3S5 8asic training will be offered to those that provide field operations. 2asic training will be scheduled within the first year after their probation period of employment. <ther staff may ta3e (S?S 8asic or Advanced classes if scheduling and funding allows. The training liaison or Admin.Asst. will schedule appropriate staff for classes and will maintain a record of all classes ta3en. Staff is encouraged to share their class e8perience with all staff members. ;. Ot!er Training Temperament training, 2ite Stic3 training, and other classes are under review and will be offered to Senior <fficers, <fficers, and :ennel Staff as classes are approved. '.&. -niforms and ;oot6ear
All %niforms & "Auipment will be processed through the Ouarter 'aster. %niforms should be worn at all times while on duty. $ailure to do so will result in disciplinary action. "ven though an employee is technically not being paid when off duty, they are still representing the City after hours. #t is advisable to wear City identifiable clothing off-duty only when traveling to and from the Dob. The proper uniform is a necessity for the public to be able to identify an Animal Services <fficer. The proper uniform consists of an approved shirt with <fficer badge, city identification, pants, and belt. "mployees are responsible for appropriate up3eep and cleaning of individual uniforms. %niform should be neat, clean and intact. Shoes should be blac3 wor3 boots or blac3 shoes. <fficers wor3ing in surgery may wear different style of shoes or uniforms to meet the needs of the clinic. Sandals, tennis shoes, and other sportswear shoes are prohibited. Qac3ets should be clean and identification badges worn on the outside. 9epair any damaged clothing including replacing missing buttons.
&ages -0 of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Shirts must be fully buttoned, e8cept the tie button. $or <fficers coming in from the field and assisting up front for a few minutes, hats, or caps, may be acceptable when dealing directly with the public inside the office area. Staff scheduled to wor3 the front area will not be allowed to wear hats. Sunglasses are not to be worn when dealing with the public inside the Shelter unless you have medical authoriBation to wear for a specific timeframe. 2aseball caps are to be worn only with the bill facing forward. The cap must not have any logo other than ECity of Corpus ChristiF approved logos.
"8cept for an emergency, any employee that arrives to wor3 without wearing the proper uniform will be reAuested to leave the wor3 area and suspended for one day without pay. The second violation will result in three days without pay and additional violations will result in possible termination. #n addition to pants and shirts, if budget funding is available, 3ennel attendants and <fficers will receive approved footwear annually, or on an as needed basis. At the beginning of each fiscal year each staff will review their inventory of clothing and advise their Supervisor of clothing needed. <fficers will purchase, at t!eir e1pense, a blac3 belt to wear with their uniforms. "ach <fficer assigned to wor3ing in the field will also receive the following leather gloves, Dac3et, and rain Dac3et. <ther clothing such as sweatshirts or polo shirts will be ordered and issued as funding is available. (enim Deans may be worn at offsite adoptions, offsite training or events if you are wor3ing with the animals. 6hile at the shelter or in the field, only a complaint uniform will be worn. &robationary employees are e8pected to be in full uniform on the first wee3 of wor3 and will be issued boots and if they terminate prior to successful completion of the si8 month probationary period they will reimburse Animal Services for cost of their boots. %pon leaving CCACS, all eAuipment and uniforms must be returned. #n order to prevent theft or loss of eAuipment and supplies, employees should secure provided items in their individual loc3er with a loc3. '.&/ Vaccinations 4pre%e1posure rabies and tetanus5 for Staff
Shelter management recommends staff receive pre-e8posure rabies vaccination and a booster tetanus vaccination. #t is not a (S?S reAuirement, however it is a good preventative vaccine to get. #f staff elects to be immuniBed, please contact the :ennel 'aster 4:'5 and ?uman 9esources so arrangements can be made for vaccination or to discuss how the department will reimburse the employee for vaccination cost after receiving the shots. #t is the
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures responsibility of the employee to contact the clinic and obtain the results of their titer. #t is unlawful under ?#&&A for the &rogram 'anager to contact the clinic directly. ?owever, a copy of the results should be obtained by the employee and provided to ?9 and the &rogram 'anager. #f staff elects not to be immuniBed, they will complete the form E6aive #mmuniBationF and this written waiver will be put into their personnel file. Another copy will be forwarded to ?uman 9esources (epartment so this copy will be put into the employee=s file. '.+0 Veterinarian , $abies vaccination information
Title ++ "8amining 2oards &art +- Te8as 2oard of Veterinary 'edical "8aminers Chapter */, 9ules of &rofessional Conduct Subchapter C responsibilities to Client=s 9ule Y*/,.+/ <bservance of Confidentiality 4a5 A veterinarian shall not violate the confidential relationship between the veterinarian and a client. 4b5 "8cept as provided in subsection 4c5 of this section, a veterinarian shall not disclose any information concerning the veterinarianLs care for an animal e8cept 4)5 <n written or oral authoriBation or other form of waiver e8ecuted by the clientH or 4+5 <n receipt by the veterinarian of an appropriate court order or subpoena. 4c5 A veterinarian may, without authoriBation by the client, disclose information contained in a rabies certificate to a governmental entity only for purposes related to the protection of public health and safety. '.+1 Veterinarian Services
;o employee will use the contract veterinarian as their personal veterinarian or use City eAuipment to wor3 on an employee=s animal unless it is a service that is provided to all citiBens and the employee will pay for the service as any citiBen would pay. Vaccinations at the 'onday vaccination clinic is acceptable, however employees must pay for the vaccinations as any other citiBen would and may not ta3e time out of their duty schedule to wait in line. &lease have a family member attend the clinic. #f the animal is adopted from CCACS, it may see the staff veterinarian as any other routine adoptable animal. $ollow-ups and health problems after the adoption are at the e8pense of the employee and may not be performed at CCACS. '.+ Voicemail S"stem
The voicemail system provides citiBens with generaliBed information pertaining to the Shelter=s operations and allows them to leave a message for Shelter staff. This needs to be chec3ed first thing in the morning and every thirty minutes or less throughout the day as messages can be left through the information line. "ach <fficer reviewing the
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures voicemail messages is reAuired to log each call on a two-part, carbonless phone message boo3. This will allow the duplicate copy to remain bound in a wire bound boo3. (istribute the messages to appropriate staff or if appropriate, return the call. All other calls received during office hours should be documented in the phone message boo3. "8ception to using the phone message pads is while in the office the <fficer may use a dispatch log sheet to record calls instead of the phone message pad. A copy of the dispatch log sheet should be attached to the <fficer=s wor3sheet. Calls should be entered into the dispatch system and given to an <fficer in the field as soon as possible. '.+# =or7 Area
&rior to your shift please do not be logged on to a computer in your wor3 area. Gou must wait until after you have reported 4signed in5 for wor3. Gou may be in the building prior to wor3 Dust don=t be in on the computer in your wor3 area. <nce you have signed out please do not continue to perform wor3 or be on the computer. '.+' =or7ing 3ours
Standard wor3ing hours are staggered between starting and closing time, with a mandator" thirty-minute to one hour lunch period. ?ours are subDect to change at the discretion of the &rogram 'anager. '.+( =or7erLs Compensation @eave
#f you are inDured within the scope of employment, please contact ?9 for all guidelines and policies. <ou must report an" accident or in8ur" 6it!in ' !ours of occurrence to "our SupervisorB as prescribed b" Cit" polic". ;ailure to do so ma" limit t!e =or7erEs Compensation benefits to 6!ic! "ou are entitled.
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(. 2ISCIP@IAA$< ACTIOA
(.1 Introduction
Staff is e8pected to perform their Dobs in a professional, timely manner and provide e8cellent customer service to all citiBens that visit, call the Shelter or contacted in the $ield. After Dob duties are performed, a Supervisor will periodically review wor3 and if the wor3 is not acceptable or below standard, the incidents will be reviewed with the employee and if the action continues disciplinary action will be ta3en. 'anagement will respond promptly to employee infractions and 3eep documentation. "mails are considered as written documentation. 'anagement is to provide supervision, direction, awareness, training, leadership, etc. (ue to the different schedules, it is sometimes difficult to spea3 with staff in person within a timely fashion. "-mail procedures will ensure a faster communication to advise what type of problem has been noted andJor what is e8pected to resolve the situation. Some of the emails sent will have a time frame for your response. #f you are unable to respond prior to the due date, let 'anagement 3now and reAuest more time. #n the event an employee reAuires disciplinary action, the employee may be temporarily reAuired to turn in their city identification card, <fficer=s badge, 3eys, gate transmitter, radio and any assigned cell phone. The below schedule is called &rogressive (iscipline. The first offense may result in a verbal warning. The second offense may result in a written warning or if the Supervisory has had several discussions with the employee then a &#& 4&erformance #mprovement &lan5 may be issued. The third offense may result in suspension andJor &#&. The fourth offense may result in dismissal.
Some actions are more critical than others and may cause immediate dismissal of an employee in accordance with &( and ?9 policies. $or e8ample $alsifying 9ecords 4$or e8ample unauthoriBed changes made on daily, wee3ly, monthly reports, or Software information5. $ailure to continually attend subpoena summons. #nhumane treatment of animals. Theft of City &roperty. 6rongful "uthanasia of an Animal. %nauthoriBed $elease of Animals. %nauthoriBed $emoval of Animals. Vandalism or intentional damageJdestruction of city owned eAuipment.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures %nauthoriBed use of the #nternet andJor password theft.
To ensure you are Dudged by fair and eAuitable standards on an eAuitable basis, in accordance with City &ersonnel &olicies and &rocedures, Animal Services has created clear, positive guidelines for correcting and preventing Dob performance deficiencies and for applying employee discipline. (isciplinary action will be consistent with the nature of the deficiency or infraction involved and will be dependent upon relevant factors such as performance or conduct. Actions will include, but not be limited to, any of the following <ral 9eminder, 6ritten 9eminder, &erformance #mprovement &rogram 4&#&5, (ecision'a3ing 7eave, Transfer, (emotion and (ismissal. (isciplinary action can disAualify you from consideration for salary increase, promotion or other beneficial personnel action. "ach case is reviewed on its own merits. Gou may be disciplined for unsatisfactory Dob performance, unsatisfactory attendance or any conduct or behavior prohibited by $ederal, State, or local law, City Charter, City Code, City &ersonnel &olicies and &rocedures or (epartmentalJ(ivisional written rules. Supervisors will present disciplinary action to staff. #n the event, the Supervisor is out then the 'anager will present the appropriate disciplinary action. (. 2ispute $esolution Process
Gou are encouraged to informally ta3e any Dob-related complaints or problems to your Supervisor in your chain of command, and all parties are e8pected to ma3e the ma8imum effort to achieve a satisfactory resolution. #f dissatisfied, the ne8t step would be the &rogram 'anager. #f you are still dissatisfied after visiting with your Supervisor and &rogram 'anager, you may submit a formal dispute in accordance with ?9 by utiliBing the proper forms as provided by ?uman 9esources. #t is the employee=s responsibility for contacting ?9 and getting the appropriate forms. $ormal disputes must be filed within thirty 4,C5 days from the date the incident occurred or became 3nown to you. &unitive action will not be ta3en against you for submitting a formal dispute in good faith. (.# A. A@T)$AATIV) 2ISCIP@IA) MAT$II P)$;O$MAAC) STAA2A$2S P)$;O$MAAC) 9. C. Ouantity of 6or3 Ouality of 6or3 "ffective #nteraction with <thers
ATT)A2AAC)?P-ACT-A@IT< COA2-CT?SA;)T<
&erformance AttnJ&unc ConJSafety
Oral $eminder 4. months5 4no other infraction5 =ritten $eminder 41 months5 (ecision 'a3ing 7eave 4)+ months5
&ages *, of )*)

2)ACTIVATIOA O; 2ISCIP@IAA$< ACTIOA $ormal disciplinary actions are deactivated after the above periods have e8pired unless further disciplinary actions are reAuired in the same category. Aote Absence from wor3 for a period of thirty 4,C5 or more consecutive days is not included in the deactivation timing. There are also several areas that are considered serious misconduct and may be grounds for immediate dismissal. These are listed in section *.).
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures A@T)$AATIV) 2ISCIP@IA)
"'&7<G"" ;A'" Oral $eminder Type of 9eminder (ate of (eactivation Type of 9eminder (ate of (eactivation Type of 9eminder (ate of (eactivation (ate of Activation (ate of Activation (ate of Activation
=$ITT)A $)MIA2)$ Type of 9eminder (ate of (eactivation Type of 9eminder (ate of (eactivation 2)CISIOA MACIA: @)AV)
Type of 9eminder (ate of (eactivation Performance Attendance Punctualit" Conduct Safet" (ate of Activation
(ate of Activation
(ate of Activation
Oral $eminder 4& mont!s5
=ritten $eminder 4/ mont!s5
2ecision Ma7ing @eave 41 mont!s5
&ages ** of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures (.' )valuation Criteria
Gearly employee evaluations are given to all full time employees. Animal Services implements a new policy to assist in evaluations. The criteria and e8pectations are listed in the e8hibit section assists management when presenting evaluations. Animal Services uses the following competencies in the evaluation process. Dob Cno6ledge Self 2evelopment Customer Service ?as the s3ills to do the Dob. 7earns to do the Dob in new ways when eAuipment and or process change. Ta3es charge of own development. reAuired training. Attend and ta3e all City
&rovides direct and or indirect customer service to the public, citiBens, co-wor3er, and or customer departments.
$esults Orientation >et things done right and on time, using the City=s= resources wisely. 2ehaves ethically. 2e safety conscious. Team6or7J Communication 6or3s effectively with others to support and reach department and City >oals. Shares and e8changes ideas and information through speech and actions. #f applicable, demonstrates effective written communication s3ills. Completes wor3 assignments correctly, efficiently and without immediate supervision. #s consistently at wor3 and on time.
2ependabilit"
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&.
&.1
Administrative Operations , ;ront Office

Introduction % Administrative Operations
Administrative operations consist of staff wor3ing the front counter area, dispatch room, andJor performing administrative functions. 6hen Administrative staff first arrives at the office they should perform the following <pen safe and get out deposit for $ield <fficer to ta3e to Accounting. 7og into computer system. %nloc3 front door. 'a3e copies of customer sign in sheets if needed.
2asic Dob responsibilities for <fficers and Senior <fficers are listed in the (ield Operations Section of this manual, and Dob responsibilities for :ennel Attendants and Veterinary Services Coordinator are listed in the Administrative ,ennel Operations Section. 2asic Dob responsibilities for Administrative Assistants wor3ing in the Administrative Operations consist of the following Administrative Assistants ? Office Staff Answer phones and screen calls. Assist with budget processing and monitoring. Contact approved rescue groups registered with the shelter to inform them of available shelter animals. (ata entry. (ispatch calls to $ield <fficers. (istribute incoming mail - receive, review incoming mail, date stamp, and distribute to staff. $iling. >reet, assist, and screen visitors. 9eAuest visitors sign in 4e8hibit section - 9isitor Sign-.n Sheet5. 'aintain department files. 'aintain inventory supplies. 'aintain log of contacted rescue groups. ;otary duties. <rder inventory and supplies. &repare and process resolutions, ordinances, and agenda items for City Council meeting. &repare deposits. &rocess adoption reAuests.
&ages */ of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures &. &rocess license reAuests. &rocess 79CA reports. &rocess noise complaint letters &rocess purchasing, personnel, and payroll related documents. &rocess steriliBation reminders. &rovide administrative support services 4compose, edit and type correspondence, memoranda, reports, charts, and notariBe documents5 to the wor3 unit. 9eAuest <fficers issue citation4s5 for any noncompliance of steriliBation agreements or <rdinance violations. Serve as bac3up for #nformation Services 4#S5 coordinator. Serve as &rofessional (evelopment Center Training liaison. Ta3e notes at Advisory Committee. Veterinary "eceased Animal billing. Scan all paperwor3.
Adoption Pac7ets
6hen not done by &AAC, $ront office staff should always give out adoption pac3ets as E;ew &et <wner Chec3 7istF is in the adoption pac3ets. The Shelter is doing a disservice when staff does not e8plain the chec3 list to the adopter as well as e8plaining EShelter Care &et #nsurance &rogramF offered from www.sheltercare.com and the importance of feeding Auality food to animals. &uppies and 3ittens especially need to be ta3en to a veterinarian within -0 hours as stated on the chec3 list due to the possibility of having worms. &art of the Shelter=s mission to promote and protect the health includes educating the public. 6hen staff Dust ta3es the money and says E>ood 7uc3F, the Shelter is falling short of our responsibility and staff should provide the adopter with as much information as possible in order to ensure a Auality home for the animal as well as a life-long commitment from the adopter. &.# Adoption Polic"
(ogs and cats may be discharged from the Animal Services facility by being adopted, redeemed or transferred to rescue. Adoption animals are animals that have either been placed at the shelter by a previous owner or impounded as a stray and have not been claimed by their owner within the ,-* day holding period and deemed adoptable by staff. Animals may be adopted during shelter hours only. CitiBen adoptions are handled on a Efirst-come, first-serveF basis, the day the animal becomes available. (ischarged animals are processed on the Animal Shelter system after paying established fees. Any fee adDustment for rescue, V#& animals, or employees may only be approved in writing by 'anagement or Supervisor. CitiBen inAuiring about a date of adoption for stray animals will need to understand an Eactual dateF cannot be given. Some e8planations staff may provide are
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Strays animals are awaiting temperament assessment, vaccinations and to be spayed or neutered. Staff can write the animal #( number down for the citiBen and have them call bac3 as often as they would li3e.
Animal Services does not !old animals, promise any dates or times and informs each customer it is a Efirst-come, first-serveF basis. ?owever, in order to assist animal adoptions, if a citiBen is adamant to adopt an animal and can not get the animal until later in the day, then Administrative staff has the authority to A. Adopt the animal. ?ave the citiBen pay the entire adoption fee in advance on the day it is available. &ut up a sign that animal has been adopted.
CCACS )mplo"ees "mployees may adopt an animal on the same day that it is available to the general public. An animal is available for adoption to CCACS employees if the following criteria are met All animals adopted by shelter employees must have an adoption contract completed and appropriate fees being paid. Another employee must process the adoption contract with a Supervisor=s approval. +he adoption fee for city e"ployees will be ./0.11. ;o animal or wildlife may be removed or transferred from the shelter without written approval from a Supervisor. ;o adopted animal may be sold for profit.
9.
2eat! of Animal The owner of an adopted animal may obtain a gift certificate for another animal if an adopted animal dies within seven da"s of adoption. ?owever, the owner must show proof of death. This can be done by returning the animal to the Shelter for disposal or if the owner can show proof of disposal from a veterinarian. This needs to be recorded in shelter system.
C.
Cittens Animal Services prefers to perform steriliBation prior to adoptions. ?owever, the veterinarian may not be able to steriliBe 3ittens unless they weigh at least three pounds therefore, un-steriliBed 3ittens are immediately ready for adoption to minimiBe e8posure to diseases.
&ages *1 of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Staff will weigh 3ittens and enter the weight on 3ennel cards. #f they are less than three pounds, steriliBation will be delayed thus allowing citiBens to adopt 3ittens on the day they belong to the City. The new owner will e8ecute a written steriliBation agreement agreeing to have the animal steriliBed or bring the 3ittens bac3 to the Shelter by a specified date for steriliBation. 2. $escues?Placement :roups An animal is available to a Aualified rescue group if the rescue group is established with the shelter and t!e animal is in need of going to a rescue group. They may not ta3e a highly adoptable animal unless the animal has been in the shelter for longer than )C days and has not gotten adopted. #f the rescue group is not established with the shelter, the group must annually present the following to Administrative staff *C)Z 4,5 documents. A shelter reference. A Veterinarian reference. A copy of their adoption contract and adoption application.
Any registered rescue group can adopt an animal for no fee. 6hen a 9escue >roup adopts an animal, the adoption contract will be in the 9escue >roup=s name and signed by a registered member of the rescue group. #f a rescue group pa"s for an adoption from the Shelter, then the Shelter will spay or neuter for no charge. #f they do not pa" an adoption fee then the group will be charged for the steriliBation. #f the group wants a microchip for the animal, the rescue group will pay the same fee charged to other citiBens. #t is staffs responsibility to assure rescue groups are registered with the Shelter. #f a rescue person does not have a copy of the *C) 4c5 4,5 on file, then staff doesn=t adopt to them until they have met the guidelines as stated in procedure. They can adopt the animal as any citiBen can adopt, but they would not get the animal at no charge. ). Vaccinations and 3ealt! Testing for Animals Shelter adoption fees include the animal=s first series of shots (?7&& for dogs, $9C& for cats and their rabies vaccination. ?ealth and Safety Code Section 0+..C+,4a5 reAuires rabies vaccine administered only by or under the direct supervision of a license veterinarian. This means that the veterinarian must be on site at the shelter to direct the rabies vaccination. As funding is available, staff will perform heart worm testing 4hwt5 for dogs or felv testing for cats prior to adoption. Testing allows staff to inform citiBens if an animal is hwp or felv positive and could ma3e a difference if the animal is adopted. #f Shelter has
&ages .C of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures positive tested animals, staff will not do surgery and will attempt to provide treatment or allow citiBens to 3now the condition of an animal. This testing provides a better reputation not only for the Shelter, but for our animals and allows animals to receive necessary treatment. ;. Ver" Important Pets 4VIP5 animals Animals that have been at the Shelter for )* or more days are considered very important pets. Staff should use all resources to get these V#& animals adopted or to a 9escue groups. The adoption fee for these animals will be T)* upon approval of the &rogram 'anager. #f not adopted after a price reduction, then staff should schedule an off-site adoption event for all the V#& animals. #f animals are still available after having the off-site events, animal4s5 can be transferred to another Shelter or euthaniBed. &.' Animal Abandoned at S!elter
#f an abandoned animal has a 3nown owner, the Staff will contact the owner or responsible party at least t6ice 4preferably by telephone and a door tag5 reAuesting that they claim their animal. After the two attempts a certified letter will be sent listing a specific date and time to reclaim their animal. Abandonment charges may be pursued for failure to comply. &.( Animals Appearance
Adopting Auality and clean animals should be a maDor goal for Shelter staff. Staff can give stray or adoptable animals a bath, groom and de-flea. ?aving animals that loo3 good will help get the animals adopted. #f staff has time, please chec3 the appearance of animals and if any animal needs attention or grooming, you may assist or discuss with Senior <fficer and maybe the Senior <fficer can get a volunteer to assist with groomer or bathing adoptable animals. Temps or Volunteers are not allowed to interact with Auarantine or administrative-hold animals. &.& Animal 9e!avioral )valuation
%pon the owner surrender of dog and cat, and approval of the wait-list application, the following should be performed 9eview animal profile sheet. Animal will be put into a designated area. Animal will have 3ennel cards. The cards should have a place for <fficers and :ennel Attendants to write behavioral comments and a place to indicate two different dates. <ne date is when animals will be at Shelter for three 4,5 days. <ther date is when animals will be at Shelter for five 4*5 days.
&ages .) of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures :ennel 'aster will review cards and determine if animal is adoptable. #f assistance is needed for the evaluation then a committee consisting of Senior <fficers and $ield Services 'anager will assist with the evaluation. 6hoever does the evaluation will sign the 3ennel card. Animal 2ata S!eets 4Cennel Cards5
&.+
:ennel cards indicate the status of each animal placed in the shelter. "mployees impounding or receiving animals should initiate a 3ennel card. There is to be a 3ennel card for each animal placed at the shelter, and the 3ennel card is to be updated through all phases of animal disposition. <btain as much information as you can on owner surrendered animals. ?ave the owner fill out canine or feline profile sheet as complete as possible, including name, type of food, where animal sleeps, etc. Staff should then scan the animal for microchip verification and chec3 the lost and found boo3 from current date bac3 two wee3s. This verification and chec3ing should be noted on the 3ennel cards. &.. Animal 3olding 2a"s at S!elter
?olding period for animals is as follows <wner Surrender if current on all shots and steriliBed, have appropriate staff evaluate, and if adoptable provide heartworm testing 4when possible5 so animal will be immediatel" read" for adoption. <wner Surrender needing shots or steriliBation. Appropriate staff can evaluate and if adoptable will note on 3ennel card that vaccinations and steriliBation is needed. Oualified staff can immediately perform vaccinations and schedule steriliBation.
&ersons who have been feeding and ta3ing care of animals for , days or longer will be considered owners. 7ess than , days, the animal will be classified as stray and the above stray surrender policy will apply. $ollowing is how to calculate the , day holding period for stray animals. The day animal pic3ed up is day one. "8ample pic3up dogJcat on Saturday then Saturday is day one. Add , 4three5 days after the date the animal is brought in. (on=t count ?olidays as part of the days.
'anagement or the Veterinarian may give written approval to euthaniBe any feral catJ3itten, sic3 or inDured animal prior to three-five day holding period. #f this happens, staff needs to review the lostJfound board and ta3e a picture of the animal to attach with 3ennel card.
&ages .+ of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures &./ Animals Out of Cages
6henever anyone ta3es an animal out of their cage, they should indicate on the animal=s cage why the animal was ta3en out 4wal3ing, showing, surgery, isolation, etc.5. This assists staff and visitors to 3now whereabouts of animals. #f animal is removed from an adoption cage, put the lamented sign on cage door indicating that animal is in surgery and will be returned to this cage. &.10 Animal $econciliations , 2ail"
#n order to reconcile the number of animals housed in the shelter, the 3ennel master or designee will be responsible for the daily reconciliation of animals. #f 3ennel master is assisting absent, assigned staff will reconcile animals. Administrative staff will compare the .nspection /evie& Sheet inventory with the Animal Shelter system "etailed "escription of Animals in the Shelter report. %pon receipt of this inventory listing, Administrative Staff should run a detailed report indicating animals in the shelter. This report is sorted by species and by 3ennel location. Assigned staff should reconcile the inventory listing with the detailed description of animals in shelter report. Staff can use chec3 mar3s, highlighter, or another method to indicate that 3ennel and cages agree and that an animal is documented as being on the inventory list. Staff needs to record in computer system if animal died in cage or is unable to locate an animal. #f the number of animals agrees, staff will physically wal3 through the shelter and chec3 each animal off the reconciling list, ma3ing sure the description of the animal on the report matches the description of the animal in the 3ennel. #f the number of animals does not agree, then a Supervisor or 'anager should be notified to resolve the animal reconciliation.
(aily, in order to reconcile the number of animals housed in the shelter, a Supervisor or (esignee should ta3e a copy of the .nspection /evie& sheets and document the following areas. (og :ennels @ Adoption, isolation, Auarantine and strays. Cat Cages @ Adoption, isolation, Auarantine and strays. Surgery room @ Cages <n each appropriate sheet the Supervisor should indicate the number and description of animals in each 3ennel or cage at the shelter. This process catches both animals missing and those in wrong cages. After inventory is performed, the inspection sheets should be
&ages ., of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures given to Administrative staff. Administrative staff will finish documentation by comparing inventory to the 3ennel cards and animal descriptions listed in the Animal Shelter system. This reconciliation will allow a proper audit trail, and assures that the number and descriptions of individual animals physically impounded within the shelter correlates with their respective paperwor3. &.11 Animals $eturned
Animals may be returned to Shelter during regular business hours. Animal Services can not refund money for adoptions. 6hen receiving a returned animal, enter the animal as E9"T%9;"(F and not surrendered. Assign the animal a new #( number as once an animal has been adopted and fee paid the animal no longer belongs to the City. %nder features reference the original #(V, as this will assist tracing an animal to ensure that the Shelter 3eeps the medical records, any notes and determine eligibility for adoption. CitiBens returning animals need to present valid driver=s license or identification. 6hen an animal is adopted from the shelter, the system generates a person code for the individual adopting the animal. This code can be entered and all information regarding the adoption can be recalled. #f an individual or family returns an animal, the person code is recalled and the system allows entry of comments and has a field to indicate why the animal is being returned. <n all adoptions, a person search is conducted and if the person=s name or address is already in the system, the records will be displayed. (epending on the reason for return, Administrative Staff will decide if the citiBen is eligible to adopt another animal, and if they are not eligible staff will inform citiBen that they are not eligible to adopt an animal. &.1 A. Animal Tag $egistrations Process Internet $e*uest Process 4;irst time user5 ). +. ,. -. *. .. 7og onto animal control website Select online services. Select Animal Services &ermits. Clic3 E# need to registerF button. "nter all information in bold. Clic3 EregisterF button.
9. Process for Mail $e*uest All mail will be opened by Administrative Assistant and distribute mail tag reAuests to administrative staff to process. 'ail reAuest should be processed one at a time due to being called away to perform other duties. Stamp received date on each city registration envelope.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures <pen only one envelope at a time and process the tag prior to opening another envelope.
$evie6 re*uest and if rabies vaccination certificate and c!ec7 are correct Verify rabies certificate is valid. Verify chec3 is for correct amount. #f chec3 is correct, immediately stamp chec3s with City of Corpus Christi endorsement. Stamp received date on rabies vaccination certificate. 6rite on certificate @ form of payment, chec3 number and dollar amount.
Assign office staff to process registration paperwor3. "nter animal tag information into Animal 7icense database. "nter chec3s 4or cash5 into receipt log. ?ave system generate a receipt. &ut rabies vaccination certificate in return envelope. &ut city tag in return envelope. Separate three part receipts 4one copy goes to owner, one copy for Shelter file and last copy is shredded5. &ut owner registration receipt in return envelope. #nsert donation form in return envelope. &ut envelope into outgoing mail. &aper clip all related documents. &rint a license report and attach to the daily cash report. ?ave Supervisor compare total dollar amount of tags processed to log receipt. ?ave Supervisor review and sign daily cash report by license amount. &ut envelopes in outgoing mail. Mont!l", run a license report and give to a Supervisor.
If rabies vaccination or c!ec7 is incorrectJ Attach chec3 and rabies certificate to form letter reAuesting correction and resubmission of registration reAuest. C. Process for =al7%Ins 9eAuest citiBen to provide rabies vaccination certificate and verify certificate is correct
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures &.1# #nform citiBen of cost. 9eceive payment as noted in cash handling section. "nter animal tag information into Animal 7icense database. ?ave system generate a receipt. >ive rabies vaccination and rabies certificate bac3 to citiBen. >ive city tag to citiBen. >ive receipt to citiBen. "nter amount of money for tags on license receipt log. #f incorrect, e8plain to customer what further action has to ta3e place to process registration.
Cas! 3andling
The procedures for handling revenue and receipts collected by the Animal Shelter are to be followed by all staff collecting money. A. Commingling of Mone" There is to be no commingling of personal money with city money, no cas!ing of a personal c!ec7, no cashing of customer chec3s, and no use of shelter money to ma3e personal change. 9. Cas!ier Start -p 2eginning morning shift, one employee counts out the daily amount reAuired by the Administrative Assistant Supervisor and reAuests another employee to re-count the money. The Supervisor cashier will count the cash in front of another staff member prior to putting the cash in the cash drawer. The cashier is responsible for the cash drawer assigned to them. "ach cashier will place the fee receipt and money in their cash drawer. The cash drawer is to be 3ept loc3ed at all times when not in use. #f the cashier leaves the lobby area to go on brea3, meeting, etc., the cashier is to 3eep their 3ey with them, or give it to the Supervisor. 6hen leaving for lunch, sic3ness, or off-site meetings the cashier is to log out of the Animal Shelter System. count out the cash bo8. have another staff member count the money. if both agree on total of money put the money into an envelope indicating the amount. both staff counting the money should initial the envelope.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures C. &ut the envelope into a loc3ed money bag. >ive the loc3ed money bag to Supervisor to be put into the safe.
Cas!ier $eceiving Mone" #f a citiBen pays with chec3, please reAuest the citiBen to provide their driver=s license or a valid form of identification. <n credit card transactions indicate animal id number on Shelter copy of the credit card receipt. $ee reconciliation log 4in e8hibit5 reAuires staff to enter type of payment 4cash, credit card or chec35 and indicate the animal id number for the transaction. 1. Cas! % 6hen cash is received do not place it into cash drawer until The money is recounted in the presence of the customer. Count bac3 any change due. "nter amount into Shelter system. >ive customer their receipt. . C!ec7s 'a3e sure the chec3 is payable to Cit" of Corpus C!risti. Verify dollar amounts are written for correct amount. Chec3 is signed. <btain personal information as reAuired by City (raw + lines above the name and document the following. (river=s 7icense ;umber. "8piration (ate. (ate of 2irth. <fficer #.(. number. Stamp immediately with City of Corpus Christi endorsement stamp.
2.
Cas! ;ee $econciliation S!eet To assist with cash reconciliation there is a (ee /econciliation :og so staff can document all cash transactions. (ocument information on the sheet with the following information (ate. "mployee #( V. 9eceipt V. Type transaction 4credit card, cash, chec35.
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Animal #( V. Type of transaction 4adoption, redemption, miscellaneous, donations5.
).
Cas! 9alancing (aily, the cashier or appropriate staff will balance Shelter=s cash register. 9un the daily activity report. Count out the initial beginning balance of the cash bo8. >ive the beginning balance to Supervisor and have them count the beginning balance 4remember to retain smaller bills for ne8t days change5. #f both agree that the amount is accurate, have Supervisor sign the chain of custody log. &lace money in an envelope. Cashier and Supervisor will initial envelope. #ndicate amount in the envelope. &ut envelope in a money bag. Supervisor will put envelope into the loc3ed safe or cash drawer.
Separate cash and chec3s. Count amounts and verify against daily activity reports. Count and run a ten-3ey tape on currency by denomination and rubber band currency together in descending denomination and put coins in small envelope. 9un a ten-3ey tape for all chec3s. #f totals match daily report, initial the report. ?ave the second person count cash and chec3s in your presence. <ther staff should indicate the dollar amount and initial the report by the cashier=s initials. #f money does not agree with daily reports, verify all amounts with the report to determine differences. #f this can=t be readily identified, notify Supervisor on duty. Supervisor or appropriate staff will count money in presence of cashier and indicate amount on the daily cash report. Total cash should agree with the daily shelter report, but if it does not agree, the Supervisor or appropriate staff will put the correct amount collected and indicate an Eoverage or underF as appropriate. #f time does not permit preparing the deposit, two employees will count the cash, indicate total cash and loc3 up the cash so deposit can be reconciled the following wor3 day. After reconciliation a staff member will ta3e deposit to the Accounting (epartment.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures ;. Cas!ier Obtaining C!ange #n the event a cashier has to have additional change, they will give cash to another staff person to get change. The person going after change must sign a change receipt forms indicating they received cash. The signed receipt should be given bac3 to the cashier. The cashier will put signed receipt into cash drawer. This receipt serves notice as to where the cash is, and if City conducts an audit or if the money is lost, the cashier has a receipt showing chain of custody for the money. The 'anager or the City=s #nternal Audit (epartment performs periodic audits without notice. #f an audit is performed, the cler3 is never to leave the person auditing the cash alone with cash or receipts. <nce the audit is complete, cashier will sign the cash validation sheet. #f there is a discrepancy, the discrepancy is to be noted on the validation sheet and signed by cashier and auditor. :. Credit Card Procedure Animal Shelter allows payment by 'asterCard, or Visa. CitiBen will give their credit card for staff to process as follows &ress credit and scan their card. &ut in the dollar amount and hit enter 3ey. 6ait for approval. Scanner prints two receiptsH one is for customer and one for customer to sign. Signed copy is 3ept by Animal Services. "nd of day do the following &rint Total and (etail reports. $ollowing day staff will run a settlement prior to processing any transactions. 3. 2ail" 2eposit A standard for handling revenue is important because it safeguards all money and promotes efficiency and effectiveness. #t also provides management with accurate and reliable information and provides early detection of errors and irregularities. The daily deposit must be completed each day before the office closes. ?owever due to some unforeseen problems such as computer down or staffing shortages the deposit may not be completed. Staff preparing daily deposits should be familiar with City Accounting Policy and Procedure. A copy of this procedure can be obtained from the Accounting (epartment. "very customer is to receive a computer generated receipt or if the system is down, a three part manual receipt boo3 will be used. Customer will receive one copy, original will be sent with the deposit and one copy will be retained in the receipt boo3. ;o "8ceptions. #f the customer indicates they do not want a receipt, the
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures cashier should inform them that it is the Shelter=s policy to give them a receipt. #n the event the computer system goes down, all payments from the three part manual receipts for that time period will be entered into the Shelter=s system. The three part manual receipt number will be referenced in the Shelter system. P)*&) +& 2*V*-2 +3E C'!+&4E) ( )ECE*P+, VE)*5# +3(+ +3E D&66() (4&'-+ &- +3E )ECE*P+ E7'(6! +3E D&66() (4&'-+ )ECE*VED. &.1' Complaint Calls
6hoever receives an animal complaint call is responsible for ta3ing the call, and entering the complaint into the system so a complaint case number is assigned. This person is also responsible for giving the complaint to the dispatcher. 'ost calls will come in through the Call Center. 2O AOT T$AAS;)$ COMP@AIAT CA@@S. #f you answer the phone, be the one who ta3es the information and enters it into the call load for the day. Transferring calls is an unnecessary hassle for the customer as well as the call-ta3er. All complaints are to be documented on a two-part carbonless phone message boo3 or calls ta3en by the dispatched will be documented on dispatcher log. Since there is no way of erasing calls from the computer system the dispatcher can ta3e a call and enter the call directly into the cad system. After entering the complaint call into the system, the $ield <fficer should immediately be dispatched the call. The dispatcher should provide the <fficer with the complaint number and type of complaint. Answer complaint calls within -0 hours of receiving the call, unless it is a call needing immediate assistance such as a cruelty call. The complaint is closed only after ;otifying the complainant of action by calling, or face-to-face meeting. The City license and vaccination are currentH if not, a five day warning is standard. The disposition area in Shelter software is filled in and animal information entered.
&rior to <fficers turning in their daily wor3sheets to Administrative staff, they should document complaint status into the computer system. Any incomplete complaint call should be noted and a report given to the Supervisor. ;ote: Prior to putting any complaints into Officer<s mail 'o!, please chec$ the schedule to assure the Officer is &or$ing for the ne!t three days due to the +3 hour rule. &.1( 2angerous and Vicious 42&V5
Staff must first research the incident before a citiBen files a (&V affidavit. &er City <rdinance, Dangerous animal means any animal that
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures ). 'a3es an unprovo3ed attac3 on a person that causes bodily inDury and occurs in a place other than an enclosure in which the animals was being 3ept and that was reasonably certain to prevent the animal from leaving the enclosure on its ownH or +. Commits unprovo3ed acts in a place other than an enclosure in which the animal was being 3ept and that was reasonably certain to prevent the animal from leaving the enclosure on its own and those acts cause a person to reasonably believe that the animal will attac3 and cause bodily inDury to that personH or ,. ?as attac3ed and bitten another animal without provocation on one 4)5 previous occasion. #f the above has been met, the citiBen can come to the shelter and file an affidavit with an administrative staff member. The affidavit is notariBed by a notary public. The &rogram 'anager determines the date on which the hearing will be held. 7etters are typed by an administrative staff member and hand delivered by an Animal Services <fficer to both the complainant as well as the owner of the animal4s5. The owner of the animal4s5 must then have the animal in a Auarantine environment pending the outcome of the hearing. &.1& 2ispatc!er 2uties
Administrative operations will dispatch <fficers notification of fuel sites that are out of service, road closures, weather, etc. <ther duties performed by the dispatcher are as follows ?andling radio operations and dispatching calls to $ield <fficers. 'aintaining dispatch reports. $iling. Scanning. Chec3ing voice mail every thirty 4,C5 minutes. #nputting calls into the computer. Assisting staff with tag registrations, answering phones, customer service. &rocessing animal adoptions and impounds. A. )mergenc" calls Calls involving an urgent situation such as animal attac3s, animal bites, inDured animals, or high-ris3 wildlife inside the home should be responded to on a priority one basis. "mergency calls will be communicated to supervisory staff. 9. Stra" animal calls Animals at-large are considered a priority but not above the emergency-type call. &ublic contact is important. #t shall be the responsibility of the responding <fficer to ma3e phone contact with the complainant or if complainant gives approval for
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures the <fficer to visit with them then the <fficer should stop by the complainant=s residence and visit with them. C. 2ead animal calls This includes animals that are deceased on public roadways, private and public property, and veterinarian pic3-ups. These types of calls are a low priority, but do need to be attended to as soon as possible. <wned deceased animals should be brought to Animal Services by the owner. 2. Complaint calls Complainant calls consist of restraint, sanitation, noise, livestoc3, wildlife, cruelty. <fficers should respond to these calls within forty-eight 4-05 hours unless immediate attention is needed. The complaints are currently entered into Shelter=s computer and trac3ed accordingly. (ue to diplomacy necessary in handling complaint calls, each <fficer is cautioned as to the possibility of an adverse reaction. Contact with citiBens whose animals are the cause of a complaint shall be made aware that a complaint has been filed with this office. They should be informed as to the nature of the complaint and precautionary steps they might ta3e to correct the problem. E+he na"e of the infor"ant "ay not be given out, because they do not fall under the &pen )ecords (ct of +exas.8 A written warning or citation will be issued if violations are noted. A follow-up call to complainants is recommended within seventy-two 4/+5 hours to notify of complaint status or remedy to close the complaint. &.1+ 2onations
All donations will be recorded on the donation boo3 in the front office. 9eceipts must be used for all donations given to the shelter. 'onetary donations should not be ta3en. The receipt should include the following (ate. (onor name. (onor Address. Type of (onation. Ouantity of (onation. Staff name receiving donation. #f the donor is ma3ing more than one donation, a receipt should be given for each type of donation, so the Auantity can be recorded. The original copy of the receipt is given to the donor, one copy is given to Administrative staff, and the other copy is left in the receipt boo3. Administrative staff will receive the donation amount into inventory and list as donations. Additionally, monthly the Administrative Assistant should ta3e the donation receipts and
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures document in a separate computer program listing all donations, donor, addresses, etc. A copy of this monthly report will be emailed to 'anagement. (epending on the donation 4birthday party or scout troop collecting donations5, staff may need to send a than3 you ac3nowledgement. All monetary donations should be processed through Shelter software, and a receipt issued to the donor for purposes of declaring said donation as a charitable contribution. &.1. )ducational Programs
Assigned Administrative staff will be the primary education facilitator and will initiate public education programs to increase awareness regarding services offered at the Corpus Christi Animal Shelter. Classes will be offered for schools, day cares, utility companies, adult groups, homeowners associations, and community programs. A bac3-up Administrative staff will be 3ept updated should the primary not be available. &.1/ )valuating S!elter 2ogs The e8hibit section of this manual contains the E2ehavioral Safer Test 6or3sheetF and ETemperament "valuation for (ogsF that can be used for evaluating shelter dogs to determine adoptability. ;o staff should negatively e8press opinions regarding decisions made regarding evaluated animals, if the evaluation differs from their opinions. &. 0 ;ee Posting
Shelter fees for adoptions, redemptions, daily board and animal registration will be conspicuously posted where citiBens can readily view. These fees should also be posted on the Shelter=s web site. $ees are established by the City Council. &. 1 ;ees
Animal Shelter fees are approved by City Council and are listed in City <rdinance section regulating Animal Services. Current fees charged are listed in the e8hibit section of this manual. 'ost of the time there is no charge for &rotective Custody Animals however, each impound will be reviewed to determine if fees are charged. Any reduction or elimination of fees for adoptions, impounds, Auarantine or rescue groups must have written approval from management. &. ;iling
Administrative staff will maintain files for all 3ennel cards and records associated with shelter animals. This includes adoptions, steriliBation, euthanasia, and releases, daily deposits, <fficer daily wor3sheets, complaints, 79CA incidents reports, citations, warnings and other pertinent paperwor3. &. # :ift Certificates
>ift Certificates or sponsored pets are available for purchase and are also used if an animal is returned for health reasons. &AAC is currently handling this process.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures &. ' Imaging 2ocuments
Administrative staff will be responsible for scanning original documents relating to animal records into the appropriate e-cabinet file. (ocuments imaged should include manual documents associated with a 3ennel card. This eliminates staff time searching for lost records because imaging will retain records needed to produce animal files. Staff will scan according to the procedure on how to scan documents into the e-cabinet. Administrative staff maintains a copy of these procedures. #mages will be stored at a secure off-site records storage facility.
&. (
Internet Posting of Animals
Shelter=s #nternet website should be updated as needed by City 6ebmaster and Animal Shelter liaison. Animals available for adoption should have photographs posted on the Shelter=s &et $inder J &et ?arbor website so citiBens can view available adoptable animals. &osting of animals on Craigslist, "bay&ets or other public sites is discouraged at this time. &. & Inventor"
Administrative Assistant is responsible for ordering supplies as reAuested by staff, according to the City<s Purchasing Procedure and maintaining inventory records for Administrative Supplies, $ield <peration Supplies, and :ennel <peration Supplies. 2ail"B staff will submit donation receipts 4donation amounts should be added to the shelter inventory5, pac3ing lists and any other adDustment sheets to Administrative staff. =ee7l", staff will submit inventory logs indicating inventory Auantities to Administrative staff. Administrative staff will trac3 all inventory in an automated database 4Access or "8cel5. At a minimum, information trac3ed should include the following (ate. ;ame of inventory item. %nit of issue. Ouantity on hand. Ouantity received. Ouantity issued. #ssued to 4name5. 2alance. Comment area. This would be used to specify length of time to obtain or any other needed information.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures After balances are entered into the automated system, Administrative Assistants should review all inventory balances and, if needed, submit reAuisitions to purchase supplemental amounts so as to maintain appropriate operating levels. &urchased items should be received by a Supervisor or staff not responsible for ordering supplies. ?aving different staff perform purchasing functions will allow a separation of duties between ordering, receiving, and approving payment. Staff will physically verify Auantities received and confirm that described items match the purchase order. Staff should sign and date the pac3ing list or invoice. This paperwor3 will be given to the Senior Administrative Assistant or Administrative Assistant to receive into the automated accounting and purchasing system. Some items need refrigerated upon receipt and the person signing the invoice should inspect and immediately refrigerate. A. Administrative Supplies Copy paper. Citations. City animal license tags. City animal rabies tags. (etergent - automatic dishwasher. "nvelopes - Animal 9egistration. "nvelopes $ile folders. $orms Animal profileJCustodian release forms. (oor tags - +- and -0 hour notice to contact. (onation forms. ;otice to appear. <fficer wor3sheets. 6arning. Veterinarian animal pic3up. 7etterhead Stationary. <ffice Supplies. &aper - perforated receipts for animal tags. &aper Towels.
9.
;ield Operation Supplies 2lac3 trash bags. 2uc3et for hand towels. >loves, when replacement necessary.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures C. "Auipment, when replacement is necessary.
Cennel Inventor" (. Animal ;ood Cat $ood @ Adult. (og $ood @ Adults. :itten $ood. &uppy $ood.
. Operation Supplies Air freshener. Cat litter. Cat litter pans. Cleaning. 2room. >lass cleaner. ;oBBle for ?oses. &aper Towels. &ine Sol 4or eAuivalent5. SAueegees. Stainless Steel Cleaner. (etergent @ liAuid. (etergent @ powder. (ishwashing soap. >rooming. Shampoo - (og $lea. Shampoo - Cat $lea. &ooper Scoopers. SanitiBing. 2leach. &ursuit or comparable. A' Ouat or comparable. ?and cleaner. Tape @ pac3ing tape. Trash 2ags. Nip loc3 bags.
2.
Veterinar" Services Supplies
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Veterinary clinic will be accountable for maintaining inventory records for the SteriliBation &rogram and medication for animals. 2ail", the VC will inventory supplies. VC will send supply list to the Administrative Supervisor. Administrative staff is responsible for ordering VC supplies. Antibiotics. >loves, mas3s, gowns. ?eartworm and $eline 7eu3emia Tests. <8ygen. SanitiBer. Schedule ## drugs. Surgical supplies. Sutures. Vaccinations.
&. +
@ost $eports
Animal Shelter maintains a bulletin board for citiBens to post animals. CitiBens are reAuested to come in person to submit the information for the lost report and if possible bring a picture of their lost pet to attach with the lost report . ;o staff is to ta3e a lost report over the phone. The flyer is removed after ,C days. &. . @ost?Stra"?;ound
<fficers impound strays in the field and citiBens find animals and bring to the Shelter. 'a8imum efforts to identify and locate the owner of an animal should be instituted by Animal Services personnel. Staff members or <fficers obtaining animals should chec3 and trace any e8isting tags, tattoos, microchips, or any other type of identification. Strays should be cross-referenced against the 7ost and $ound board. 'icrochip scanning will occur at the Animal Services facility regardless whether the animal is a stray or is owner surrendered. #f identification is found, staff members or <fficers will attempt, within twenty-four 4+-5 hours, as stated under Section --)0 4a5, to contact the appropriate agent or person that the identification is registered to, so that they can obtain owner information. #f owner information is obtained, the owner should be notified by phone, voice mail, door tag, andJor in person and these attempts to notify the owner should be documented on the 3ennel card. At least two attempts should be made to notify the owner of an impounded stray animal.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures 7ost, stray, and found impounded animals will be placed in stray 3ennels and held for three 4,5 calendar days so owners have the opportunity to redeem them. 2oarding fees will be charged for business days 4open to the public5 only. <ne day 4or any part of any day5 consists of the +--hour period from )+ C) a.m. to )) *1 p.m. &. / @$CA 4@ocal $abies Control Aut!orit"5 Incident $eports
#ncident 4biteJscratchJe8posure5 reports are to be done in any instance where a person or pet may have come into contact with one of the five rabies carrying species 4bat, coyote, fo8, raccoon, and s3un35. #f possible contact e8ists with above five, the animal will be submitted for testing. (epending on the circumstance other domestic and livestoc3 may reAuire ship and test. #f an animal reAuires euthanasia prior to ship and test, please indicate the amount of 2euthanasia - fatal plus used on the bac3 of incident report. <fficers ta3ing a ship-and-test specimen to >reyhound for shipment, please ma3e sure date ta3en to >reyhound is noted on the bac3 of incident report under E?ead shippedF and include your initials and date. 2ite J Cruelty <fficers will be in charge of the 79CA observations twice a day. <n wee3ends or days Shelter is closed, <fficer on duty is to chec3 and update 79CA observations. 2elow is a guideline to assist <fficer who is daily updating the 79CA boo3. The <fficer who does the 79CA observation needs to go through each 79CA sheet. #f the animal is in the shelter, indicate that you chec3ed the animal for the day you are doing the sheet and indicate a.m. or p.m. #f the animal is at a vet=s office and it is a * day chec3 or )C day release, please call the vet and mar3 accordingly. Shelter does not call vets everyday @ only on the )st, *th and )Cth day for the release. #f the animal is a stray and <fficers need to patrol, ma3e a copy of that report and hand it to the dispatcher so that dispatcher can contact an <fficer to patrol. #f you find the EstrayF animal, bring it bac3 to the shelter, log it in and mar3 the boo3 accordingly. #f <fficer has time, ta3e the animal by the victim=s house for them to identify to ma3e sure we have the correct animal in Auarantine or ta3e photos and email to the victim. #f <fficer does not have time to ta3e the animal by victim=s residence, please call the victim once you arrive bac3 at the shelter and ma3e arrangements for them to identify the animal. 'ost importantly, please ma3e sure that you read A77 the notes on the bac3 of the report before calling an owner in the morning. #f arrangements have been made by another <fficer for the owner to bring the animal in or have it at a vet=s office by a certain time later that day, do not call them
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures again until after that arranged time. >ive the owner time to comply with the arrangements they have already been given. <n the final day of Auarantine, call and or mar3 the appropriate place on the report @ the victim M-ST be called to notify them that the animal has cleared Auarantine. #f the animal is a stray, and we have not apprehended the animal, advise victim to consult their physician. #f the animal is owned, call the owner to let them 3now they may pic3 up their animal. #f the animal is owned and at the shelter Auarantine, call the victim and the owner @ then place the report in the Epending things to doF bo8 so that when the owner comes to pic3 up their animal, staff can write down the registration number and also the receipt number on the bac3 of report. After that is completed, please place bac3 in that same bo8 so staff, if necessary may fill out the (S?S report. #f their animal is being Auarantined at a vet=s office, remind them about city registration.
Ship-and-test results should be attached to the 79CA incident report located under pending E(S?SF results located in the bac3 of 79CA boo3. All completed 79CA reports need to be signed by a Senior <fficer prior to being scanned or filed. #f the owner of Auarantine animals brings their animal4s5 to the shelter, Administrative staff will notify them of all charges and any possible citations. <therwise, biteJcruelty officers will mail a pre-notification letter to all owners of animals in Auarantine at the Shelter. The letter advises <wners of Auarantine fees due, registration fees due and if citations will be issued, etc. This benefits Animal Services Staff and the <wner as the <wner will 3now the charges prior to getting their animal out of Auarantine. A copy of the letter will be filed with the incident report. &.#0 Medical Information in S!elter Soft6are
Staff can input medical reAuests, microchip information, and medical records into the Shelter=s system. This allows Shelter veterinarian staff to review or print out information. 'edical records will remain in the system regardless of where animal is moved. Staff can also enter owner surrender medical records on this screen. This information prints on the 3ennel card and allows staff to inform potential adopters of medical treatment and history. 2elow are instructions for entering medical information into the Shelter software. &.#1 Micro C!ipping , Procedure to micro c!ip an animal
"ach microchip pac3et has a needle with the microchip already in the needle, four barcodes, and plastic yellow identification tag printed with the microchip number, vet file
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures card, prepaid business reply envelope, and manufacturer enrollment form. <nce the animal is inDected with the microchip do the following "nter the microchip number into Animal Shelter system. Attach one barcode to the EVet file cardF found in the microchip pac3et and reAuest the owner to fill out pertinent information on this card. 6hen owner completes the card place the EVet file cardF in the Epending things to doF so the EVet file cardF can be filed in the Shelter=s file. &lace another bar code on the manufacturer=s enrollment form and instruct the owner to send the enrollment form with appropriate registration fee to the manufacturer. >ive the other two bar codes to the owner. 2efore the owner leaves with their animal, please scan the animal to verify that the microchip is in place and scans properly.
&.#
Open records Cost
Te8as Administrative Code establishes ECharges for &roviding Copies of &ublic #nformationF. &eople often as3 Ehow much does this cost.F Gour standard rely should be to contact the City Secretary to discuss fees. <pen records reAuests will come with a billable form attached. &lease submit the form to the City Secretaries office or reAuestor and they will discuss fee Auestions with the person reAuesting the documents. &.## Open $ecords $e*uest
The &ublic #nformation Act was adopted by the Te8as 7egislature to ensure the public has access to documents relating to operations of its governments. Any form of 6ritten reAuest should be accepted as a reAuest for public information, regardless if the reAuest is emailed, fa8ed or received in the mail. There is no legal reAuirement that any reAuest be notariBed and any reAuirement to do so may be construed as an unlawful delay in responding to a reAuest for public information. "ach written reAuest is processed case by case. 9eAuests are received through the City Secretaries office. All reAuests for information must be made in 6riting and must specify e8actly what they are reAuesting. &lease use the received stamp on the reAuest and note the date it was received.
&ages 0C of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures All reAuests for records are given to the Manager or Supervisor and a copy of this reAuest forwarded to the (epartment ?ead. Staff has ten business da"s to respond to an open records reAuest. The (ivision can charge for copies and for time in preparing the documentation. #f unsure of charges, chec3 with City Secretary office to obtain latest fees that should be charged.
Incident 4bite?scratc!?e1posure5 reports @ when processing a reAuest for information regarding an incident report, you can only provide the name and address. Gou must bloc3 out &hone numbers. (river=s license number. (ate of birth of any individual. O6nerEs Address - #f someone calls finding an animal with city registration ta3e their name and phone number. S!elter staff 6ill contact t!e o6ner and reAuest them contact the finder. "o not provide the finder &ith any information. $egistration Information @ Shelter cannot release registration information to persons or companies desiring a mailing list. 9egistry of dogs and cats is confidential information per ?ealth and Safety code 0+..C,)). #f there is a Auestion whether information is e8empted from the &ublic #nformation Act, contact the City Secretaries office. &.#' O6ner 2efinition
State law states a person is ownerJguardian of an animal if they housed or fed an animal for seventy-two 4/+5 hours. City <rdinance defines the owner as someone who has ta3en care of the animal for at least three 4,5 days. <ften time=s people will feed an animal out of pity and then resort to contacting animal control when they cannot locate the owner of an animal. %se discretion and understand that penaliBing someone for trying to do the right thing is not good customer service. Always provide them with the local rescue contacts and offer to put them on the <wner Surrender waiting list. &.#( O6ner $edemption
<wner redeemed animals are those animals that are being claimed by their owner after being impounded. All <wner 9edemption information will be entered into the Animal Shelter system. The owner may claim animals by completing the following Acting as the responsible party by signing the redemption receipt. $urnishing a valid drivers licenseJidentification. 2eing at least )0 years of age.
&ages 0) of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures &aying impound and boarding fees. The daily board fee will be charged for Ebusiness daysF 4when the Shelter is open to the public5. $or two owned animals in the same 3ennel, the charge is calculated as if only one animal. Animals brought to the Shelter and <wner is at the Shelter and <fficer transfers the animal from their truc3 to the <wner is not charged the boarding fee. <nce an animal is put into a 3ennel boarding fee will be charged. &roviding proof of current 9abies Vaccination or receiving a citation or warning.
Current City 9egistration would allow staff to 3now that rabies vaccination proof had been submitted when City tags were issued. #f rabies vaccination or current registration cannot be shown, staff will issue a written warning 4if it is the first impound5, and allow owner to ta3e their animal4s5. This allows the owner to redeem their animal4s5 and provides them with seven days to acAuire a rabies vaccination for the animal4s5. #f the owner returns within seven days to show proof of rabies vaccination and purchases a City 9egistration 4if they live in Corpus Christi5, then the warning will be closed and scanned. <therwise, a regular citation will be issued by the <fficer who wrote the warning. All <wner 9edemption information will be entered into the Animal Shelter system. &.#& O6ner Surrender
Staff receiving an animal will reAuire <wner to complete an animal profile sheet 4e8hibit section - bac3ground information for canine or feline5 prior to entering information into Shelter system. 9eason for this is to discuss the animal4s5 health, behavior and other issues with the owners. 2ased on this discussion the animal may not be suitable for adoption. At this point the owner should be informed that the animal will have to go to a rescue group or ma" be euthaniBed. Staff cannot promise or guarantee that the animal will go to rescue. After discussing issues and alternatives with the owner they may decide to 3eep their animal. #f so, staff should offer available literature to help address a wide variety of behavior issues and if necessary, staff can suggest the owner discuss the animal=s behavior with a &AAC or educational coordinator. #f the <wner decides to surrender the animal then staff will process the animal into the system. Corpus Christi residents surrendering an animal should have a valid driver=s license or valid identification and a copy of this identification should be attached to the animals 3ennel card. This would prove valuable in case an animal has been possibly stolen or involved in a domestic dispute. #t is the responsibility of staff to inform citiBens that euthanasia is a possible outcome, and Animal Shelter staff 6ill not follow-up with phone calls to discuss the disposition of their
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures animal. #f the owner has released the animal to Animal Services, they have given up their ownership rights. #f the animal is deemed adoptable the following should be performed. Appropriate medical testing and shots performed when funding is available. Animal will be moved into appropriate adoption area. :ennel card created. #f the animal is not adoptable refer to Section /.+ - Animal Assessment. &.#+ Protective Custod" Impounds
Staff should indicate on the 3ennel card why an animal is in protective custody. &rotective custody animals will be 3ept for a period of ten 4)C5 business days. %pon completion of the time provided, if no other arrangements have been made with the Animal Care Services (ivision, a petition will be brought to the City of Corpus Christi 'unicipal Court for review and reAuest custody release to the City of Corpus Christi Animal Shelter for ownership. Some reasons to have protective custody impounds are owners are incarcerated or unable to care for their animal due to mental or physical conditions. #mpounds from deceased owners are property of the estate and should be cared for until written notification can be obtained from the e8ecutor of the estate. The e8ecutor should be sent a certified letter informing them they can claim the animals, release the animals to the shelter or indicate who will be claiming the animals. %sually there is no charge for protective custody impounds, however, each case will be reviewed to determine if any fees are due. &.#. Huarantine ;acilit" @icense
Te8as (epartment of State ?ealth Services 4(S?S5 Chapter 0+,.CC,4d5 reAuires the shelter to employ a veterinarian yearly to inspect the shelter to assure that the facility complies with Chapter 0+,. The veterinarian will file copies with the shelter and the State. Appropriate administrative staff will maintain a file of these reports and will be responsible to contact (S?S, or the appropriate persons, to remind them when an inspection is due. &.#/ $escue :roups % Contact
Animals at t!e S!elter over ten business da"s (aily, all animals should be reviewed to determine how long they have been at the shelter. "very effort should be made to find homes for animals that have been at the Shelter the longest. If animals !ave been at t!e S!elter for at least si1 adoptable da"s t!en staff ma" contact $escues. <therwise, :ennel staff and VC are most familiar with animals and should be the staff to recommend 4via e-mail or phone5 contacting 9escue >roups
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures regarding possible rescue adoptions. 9escue >roups may be contacted via phone call, email, or other means by authoriBed staff. "fforts must be documented on each 3ennel card that a rescue was notified. #f a 9escue >roup indicates they want an animal, staff can indicate on the 3ennel card and cage when the animal will be pic3ed up. #f the 9escue >roup can=t pic3up the animal by the specified date then they must notify the shelter, in writing, when they will ta3e the animal. #f a rescue group is unable to ta3e said animal within a ten da" 4105 period 4or the assessed time frame5, then two offsite adoptions will be set up within a month. After these attempts are given then the said animal will be re-evaluated and placed in a Aualified foster home, transferred to another Shelter or may be euthaniBed due to space, temperament and health.
Animal disposition due to disease outbrea7s %nfortunately, unhealthy stray animals eventually will be brought into the Shelter and staff will e8perience times when these animals e8pose healthy Shelter animals to various diseases. >ood cleaning and reducing cross-contamination reduces but will never eliminate animal e8posure to these diseases. (ue to the Shelter=s limited area for putting incoming animals and the timeframe for e8posure to diseases such as distemper and parvo, VC should immediately inform staff via e-mail the seriousness of any diseases. <nce the e8tent of disease is determined the VC, Senior <fficer and 'anagement should ma3e a determination for all new incoming animals. #f a decision is made not to accept any incoming animals or to let e8isting animals go to rescue or foster homes an e-mail will be sent to appropriate staff to immediately contact rescue groups and inform them of the Shelter=s circumstance. Anytime there is an outbrea3, it will be reviewed and the Shelter=s veterinarian prior to ma3ing decisions regarding euthanasia, foster homes or rescue groups. Sic7 or Aggressive Animals ;ormally, sic3 animals may not be released due to the public safety and possible cross contamination to outside healthy animals. ?owever, some rescue have funding to ta3e these sic3 animals directly to a Veterinarian Clinic and if staff discusses the Animal=s health with the group and they can provide medical treatment then this will be documented and the animal could be released to the rescue group. Aggressive animals 6ill not be released to an"one. T!e" are a liabilit" and a possible public danger. &.'0 S!elter%To%S!elter $eleases
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures &artnerships will be sought between local municipal shelters to provide added visibility for highly adoptable animals. A release of an animal from one shelter to another will reAuire disposition status changed to released to another Shelter. The CCACS will release animals to local municipal agencies 6it!out c!arge. Animal Services will accept animals from other shelters with written approval by 'anagement. 6hen rescue people or volunteers transfer animals from other shelters to our Shelter these people need to get as much history for the animal4s5 and if possible get a copy of the animal=s 3ennel card. All staff should receive an e-mail from whoever ma3es the decision to do the transfer. #f a Senior <fficer or 'anager agrees to the transfer then they are responsible to notify via e-mail to all animal shelter staff that the animal is being transferred to our Shelter. The person transferring the animal should be willing to submit a copy of their identification and state the name of Shelter staff authoriBing the transfer. The Shelter has many new employees and they are not going to 3now all the rescue people, volunteers or other persons ma3ing transfers without being sent the e-mail regarding the transfer. #f there is no e-mail then the person releasing the animal will be treated as an owner. &.'1 Sterili>ation Program
SteriliBation of an animal is reAuired under Te8as State law, 9.%.C.A., 2ealth and Safety, Chapter 3*3. A steriliBation program is available which allows adoptable animals to be steriliBed at the shelter. This eliminates countless hours of trac3ing, issuing citations for non-compliance, and court times. All *ualified dogs and cats will be steriliBed prior to adoption, especially pure breed animals that are highly adoptable. #n certain circumstances animals including pure breed may be adopted prior to steriliBation if approved by :ennel 'aster of &rogram 'anager. This could be due to disease, sic3, too young, or space limitations. These circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. #f an animal is not steriliBed prior to adoption, Administrative staff will process the steriliBation agreement and inform the owner they can call bac3 and schedule the animal=s surgery prior to the date on the contract. Administrative staff will send two courtesy reminders prior to issuing a steriliBation citation. The contract will be filed in Epending contractF file. #f the contract is still not complied then staff will issue a citation. CitiBens that fail to comply with their steriliBation contract will receive a steriliBation citation. &.' Training Classes , Sc!eduling for Staff
The City=s &rofessional (evelopment Center promotes many training programs each month. Staff will be scheduled periodically for City Staff (evelopment as well as attend internal training developed by the &rogram 'anager. Te8as (epartment of ?ealth Chapter 0+,.CC-, allows the 2oard of ?ealth to prescribe standards and charge reasonable fees for training animal shelter personnel. Administrative <perations staff will be responsible for
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures monitoring all staff training. This will ensure that Te8as (epartment of ?ealth training classes and other reAuired training is documented to retain certifications. &.'# Trap Issuance
Animal Services provides residents with use of live bo8-traps. CitiBens with valid identification 4current driverLs license5 chec3 out a loaner trap when available. Traps will not be delivered unless the trap is for an elderly or disabled citiBen and with management approval. At the time of trap chec3 out, the resident must sign a Trap Agreement $orm. Animals 4opossums, raccoons & steriliBed feral cats5 may be relocated no more than ten miles away from the residence and released or if needed returned to the shelter for euthanasia. &rocedure to issue traps is listed below. (etermine what type of trap is needed and get the appropriate trap for the citiBen then have citiBen submit one of t!e follo6ing identifications. <btain driver=s license from citiBen, with local Corpus Christi address. 6aterJelectric bill with CC address. 7easeJmortgage with CC address. 2usiness card with a CC address. $ill out trap reAuest form 4copy in e8hibit section of manual5 with the following information Trap number. Type of trap. Chec3 out date and due date. CitiBen signature. CitiBen ;ame. CitiBen address. CitiBen home telephone number. CitiBen wor3 or cell phone number. CitiBen Te8as (river 7icense number. CitiBen date of birth. Shelter staff chec3ing out trap. CitiBen signature. 'a3e a copy of the citiBen=s driver license and attach with the trap reAuest and do the following >ive citiBen trap. >ive citiBen copy of trap information instructions. >ive citiBen copy of bait to be used in trap. &ut the trap number and due date on the trap information instructions. Show the citiBen how to use the trap.
&ages 0. of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures After entering all information into the computer, file the paperwor3 in trap number slot in file cabinet. As3 citiBen to pay the reAuired T)C.CC non-refundable fee in the form of a chec3, cash, or credit card. >ive the citiBen a receipt. 6hen citiBen returns the trap or when officers pic3 the trap up in the field, pull original trap reAuest and ma3e sure trap number matches. #f citiBen wants another trap and trap is available they may immediately chec3 out another trap. <therwise, staff should advise them that no traps are available and they will be placed on a waitlist. &.'' Veterinarian 9illing
Currently, Veterinarian offices can bring deceased animals to the Shelter or $ield <fficers can pic3 up deceased animals from Veterinarian clinics. The charge is outlined in the City <rdinances. $ield <fficers use a two part receipt for animals pic3ed up. Attach the original Veterinarian receipt for deceased animal pic3ups to your wor3sheet and leave the clinic the second copy. Administrative staff maintains a file of these receipts and monthly prepares one detail invoice for each Veterinarian=s office. &.'( Volunteers
Volunteers outside of &AAC @ The Animal Shelter supports and cooperates with the City=s volunteer policy. All volunteers should be registered with the City=s V#& department and attend the V#& orientation, prior to wor3ing at the shelter. Volunteers are very important to the Animal Shelter and will be treated with respect and courtesy at all times. All volunteers must be )0 years or older, commit to at least ten 4)C5 hours a month for three 4,5 months. Volunteers are e8pected to follow V#& policies and prior to wor3ing at the shelter, attend the Animal Shelter orientation session for volunteers. This session should provide volunteers with the following
"8planation of Dob duties. "8pectation of volunteers. 6earing identification while on site. 4currently, volunteer apron or volunteer t-shirt5 (emonstrating and e8plaining use of any necessary eAuipment. 9eviewing safety procedures and safety eAuipment that must be used while performing certain Dobs. &roviding volunteer area with an Animal Services 'anual. Volunteers maintain a monthly wor3sheet and Shelter staff signs the sheet
&ages 0/ of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures upon Volunteer arrival and departure for their wor3 days. Any problems with volunteers not performing their duties or not performing their duties correctly, not wearing identification, or being in an unauthoriBed area should be reported to a Supervisor or the &rogram 'anager. $or safety and liability reasons, volunteers are not allowed in the "% area or Auarantine areas. #f staff notices volunteers in this area, please as3 them to leave and inform their Supervisor. The &rogram 'anager will establish a regular training schedule. A handboo3 is given to each attendee and the rules and guidelines are e8plained prior to giving Volunteers a tour of the Shelter. The maDority of volunteers prefer to be a E&etmateF. A E&etmate=sF duties include dogJcat care and cleaning. <ther volunteers help in the office by filing, ma3ing copies and scheduling volunteers to wor3. 'any volunteers prefer to help at off-site adoptions and special events. The following lists the maDority of volunteer duties 9lan7et Ma7er- :nits, sews or crochets bedding for Shelter animals. Cat Sociali>er- SocialiBes our adoptable cats and 3ittens. 2og =al7er -"8ercise, socialiBe and provide basic training to adoptable dogs to reduce their stress, and to ma3e them more Aualified for adoption. )ducation Volunteer- Assist with presentations through spea3ing engagements at schools, the Shelter, and other venues to provide information to the public. ;und $aising , Special )vents Aide % &rovides assistance with various fundraising events. :rooming Volunteer -Apply basic grooming techniAues to adoptable animals to ma3e them more attractive to potential adopters. 4'ust have previous e8perience.5 @ost And ;ound 2es7 Volunteer % &rovides information and support to people who have lost their pets, assist citiBens fill out lost and found reports, matches descriptions of lost pets to animals at the Shelter as well as to those which have been reported found and being held in someoneLs home. P!one Operator %Answer multi-line phones, ta3e messages, transfer calls. Adoption Counseling @ After completion of forty 4-C5 hours of volunteering at the Animal Shelter volunteers may be considered for Adoption Counseling Training. Ae6sletter Volunteer % Assist with publication of the Shelter newsletter, andJor supports events and writes articles for the Shelter=s newsletter. =ebsite Volunteer- Assists in the production of adoption flyers and website updates by ta3ing pictures of adoptable andJor stray animals. Volunteers Mont!l" Sign up S!eet
&.'&
'onthly, Administrative staff should post a blan3 monthly calendar so volunteers can indicate the days and hours they will be wor3ing and where they will be wor3ing 4cats or
&ages 00 of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures dogs5. This calendar is 3ept ne8t to the volunteer bulletin board.
&ages 01 of )*)

+. C)AA)@ OP)$ATIOAS
+.1 Introduction
:ennel <perations consists of :ennel Staff 4Attendants, Contract Staff, <fficers and the Veterinary Clinic.5 All :ennel staff should assist with cleaning animal cages, windows, accepting and putting away donations, laundry, stoc3ing the cat cart each day, move <wner Surrender animals to receiving, move surgery animals to adoption cages and show animals to citiBens in visitation rooms. <n surgery days 3ennel staff may need to move an animal to the surgery room, weigh animal and hold animal for pre-meds. 6hen the Veterinarian is ready, assist holding dogs and cats for medication or shots and assist with moving animals to and from the surgery table. A. Cennel Staff 4AttendantsB Contract and Animal Services Officers5 Primar" duties includeJ Clean and sanitiBe all assigned cages in morning prior to Shelter opening and as needed during the day. 6ash and sanitiBe all dog 3ennels prior to Shelter opening, throughout the day as needed and at night prior to feeding. &rovide fresh water for all animals. $eed animals prior to shift ending e8cept puppiesJ3ittens who need food at all times. $eed all adult animals in the evening prior to 3ennel staff shift ending.
Ot!er duties listed in alp!a order include 4but not limited to5J Assist with bathing and grooming animals. Assist with euthanasia as needed. 2ag and remove feces from yard and ta3e to outside dumpster. Cross train to perform Administrative <perations duties. "mpty trashcans. Clean live animal traps. #nventory supplies. :eep officeJbrea3 areas clean. 7aundry @ wash, dry, fold and distribute laundry. 'onitor and replenish inventory of food, litter, and cleaning supplies. &atrol outside facility for trash. &erform minor eAuipmentJ3ennel repairsJ traps. &erform ship and test.
&ages 1C of )*)

9eport problems, eAuipment needs, food needs, animalJhealth concerns, etc., to a Supervisor. SanitiBe cages, flooring, doors and windows. Scan animals for micro chipping. Show animals in visitation rooms. %se scrubber machine to clean bac3 and 3ennel hallways. 6al3 animals in bac3 yard. 6ash all animal food bowls 4?obart can hold 0 dog bowls or +0-+- cat bowls5.
9.
Veterinar" Clinic 4VC5 The VC primarily is responsible for the animal=s health and assures :ennel staff maintains a clean and sanitiBed area for animals. VC is also responsible for the following 4but not limited to5 Able to perform all duties associated with Administrative, $ield, and :ennel <perations and assist when needed. Assists with euthanasia if needed. Assists Veterinarian in steriliBation and vaccination of shelter animals. Assists Veterinarian to determine the health of shelter animals. Clean and sanitiBe surgery room and surgery instruments. 'aintains a log of animals that the Veterinarian needs to evaluate. 'aintains inventory of all drugs and supplies used in the steriliBation program. 'aintains inventory and medication records for animals in isolation. &rovides medication to animals Schedule surgeries for animals. "nsure all medical notes are entered in computer and on 3ennel card.
+.
Animal Assessments
All dogs and cats coming into the Shelter should be evaluated for adoptability. "ach animal will have an evaluation 3ennel card. Cards should have a place for <fficers and :ennel Attendants to write behavioral concerns and a place to indicate availability date. VC reviews the cards and if necessary, with assistance from the Veterinarian determines if animal is adoptable. #f the Veterinarian is unavailable, an evaluation committee consisting of Senior <fficers and $ield Services 'anager will assist with animal evaluations. 6hoever does the evaluation will sign the 3ennel card. Animals considered not adoptable should be indicated on their 3ennel card. Staff should put an EAF with a slash through the EAF indicating the animal is not adoptable. At this point, a decision should be made to contact rescue or perform euthanasia. #f rescue needs contacting, the 3ennel card should be mar3ed with a capital E9F and given to Administration staff for processing. #f not eligible for rescue then the card should be
&ages 1) of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures mar3ed with a capital E"F, indicating euthanasia is needed. ;o staff or volunteer should alter or mar$ through comments or ma$e a ne& $ennel card. ;o e8ceptions. #f strays are not redeemed within five 4*5 days, and animal is deemed adoptable, animals deemed adoptable will have a capital EAF on their 3ennel card and indicate the day animal will have surgery. A numbered tag is attached to the animal=s collar. This numbered tag is the number citiBens will use when they inAuire about animals. ?aving this numbered tag eliminates updating the computer location when an animal is moved to another location 4adoption, isolation, or surgery5. After the animal is adopted, fostered, or sent to rescue the numbered tag is returned to the VC for cleaning and sanitiBing. (ay before surgery, 3ennel staff will ma3e a listing of all animals ready for surgery. This allows staff to 3now which animals will have surgery. Surgery day, VC with assistance from 3ennel staff will do the following Add capital ESF by the capital EAF on the card, this indicates ready for surgery. Ta3e picture of animal. Attach a collar and numbered animal #( tag. &rovide medical testing and shots, if not already done.
Spayed or neutered animals will be moved to appropriate adoption area and their 3ennel card given to Administrative staff so staff can enter information and cage number into Shelter system. Animals moved from surgery after the Shelter closes should be given a towel and depending on how animal has reacted to anesthesia may be provided food and water. #n the maDority of cases, animals having surgery will not be available for adoption until the following day. Staff is not to inform any citiBen or rescue group when an animal is scheduled for surgery. +.# Animal Out of Cages
6henever an animal is ta3en out of their cage, staff should use the laminated signs indicating out wal3ing, in visitation, in surgery, been adopted or leave a note on the cage stating location of animals. This assists staff and visitors in 3nowing the whereabouts of the animals and answer Auestions from visitors regarding animals. (epending on location of animal, staff may need to pic3 up beds, mats, clean and sanitiBe cages for another animal. +.' 9eds?Mats
6hen a dog is put into one of the adoption dog pods, staff putting the dog into the cage should provide a bed or mat for the dog. Any staff observing a dog chewing on bed or mat should pic3 up the bed or mat and put up one of the laminated signs indicating M# chew my bedM. #f time permits, ta3e the mat bac3 for cleaning. <therwise, hang the mat over the cage. #f the dog chews on bedding, they do not get a mat. &lease adhere to posted E# chew my bedF signs. #f the E# chew my bedF signs are all used, please inform
&ages 1+ of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Administrative staff to ma3e additional signs. #f mats are not available then large towels or a blan3et can be put down for inDured, old, or dogs needing surgery. To pic3 up towels, staff should use sna3e or cat tongs or the end of a broom handle. 2eds or mats should be washed down in the cages to remove all debris. :ennel staff should sanitiBe mats in the bathtub prior to putting them bac3 into storage areas +.( A. C@)AAIA: CA:)S P$OC)2-$)S Introduction Cleaning needs to be performed in a specific order to reduce cross contamination. As Animal Service employees, everyone has a role to be animal careta3ers and be included in the cleaning and sanitiBing process. <ne way to improve cleaning is while using the foamer move the animals in the stainless steel cages to another area and allow the foam to soa3 the feces and germs. 6hile the foam is soa3ing, staff should go to another area and do the same thing. #f staff switches between dogs and cats cages, this will allow MgermsM time to die before you enter another pod containing the same species of animal. Clean all cages in the following order ). +. ,. -. *. .. Adoptable CatJ:itten rooms. Ouarantine dogs & cats @ by AC< only. Adoptable dogs. Stray dogs. 9eceiving animals in bay area. Surgical 3ennels
6hile cleaning staff needs to wear safety eAuipment. All staff cleaning 3ennels must wear the recommended proper cleaning attire, approved boots, ear plugs, gloves, or goggles. Ao e1ceptions are to be made regarding t!e 6earing of safet" e*uipment. 6hile cleaning, be aware of the animal=s health and if any visible health problems are noticed, notify a Supervisor. After Supervisor reviews, bed or mat may need sanitiBed and towels put into incinerator so diseases will not be spread. ?ealth problems to watch for include the following 2lood in stool or urine. (ischarge from eyes or nose. 9unny eyes or nose. Third eyelid showing. 7oss of weight. Coughing or sneeBing. Vomiting. 7ethargy or any other health issues not mentioned.
&ages 1, of )*)

9.
Pupp"?Citten $oom Surger" Cages &ull bowls. Clean cages. (isinfect cages. 6ash bowls. &rovide fresh water. &rovide food. Ta3e trash to dumpster. 4(o not leave trash sitting outside5 Ta3e bedding to laundry area. Start, load laundryJdryer. 9emove any towels or bowls. Clean cages. (isinfect Cages. Start, load laundry
C.
2.
CATS , Adoptable and Stra" "valuate stray cats that have been at the shelter for more than three business days. #f Aualified staff determines cats are considered adoptable move them to adoption area, otherwise notify appropriate staff to evaluate cat=s health condition. &ull paperwor3 for cats to be moved to adoption and chec3 E :ost and (ound1 'oard two wee3s bac3 to verify there are no matches. #f there is a match, contact the owner, and write this on the 3ennel card. #f no matches are found update the system to indicate the animal is adoptable and change the 3ennel cage number and move the cat to adoption cages. %pdate this in the shelter computer system. Scan for microchip. &ull the 3ennel card for the current 3ennel cage number and indicate the new 3ennel cage number. $ile the 3ennel card under the new 3ennel cage number. "valuate stray cats and determine if any conditions warrant euthanasia. 9eview Veterinarian log and if Veterinarian suggested any cat for euthanasia have Supervisor and appropriate staff approve the procedure. &ull 3ennel cards for cats needing euthanasia and chec3 E :ost and (ound1
&ages 1- of )*)

Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures board two wee3s bac3 to verify that there are no matches. #f there is a match contact the owner. #f there are no matches continue euthanasia process. Scan for microchip. After the animal has been euthaniBed, process the animal out of the computer system. #ndicate on the 3ennel card and computer system amount of chemical used, date, time, and the initials of the person doing the euthanasia. The same information will also be documented in fatal plus log boo3. 6hen finished, put the 3ennel card in the Senior <fficer=s file bas3et. The Senior <fficer will verify the documented information on the 3ennel card agrees with the computer and log boo3. %se gloves and, if necessary, restraining devices when cleaning all cats. 'ove cats to an empty cage or carrier. "mpty litter pans and food dishes into trash. &lastic or metal food dishes will be put into a sin3 with hot soapy water and let soa3 while refilling cages and doing other cleaning. 6ipe out the cage with a sAueegee and scrape all loose food, litter and feces into a dustpan and dump into trashcan. Spray all sides, top and bottom of cage with current sanitiBing solution. 7et sanitiBing solution soa3 for at least five minutes. 6ipe all sides of the cage with paper towels or clean rag. 6hen the cage is dry, place the cat bac3 into their cage. Clean walls, corners, counters, and windows as needed. 9efill cat cages with a bed, fresh litter, food and water. #f the bed is not soiled, put it bac3 in the cage if the same cat is in the cage. Sweep and mop the floors with current cleaning solution. #f needed, scrub the permanent cat food bowls, water bowls and litter pans with soapy water to remove dried food or feces, rinse, and sanitiBe. $ollow the instructions listed under ESaniti)ing -Manual .nstructions1. After sanitiBing, place pans and bowls on rac3s to dry.
).
Cat % Isolation and Huarantine $ollow the above cleaning procedures, but use biteJrabies gloves, restraint devices, sAueeBe net or other humane methods as needed. ;<T" #f moving cats to a different cage 4not during cleaning process5, document the new 3ennel number in Shelter=s system, indicating the new cage number on the 3ennel card, and put the 3ennel card into the correct file.
;.
2O:S % Adoptable and Stra" "valuate stray dogs that have been at the shelter on their fourth or fifth day. #f Aualified staff determines they are considered adoptable move them to the
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures adoption area, otherwise notify Supervisor, 'anager, VC, or Veterinarian to evaluate dogs condition. &ull paperwor3 for dogs needing moved to adoption and chec3 E :ost and (ound1 board two wee3s to verify there are no matches. #f there is a match, contact the owner, and write the possible owner information on the 3ennel card. #f no matches are found, update the system indicating animal is adoptableH change the 3ennel cage number and move the dog to adoptable cages. Scan for microchip #ndicate the new 3ennel cage number on 3ennel card. $ile 3ennel card under the new 3ennel cage number. "valuate stray dogs to determine if any conditions warrant euthanasia. 9eview Veterinarian log and if the Veterinarian suggested any dog for euthanasia have Supervisor and appropriate staff approve the procedure. &ull 3ennel cards for dogs needing euthanasia and chec3 E:ost and (ound1 board for two wee3s bac3 to verify that there are no matches. #f there is a match contact the owner. #f there are no matches, update the system indicating animal euthanasia, then ta3e 3ennel card and animal to euthanasia area. VC or staff will then scan the animal for a microchip. &rior to cleaning cages, move dogs to an empty 3ennel, crate, or bac3yard. Animals may remain in 3ennel while spot cleaning however, do not get dogs wet. (ue to possible illness of Shelter dogs, it is recommended not getting the dogs wet and to eliminate standing water. SAueegee water off of floors, walls, and beds. (<>S '%ST 2" 9"'<V"( $9<' T?" :";;"7 &9#<9 T< C7"A;#;>. @ put them on the other side of the guillotine door. #f time allows, place dog in e8ercise yard. Ouarantine dogs 6ill not be removed from the Auarantine building 4unless noted by 'anagement.5 9emove each food bowl and empty remaining contents into appropriate trash containers. #f deep cleaning is needed, ta3e bowls bac3 to the cleaning area. 9un hot water into the sin3, add appro8imately si8 tablespoons of liAuid soap to the running water, and fill the sin3 to adeAuately cover soiled bowls. After soa3ing, if necessary, scrub e8cess material off the dog food and water bowls. $ollow the instructions in the section of manual E Saniti)ing - Manual .nstructions1. -EVE) 3&!E D&2! D&9- 9*+3 9(+E) or throw water fro" the water bowls on ani"als. &art of staff=s Dob is to ta3e care of animals in Shelter=s custody. #f dogs or puppies get wet during initial or spot cleaning
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures then they will need to be dried off. #f $ield <fficers assist with cleaning and get dogs wet and do not dry them off, they will be called bac3 to Shelter to dry off wet dogs. 9emove water hose from the wall mount rac3. Start with hosing down one side of walls, then the ne8t side of walls. Scoop feces $#9ST before spraying 3ennels. 9inse all waste and urine into the drains. &roperly flush the drains inside each of the dog runs according to instructions listed in section /.*. Add current cleaning solution into spray bottles. Attach the spray bottle to the water hose and spray walls, floor, and the bed for each 3ennel, occupied or not. 7eave the disinfectant on the 3ennel floor at least ten minutes. 9efill each dog water bowl with fresh clean water, as needed. :ennel staff will put out fresh food prior to leaving for the day 4- CCpm5 or as needed. ;ew animals received after feeding time, will receive fresh food and water.
(-# !+(-D*-2 9(+E) *- 9(6:9(#! !3&'6D ;E )E4&VED 9*+3 ( ;)&&4, !7'EE2EE, 4&P, &) 9E+<D)# V(C''4 .
:.
Clean the outside of each animal cage with glass cleaner when needed.
2O:S % Isolation and Huarantine (nyone handling any %uarantine ani"al "ust wear gloves and goggles at all ti"es when feeding, watering, and cleaning. +hese ani"als are in isolation due to suspected illness or rabies. (ogs in isolation needing medicine prescribed by a Veterinarian may be administered by Aualified staff. $riendly, housebro3en dogs may be wal3ed on a leash by authoriBed staff, but must not have contact with other dogs, citiBens or volunteers. To prevent cross contamination clean your shoes with disinfectant and either wor3 in cat area or stay out of other dog areas for thirty minutes. Ouarantine 3ennels should be given the same attention as the above procedures. Also, any visible health problems or change in temperament should be reported immediately to a Supervisor. Some signs of clinical and dumb rabies are Attac3s on inanimate obDects. (aBed staring. 7imb paralysis. States of confusion or stupors. %nable to drin3 water.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures %nable to or difficulties in swallowing. (epression.
*5 (-# D&2 D*E! P)*&) +& +3E E-D &5 +3E +E- =>1? D(# 7'()(-+*-E PE)*&D, +3E 3E(D 4'!+ ;E !E-+ +& ('!+*- 5&) )(;*E! +E!+*-2. 3. ;lus!ing 2og 2rains
(ogs waste, hair and other debris is often hosed into dog drains. <nce all dog pods are cleaned then the drains need flushed. $lush the drains on one pod prior to flushing the ne8t pod. Staff should open valves and let each pod flush for three to five minutes then turn the valves off. 9epeat this process for each dog area. +.& )ut!anasia
Animal Services contract a licensed Veterinarian to assess animal=s health condition and perform the medical aspects of animal care. #f euthanasia is recommended by the Veterinarian or if Veterinarian is unavailable to evaluate animals and it appears that animal are sic3, then a panel of Aualified staff will evaluate the animal4s5. #f euthanasia is needed then the euthanasia will be performed in a separate area 4euthanasia lab5 away from other animals and public so that viewing and accidental entry of a citiBen or staff will not occur while an animal is being euthaniBed. 2o not eut!ani>e in t!e 7ennels. Two employees will assist in the euthanasia process, one to hold and calm the animal and one to perform the inDection. <ne staff member must remain with the animal until no heartbeat is detected using stethoscope. 6ith the e8ception of very sic3 or inDured animals needing immediate euthanasia, the scheduled time for euthanasia should be prior to shelter opening or after Shelter closes. Animals needing euthanasia should be handled in a safe and humane manner so as to prevent accidental inDury to the person performing euthanasia or the animal. (epending on availability of staff, owner surrender euthanasia reAuest should be done as Auic3ly as possible. #f not done within an hour a Senior <fficer should be notified. The Senior <fficer or :ennel 'aster will be responsible for assigning staff to perform the euthanasia. %nless an emergency, owned animals are not euthaniBed on demand. Advise the citiBen that they need to contact their personal veterinarian. 6hen using a KylaBine coc3tail the calming effect should ta3e five to ten minutes. &lease refer to "uthanasia (rug &rotocol for "% drugs and dosage to administer.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures IMPO$TAATJ (o not use the same needle or syringe for KylaBine and $atal &lus J 2euthanasia. The mi8ture will turn to a hard substance and will be ruined. 6hen animals have been euthaniBed, 3ennel cards for those animals will be filled out and updated in the computer by the employee who performed the euthanasia. "mployee will document the following. 9ecord the date. Time. Amount of CC=s used. #nitial the page. Ta3e the animals from the euthanasia area. Cover the animals with a bag. Ta3e animals to the freeBer or designated area. (o not allow dead animals to lie outside the freeBer or in the assigned cart for longer than ,C minutes. 6e are trying to discourage insects and pests. Ta3e the 3ennel cards to Supervisor. Supervisor will review and initial the 3ennel cards indicating they reviewed for accuracy.
The euthanasia drugs used and animal identification number must be documented into the euthanasia log boo3 and into Shelter computer system. There are no e8ceptions as this drug is regulated by (rug "nforcement Agency and subDect to audits. +.+ Insect Control
To fulfill the reAuirements of (S?S, monthly applications are provided by Vector staff. Vector staff will maintain a file so during (S?S inspections the file may be reviewed by (S?S inspector. +.. Inspection of Cages
The public and Animal Shelter management e8pect animals at the shelter to have fresh water, food, and clean cages. #n order to assure that animals have this environment, a Supervisor is e8pected to routinely inspect the wor3 of 3ennel staff. After staff has finished cleaning, the Supervisor should review the condition of all 3ennel cages. Should the Supervisor deem any areas in unsatisfactory condition, the Supervisor should contact the 3ennel staff and discuss which areas need further attention. 9e-inspection by the Supervisor will be done upon staff re-cleaning the unsatisfactory areas. Spot cleaning of all cages and 3ennels will be performed regularly throughout the day. +./ Inventor" Cennel Operation
:ennel Attendants should ta3e a daily inventory of all :ennel supplies. #f supplies are
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures needed, :ennel Attendant should contact the :ennel 'aster and follow up with an email of supplies needed. A copy of the Supplies /e0uest form is listed on : drive. :ennel Attendants should maintain a minimum of two-wee3 inventory of supplies, or depending on lead-time and shipping, :ennel Attendants may need to maintain a monthly supply. ;ever allow cleaning supplies, animal food, or litter to run out. +.10 Inventor" Medications
%nder no circumstance is any medication to be sent home with volunteers or foster families for the animals they are 3eeping. The VC is responsible for the inventory and reconciliation of all medicine used for the animals. #f the Veterinarian wants to issue medications, then heJshe may do so out of the VC. VC medications may only be given by the Veterinarian or her immediate designee. +.11 Huarantine Animals , Special ;ood
6hen citiBens bring in special food for their Auarantine animals, staff needs to be diligent in feeding Auarantine animals their special food. (ue to medical issues, the Shelter could face some maDor problems if an animal is fed the wrong food. Staff should indicate special needs on green paperwor3 and use a clipboard to attach any paperwor3 to the front of appropriate cage indicating the special needs for the animal. Any special food is to be placed on top of the animal=s 3ennel. +.1 $abies Huarantine
#n compliance with %e!as 2ealth and Safety Code, Chapter 3*=, /a'ies Control Act, /ules of the 8oard, entities which operate Auarantine facilities must implement minimum standard operating procedures. "ach Auarantine facility shall specify in writing, how each of the minimum standards will be accomplished. 'ore stringent standards may be implemented by each Auarantine facility. These standards are posted by the Auarantine door and a copy of the %e!as "epartment of 2ealth /a'ies >uarantine Standard Operating Procedures is provided in the e8hibit section of this manual. +.1# Saniti>ing , Manual Instructions
To clean and sanitiBe bowls $ill a sin3 with hot soapy water. &lace empty food bowls into the hot soapy water. Scrub bowls that have been soa3ing to remove debris. &ut the bowls in the sin3 with hot water and rinse each bowl with hot clean water. $ill up a sin3 with a mild water bleach solution according to posted directions. &ut the rinsed bowl into the sin3 of bleach water so that each bowl can be
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures +.1' sanitiBed by leaving in the bleach water for ten 4)C5 minutes. Stac3 each bowl separately to air dry. S!ip and Test Process
Any <fficer bringing in an animal for ship-and-test needs to ma3e sure they fill out an incident report 4according to section ..15 or verify an incident report has been completed. <n the report under Ouarantine status, ma3e sure the animal computer identification number is written in the impounded number. ?igh ris3 animals 3nown for being rabies carrier involved in a possible rabies e8posure needs to be sent to Austin for rabies testing. The :ennel staff, VC or anyone trained can perform the animal decapitation and ta3e to >reyhound 2us for shipment to Austin. $ollow the instructions as listed in Title +*, ?ealth Services part #. Te8as (epartment of ?ealth Chapter ).1.,,, Submission of Specimens for 7aboratory "8amination. The following has most of the information needed and a copy is in e8hibit section. %se gloves, face shield, and plastic apron. The party should already have the pre-e8posure shots. %se a 3nife to do the initial cut, place the head in a plastic sealed bag. 'ar3 on the outside of the bag the #( number or incident number. &lace newspaper and froBen gel pac3s between the head and the cardboard outer bo8 shell. $ill out the 9abies Submission $orm >-1 4copy in e8hibit section of manual5. &lace stic3ers on sealed bo8 from City of Corpus Christi to (S?S. Call the shippers notification hotline number. Ta3e to the shipping facility. 6ash hands and arms thoroughly when finished.
The following are some things that the office staff can do to assist with the ship and test process $ill out the >-1 forms, two copies each. Stic3ers to go on the head bags with the incident V and a brief description. The >reyhound form for shipping. &repare the specimens and seal up the bo8. After shipment is ta3en to >reyhound get an estimated time of arrival. Contact (S?S at )-0CC-+*+-0)., and provide them with the following information Current date and time. Senders name and city. "8act V and animal type. #(V or incident V.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures 'ethod of shipment. "stimated time of arrival. Shelter phone ,.)-0+.--.,C
<nce the testing is completed, Austin will verbally contact the Shelter with the results and then send a written copy which is attached to the 79CA report. Staff will inform the e8posure victims. +.1( Sterili>ation Consent ;orm
<nce an animal is returned for spay and neuter surgery in order to conform to Te8as State 7aw, V.T.C.A., ?ealth and Safety Chapter 0+0, the owner will complete the Surgery Consent form 4listed in e8hibit section5. Surgery staff will place an identification band with the owner=s name around the animal=s nec3 to avoid mi8-up. +.1& Vaccinations for Animals
Staff should muBBle an animal prior to giving any shots. This will help prevent the animal from getting upset or nervous when being given the pre-med andJor vaccinations and ensure the safety of staff. ;o vaccinations should be given in the front office area or in view of citiBens or volunteers. +.1+ =al7ing Animals
Since dogs are social animals, efforts should be made to periodically wal3 them in the enclosed e8ercise areas. This greatly increases the chance of the animal4s5 getting adopted, and owners will have less stress in animals adDusting to their new home if the animal is house trained. This would reAuire adoptable animals to be wal3ed at least once a day. 'any animals come to the shelter already housetrained, and if left to relieve themselves in their 3ennels, chances of them being returned to the shelter for not being house trained will be high. %rine, bladder and colon problems may occur if the animal will not eliminate in their cage. Animals that are house trained should have a sign on their 3ennel cage indicating such and must be wal3ed daily. As staff completes reAuired duties, they are permitted to select animals needing wal3ed. An E Animal #al$ :og1 should be 3ept by each pod, and if staff or volunteers wal3 an animal, they should document the wal3 in this logboo3. :ennel Attendants should chec3 the wal3 log to ma3e sure all animals have been wal3ed. Animals not already wal3ed should be ta3en out for a wal3. "ogs that get along can 'e allo&ed in the 'ac$yard together. As little as thirty 4,C5 seconds a day can reinforce to a dog that it is loved. "ffort should be made to wal3 animals in the order they are fed, as the first animal fed most li3ely needs to go outside first. A copy of the EAnimal #al$ :og1 is listed in the e8hibit section of this manual. +.1. =or7s!eet for Cennel Staff
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures (aily, :ennel Staff should document their wor3 on a :ennel wor3sheet. This will assist 'anagement to determine who performed various duties and to determine how long it ta3es to complete a tas3. 7ogs will be turned in daily to the :ennel 'aster.
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.. ;I)@2 OP)$ATIOAS
..1 Introduction
$ield <perations consists of Animal Services <fficers wor3ing outside the shelter, patrolling the City and responding to dispatched calls to enforce City <rdinance, Chapter si8 4.5, and handling citiBen reAuests. Although <fficers have basic Dob responsibilities they also need to be self-starters and when they have a light wor3 load reAuest permission to assist with Administration or :ennel <perations. Animal care and assistance to s!o6 animals is al6a"s needed. 2asic Dob responsibilities for <fficers and Senior <fficers are the following 4listed in alpha order5 A. Officers Assists in 3eeping shelter and shelter grounds clean. Assist with public education programs as necessary. Completes various reports, complaints, wor3sheets. #nvestigates citiBen complaints, animal bites, scratches, possible rabies e8posure and cruelty cases. #ssues citations and warnings for non-compliance to City <rdinance. &atrols the City to enforce Te8as State laws and City <rdinance Chapter .. &erforms all duties associated with Administrative, :ennel and $ield <perations. &erforms euthanasia and ship and test. 9epresent City in 'unicipal and County Court regarding City ordinance violations. %ses radio and computer dispatch computer system to receive and disposition calls. %ses Animal Shelter software to inAuire, update and input animal information. Senior Officer Acts on behalf of Shelter 'anger at off-site City functions. (iscussions with citiBens regarding 79CA incidents, (angerous animals, City <rdinance, policies and State laws. &erforms all duties associated with Administrative, $ield and :ennel <perations. &repares disciplinary action documentation. &repares court documentation. &repares and performs performance evaluations for Animal Services staff. &rovides daily wor3 leadership for Animal Services staff. 9eviews, revises, recommends, and implements changes to City ordinances, policies, and procedures. Supervisory authority over all staff.
9.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Trains and schedules wor3 for all staff.
<fficers should not go beyond the Escope of their authorityF and if <fficers do, they as an individual could be sued without City representation and could be terminated. <nly assigned authoriBed eAuipment may be used or carried in vehicles. <fficers may not carry any other weapons on their person on in their City vehicle. #f <fficers have any Auestions regarding what is classified as a weapon, please as3 'anagement. .. A. Stra"s City <rdinance grants the animal control authority or any &olice <fficer to ta3e up and impound any animal found at large in violation of this chapter. #f the owner, 3eeper, or harborer of such animal is 3nown or can be readily ascertained, Animal Services <fficer should notify them by telephone, personal service, certified mail, or door tag no later than twenty-four 4+-5 hours following such impoundment or after obtaining owner information. #f there is a match with microchips, collars or flyers on the E7ost and $oundF board, please contact owner and inform owner the Shelter has impounded their animal and e8plain the Shelter=s redemption process and fees charged. #ndicate contact date and time on animal=s 3ennel card. Animals arriving at the Shelter are documented into the Shelter=s computer system. The system assigns each animal a uniAue identification number. (omestic animals are housed in the stray area so citiBens can review cages and identify their animal All stray animals and wildlife will be placed in a designated area. #f animals appear to be healthy they will be placed in the following areas (ogs will be put into stray dog pod or receiving area. Cats put into cat stray areas. &uppies and 3ittens will be put in puppyJ3itten room. Animals $eceiving Process
%nhealthy or inDured animals will be put in receiving area or when weather permitted put into the stainless steel cages under the sally port. &lease scan these animals for a microchip. (epending on some inDuries the animal may need to be put into Auarantine cages, area away from public view or in some cases may need euthaniBed. 9. =ildlife #f <fficers pic3 up orphaned or inDured wildlife in the evening, provide them with food and water. Also if needed supply a towel to provide warmth and traction on
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures slic3 surfaces 4especially for birds and duc3s5. (o not place them by the bac3 door near the sally port or leave them outside under the sally port. &lace a copy of the paperwor3 in the Ethings to doF bin in front office and indicate where the wildlife is to be ta3en. 'orning <fficers should chec3 every morning for any wildlife needing to go to A9: or certified wildlife rehabbers. Currently, birds and duc3lings go to the AAuarium. ;o employee may ta3e any wildlife home without written approval documented on the 3ennel card. $or all animals please do the following 7og all animals into automated system. 7eave any tags and collars on animals. Scan for microchips. &lace animal in appropriate cage or 3ennel. &rovide foodJwater. &rovide bedding or mat according to procedure. Chec3 E7ost and $oundF board for last two wee3s and document the review on 3ennel card. (ocument date animal available 4remember Calculation of the three 4,5 or five 4*5 day holding period for stray animals. Gou add three or five days after the date the animal is brought in. Count the day you bring in the animal as day one5.
After an <fficer creates a 3ennel card then they should put a copy of the 3ennel card in the Administrative tray labeled Estray animals received todayF. This allows Administrative staff to 3now what animals are received, review locations of where animals are found and if necessary, follow-up with the veterinarian office or owner to obtain additional information. <fficers need to ma3e three copies of any paperwor3 regarding animals needing disposition out of the system after writing on the 3ennel card where the animal4s5 are ta3en 4i.e. ta3en to A9: or 9escue..etc5 <riginal 3ennel card stays in Administrative files. Second copy attached to animal cage or carrier. A9: reAuested a copy of the 3ennel card stay with the animal so A9: staff is aware of where the animal came from. Third copy for A9: or rescue staff to sign and return to Animal Shelter.
A representative from A9: or rescue should sign the <fficer=s (aily 6or3sheet or sign a copy of the 3ennel card to verify animal is released from the Shelter. #f the 3ennel card is signed, the <fficer will return the 3ennel card to Administrative staff. This copy will be attached to the original 3ennel card. The original card remains at the Shelter. #f the <fficer has already transferred the animal to rehab or <7C then they will disposition animal4s5 out of the system.
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..#
Calls Mandator"
$ield <fficers receive animal related calls throughout their shift and need to use common sense when handling these calls. The highest priority calls need to be run immediately and other calls completed as time permits. Priority calls % listed in alpha order and not b" priorit"

Animals attac3ing people or pets. Visible animals in the residence- high ris3 4bat, coyotes, fo8es, raccoon or s3un3s5 Animal inDured 4struc3 by car, severe inDuries..etc.5 79CA incident 4stray at large5. 79CA incident 4stray confined5. &olice and $ire assist 4aggressive dog @ paramedics can=t get in to treat victim5. &olice and $ire assist 4dog in car @ stressed5. &olice and $ire assist 4drug arrest5. Stray dogs 4playgrounds, schools, par3s, neighborhoods5.
!econdary Priority calls % "mergency calls but less than primary priority are to be ran before Eother callsF. These include, 4listed in alpha order5 and not by priority
7ivestoc3 out of enclosure 4see livestoc3 section5 &olice and $ire assist 4accident and victim ta3en hospital5. &olice and $ire assist 4deceased victim, needs Shelter to ta3e animals5. Trapped animal in inclement weather 4unless resident places trapped animal in garage or has it protected from weather5. 6elfare or cruelty complaint. 6ildlife inside house and visible 4not in attic, garage, shed yard or chimney itself does not Aualify5.
All Eot!er callsG are handled in a priority manner starting with
Animals at large. Complaints reports 4depending on weather and type of problem5. Confined strays. 79CA incident 4owned5. &olice and $ire assist 4dog in car @ not stressed5. Trapped - consider weather conditions. Vet pic3-up.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures There should not be an e8cessive number of calls not completed each day. #f needed, transfer uncompleted calls to an evening shift <fficer. 7ow priority calls may be forwarded to the ne8t shift or another <fficer, if appropriate to do so. )mergenc"?priorit" calls 6ill not be for6ardedB but completed t!e same da" in a timel" fas!ion. $orwarded calls should be written down and placed on the monitor in the dispatch room for the a.m. staff to run. #f it is at the end of your shift and you receive a very high priority call you may run the call and then fill out the leave sheet indicating why you handled the call. #f you donLt run the call, then the <n-Call <fficer would have to be contacted and this would delay service. Again, as an <fficer you should use common sense to ma3e this decision. ..' Calls Pus!ed 9ac7
To clarify running calls, please be advised that while you are on duty please run all calls until your shift is completed. <bviously run high priority calls first and then use common sense for all other calls. (o not inform citiBens that after dar3 and on holidays that only high priority calls are being run. This is not an actual policy. &olicy is if time permits all calls are handled. This does not mean to run calls until the end of your shift and then clean, fuel and log in animals on overtime. &rioritiBing your wor3 load according to procedure is the <fficers responsibility. (ue to the number of calls, some calls will be pushed bac3 and may be transferred to other <fficers. Some types of pushed bac3 calls are listed below in alpha order. 2ar3ing complaint. 79CA incident animal with ownerJvictim still at hospital 4ta3e incident report over the phone and e8plain Auarantine process5. 9estraint complaint 4if dog is not out at time of complaint5. Trapped animal in fair weather. %nsanitary complaint. 6ildlife not in house. 49efer to appropriate wildlife specialist.5 ..( Calls Postponed
(ue to the amount of calls an <fficer receives, an <fficer may not have the opportunity to complete all their assigned calls. Any calls not handled need to be transferred to another <fficer and documented on the <fficer=s daily wor3sheet and on the <fficer=s wor3sheet receiving the transferred call. "vening shift needs to leave an e-mail, voice mail or written documentation of calls needing ran by morning shift <fficers. ..& Citation Issuance Procedure
<nce a citation is issued, the following procedure occurs The issuing <fficer enters the citation in Shelter computer system as well as the Citation 7og 2oo3. Administrative staff approves the citation. #f the citiBen is not present to sign the citation, issue as Eat largeF. S!elter staff !as fort"%eig!t 4'.5 !ours to process and
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures provide to Municipal Court. 6hen someone redeems their animal in the office, if the animal is not current on their rabies vaccination or registered with the city, either a citation is issued depending on prior impounds or a warning is issued. #f a warning is issued, the owner is given seven 4/5 days to return to the shelter in person to comply with their warning. The warning is then placed in the Epending warningF file containing file folders with each day of the month mar3ed on them. #f the owner does not comply, a citation is issued, and the above-mentioned procedure is followed. 6hen <fficers issue warnings in the field, they place a copy of the warning in the Epending warningF file folders. #f compliance is not made within seven 4/5 days, the warning will be pulled and given to the <fficer to issue citations. ..+ Citations , T"pes
Citations are issued to pet owners who are in violation of Te8as State 7aw andJor City ordinances. &et owners or custodians must be at least )0 years of age. All citations are to be signed and turned into a staff notary within +- hours of issuance. Some reasons for issuing citations are listed below. A. Cit" $egistration 9. This citation is issued to any resident who doesnLt have a current City 9egistration tag for their animal. This citation is issued during second noise complaint calls. <fficer initiated calls with priors or during animal +nd, ,rd, or -th redemption process.
@$CA Incidents #f the animal is not current on current vaccinations a citation is al&ays issued. A warning for current city registration is acceptable.
C.
Ot!er citations 6elfare, unsanitary conditions, livestoc3, wild or prohibited, etc. These are issued at the <fficersL discretion andJor approval or confirmation from the 'anager or Supervisor.
2.
$epeat offenders &lease be advised there will no longer be ?ver'al &arnings?. As of Qanuary +CC* all &arnings &ill 'e &ritten i.e.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures ;o proof of current city registration ;o proof of current vaccination Animal at large 6elfare ;uisance by waste, owners on scene of a loose dog call, loose dogs in City par3s, dog par3, police assist 4dogs loc3ed in cars5. Any citi)en contact will result in a written warning if any violation of the ordinance is noted. >et all applicable information in case a citation is issued for non-compliance. %he grace period is seven days. #n the case of animal having no shelter or other problems where immediate compliance is needed for the protection of the animal, a *+ hour grace period is given. The original <fficer 6#77 follow-up on the protection of animal cases. <n the second contact on nuisance b" noise which is made in person, a citation will be issued if no proof of current city registration or no proof of current vaccination. This is specifically stated in the letter the owner receives. &lease familiariBe yourself with the noise letter as listed in e8hibit section. 6arnings are to be placed in the front file cabinet mar3ed Mpending warningsM. #f compliance is not made within the seven day period the issuing <fficer will write the citation.
).
$estraint Animals at large and followed home or released off the truc3 4to an owner )0 or over5 will be given a written warning, unless prior impounds or complaints of no restraint are noted. #n this case issue an animal at large citation. <fficers should contact Administrative dispatcher regarding information for prior impounds. #f priors, a Eno restraintF citation 4C-,5 will be issued. ;ever place an animal in a bac3yard even if you are )CC[ sure it lives at the residence. <fficer may as3 neighbors, or if animal has tags, <fficer will contact dispatch and confirm address. Exa"ple of why you do not want to guess at where a dog lives@ *f an &fficer guesses and puts the ani"al in an incorrect yard due to an open gate and leaves a door tag, the fa"ily could have a child that co"es ho"e fro" school or play and notices the ani"al in the backyard and while approaching the dog is attacked by a strange dog. Always be safety minded. The location and time animal4s5 was seen at-large needs documented on citation. Third and fourth impounds will also result in a citation being issued from the shelter with the impounding <fficer=s name, date, time and location of
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures offense. ;. Vaccination This citation is issued to a guardian who owns animals that canLt provide proof of current rabies vaccination. These citations is issued upon redemption of the animal from the shelter for a second, third or fourth impound, and for all animals involved in incident 4bite, scratch or rabies e8posure5 cases. #f this citation is issued in the field, it will be at the <fficer=s discretion depending on priors.
All computer issued complaints will be run within -0 hours. The assigned <fficer will contact the complainant within -0 hours. The complaint is not closed until the complainant is notified and current city registration and proof of rabies vaccination is complied. The <fficer will be responsible for completing the disposition on the computer. "ach complaint will be placed in Senior <fficer=s file bas3et after it has been closed. Any information not completed will be returned to the <fficer to complete. ... A. Citation $ecord Ceeping Citation $ecord Ceeping 6hen an <fficer issues a citation they should record the information in the E'aster Tic3et 7ogF, under the section with <fficer=s radio identification number. This log is a manual bac3up system to record citations in case an original citation is lost. Administrative staff will 3now who issued the citation and reAuest a copy from them. <fficers should document tic3et number, date issued, offense, defendant=s name, animal description and animal system generated identification number. 2y putting all information into the Animal Shelter system, staff can always find information needed in court, even if the original citation is lost. Also, it helps <fficers dealing with owners by 3nowing the history of the animal. 9. Court Citation on Aet6or7 "very time staff issues a citation, they have an e8tra form to fill out that Court needs along with the original citation. The form is on the networ3 drive and can be accessed from any computer. ../ Citation Training , FMunicipal Court Training for Animal ServicesG
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures 'anagement staff will not approve any citation unless notes are written on the bac3 of the citation, stating probable cause and an animal description. Also, please remember that no abbreviations are allowed on citations including breed of dog, street address etc. The street must match e8act such as E7aurel :ane1, ESpring Cree3 Par$&ay1, etc. #f the animal is an intact male, Dust write male. #f he is neutered write neutered male. $emale, indicate spayed female. The color of the animal M-ST be written on the citation too. T!e prosecutor re*uests Officers record t!e facts of an" citation on t!e bac7 of t!e courts cop" in order for t!em to !ave information at t!e Animal 2oc7et. #f the facts are not on the bac3 of the citation, the court will return the citation to the <fficer to complete prior to approval. 6hen court has to reset cases due to lac3 of information, this is not only bad customer service but costs the city money in Shelter=s time, the courts time, and the prosecutor=s time. This will not only be the proper way to write citations but will e8pedite court too. Shelter citation information reAuires the <fficers to fill in the blan3s and the blan3s must be done in a certain way. 6rite the name as indicated on the drivers license or #( 4last, middle - first5. (o not as3 for the weight of a person. #f you are not sure of the race, put nothing. #f it is an apartment comple8 you must get the apartment number. Vehicle information is not needed unless the citation is issued for an animal in a car. 4#n this case, the temperature should be written on the bac3 of the pin3 copy.5 (o not abbreviate streets, i.e. lane not 7; J street not ST J court not CT J par3way not &:6G, etc. (o not abbreviate dog breed i.e. 7ab spell 7abrador, 9ott spell 9ottweiler, etc. #f released from the shelter, put the animal=s computer #( V along with breed, color, se8 4male-female-neutered-spayed5 and the animal=s name. This information can be written in the lines below location of offense or the bac3side of the pin3 copy 4be sure and put the location of offense on the top line5. #f this is an animal where a 79CA report was ta3en, write this case number on the front or bac3 of the pin3 copy. #n all cases if an 79CA report is ta3en and the animal is not current on vaccination, a citation is mandatory. (ate of offense in most cases will be the current date. #f a written warning is issued for a city registration or current vaccination and is not complied by the due date specified on the warning, the date of offense will be the day after the due date. #f a citation is sent thru the mail EAt 7argeM is written by defendant=s signature. #ssuing <fficer, sign your name then put your City employee number. 6rite all citations in the master tic3et log under you radio #( V. 6rite any and all comments on the bac3. This is a must. Several reasons This will help the Shelter in pre-trail for the prosecutor to determine if the fine is the ma8 or can be lowered. Also if you are as3ed to appear in court as a representative
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures of the City and State a year after you write the tic3et, it is a little easier to remember what too3 place by reading your comments. ..10 Complaints , T"pes
The correct way to enter complaints into the Shelter computer system is the following Complaints are entered through the Animal Service=s computer system, and then logged in the complaint log. Complaints are assigned to $ield <fficers on duty and <fficers need to have initial contact made within two 4+5 days of receiving the complaint unless the animal is in imminent danger. #f appropriate, use the Animal Services E#nspection 9eportF. This will provide documentation for the owner and for Animal Shelter files. The following is a partial list of common complaints listed in alpha order CrueltyJ6elfare ;oise. 9estraint. %nsanitary conditions. 6ildJprohibited. 6hoever receives the complain call is responsible for getting all the following applicable information. Complainant=s name, address and phone number. Address for offense. Specifics of problem. Chec3 for prior and current city registration. $ollow-ups are to be handled by the assigned <fficer. Any information called into the office shall be documented and provided to the assigned <fficer. The owner should comply with proof of vaccination and city registration within seven 4/5 days to avoid possible citations. #f unable to contact owner, <fficer will leave a -0-hour E;otice to ContactF door tag so that the owner can contact the shelter. #f complaint calls cannot be resolved then please notify Supervisor or 'anager so they can assist. <fficers must update the system to fill out the disposition of what they did and the date they called the complainant bac3 to close the case. Complaints should be handled within -0 hours 4unless urgent5 and t!e complainant called 6it!in + !ours. <nce the complainant has been notified of the results then the complaint is closed.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures ..11 6hen an following ..1 2OA @ogboo7 <fficer brings in a deceased domestic animal the <fficer needs to do the Chec3 all stray deceased pets for a microchip. Chec3 the E7ost and $oundF board. "nter the information into Shelter=s computer system. &rint a copy of the card and place it in the (<A 7og 2oo3. 2e sensitive and do not put comments or graphic e8planations on the card that would insult a potential owner or cause additional emotional trauma. (epending on the condition of the animal a picture could be ta3en and put with the card. These will be 3ept for , months and then destroyed. 2og $uns , Adoption Cennels
<fficers can put healthy animals that will be potentially adoptable in adoption 3ennels, as they come in as strays or owner surrenders. &lease put the animals in the 3ennels according to siBe. Small dogs go in building A. 'edium dogs will be in building 9. 7arge dogs will be in building C. Cruelty or illness cases will be placed in the Ouarantine area if space is provided. &rovide the animal with food, water and bedding needed for comfort. (ogs may not be places in portable crates in the bay area without the :ennel 'aster consent. &ortable 3ennels are used for "% or temporary holding <;7G. ..1# 2oor Tags
%se only the two part door tags having carbonless copies and written in Spanish on the bac3 of the tag. 6hen using the door tag for 79CA incidents, fill out the tag and leave the second part on the resident=s door. #f possible slide the tag between the door and weather stripping instead of the door handle. &lease put the copies of the door tags with the 79CA report or complaint so it can be scanned and filed, this way it will stay with the address it pertains to. Please donEt attac! it to t!e 6or7 s!eets. #f the door tag is left for an animal we have at the shelter please attach the door tag to the animal=s paper wor3. #f it is a dangerous and vicious 4(&V5 door tag leave the information in the $ield Senior <fficer=s mailbo8 as the Senior <fficer has all the dangerous and vicious files. #f an <fficer leaves a door tag, citation or warning, it will need to be logged into Shelter system. $ollowing is a listing of violations and type of door tags left for these violations. Violation ;o current City tag displayed &et not restrained $enceJgate will not restrain pet Animal impounded Tag -0 hour -0 hour -0 hour -0 hour
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49edemption fee will apply5
;o proof of rabies vaccination Animal nuisance by waste Animal nuisance by noise #ncident 4bite, scratch, rabies e8posure5 Animal welfareJcruelty
-0 hour -0 hour -0 hour +- hour +- hour
#f no response to the door tag is received within three 4,5 calendar days a certified letter will be sent to the address informing the citiBen of the door tag being left, violation and the date for <rdinance compliance or citations may be issued. A copy of the letter should be made, scanned and attached to the notes section of the shelter system. Ao second door tags are to be left. The Shelter=s goal is to educate the citiBen in a courteous and professional manner so the violation is not repeated. ..1' )ut!anasia in ;ield
6hen <fficers are dispatched to a s3un3 call they can carry E$atal &lusF with them and euthaniBe the s3un3 in the field using a syringe pole. 6hen s3un3s are euthaniBed, 3ennel cards for s3un3s will be filled out by the <fficer who performed the euthanasia. <fficers performing the euthanasia will log the animal into and then out of Shelter=s computer system. 2oth the $ield E$atal &lusF logboo3 and 3ennel card should be recorded with (ate. Time. Amount of $atal &lus used. <fficer=s initials. <fficer=s radio id number.
The 3ennel card is then placed in the Senior <fficer=s file bas3et. ..1( ;orms -sed
(escription and copy of forms commonly used at Animal Services is found at the end of this manual. $orms should never be allowed to run out. Copies may be made of any form in this manual. $orms may be updated or changed with approval from &rogram 'anager. A. Adoption Contract Contract citiBens must fill out when they adopt an animal from the Shelter. 9. Animal @$CA Incident $eports $orm filled out for animal bites, scratches or possible rabies e8posure. The form is to be 3ept in the incident report for the duration of the investigation and is not to be removed until the report has been cleared. C. Animal 2ata S!eets 4Cennel Cards5
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures "mployees impounding or receiving animals should initiate a 3ennel card through the Shelter=s computer system. There is to be a 3ennel card for each animal placed at the shelter and the 3ennel card is to be updated through all phases of animal disposition. 2. Animal 2eceased Pic7 -p @og 6e do not ta3e money in the field from veterinarian offices. There is a Vet. log that the staff member ta3es with them. The log lists the amount of animals being pic3ed up and the vet office signs off on the amount. The list is then given to the Administrative Supervisor for billing. 6e do not pic3 up livestoc3. 6e do accept deceased livestoc3. ). Animal Profile $orm used by $ield <fficers when they pic3 up animals in the field, such as confined or apartment e8tractions or when <wners surrender their pets. ;. Customer 4Visitor5 @og%in S!eet $orms used at the front entrance reAuesting citiBens to sign so Staff has documentation of number of visitors visiting the Shelter. :. 2onation 9oo7 $orm used to record all donations received from citiBens, veterinarian clinics or for donations left at the Shelter after hours. 7ocated on the front des3 counter. 3. 2oor Tag , FCG Aote This tag is to be left at the residence when an <fficer is unable to ma3e contact with an animal owner or complainant. The <fficer should chec3 appropriate bo8es andJor write an e8planation on the bac3 of the door tag and indicate specific hours for contact purposes and date needed for compliance. I. 2S3S , Severe 9ite?Attac7 ;orm (S?S form needing completed and sent to State of Te8as regarding severe bite attac3s.
D.
;ee $eceipt
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures $orm used to record fees paid for redemptions, adoptions and other services. C. ;ee $econciliation @og 7og used by Administrative staff to record all fees paid during the day and used to assist with daily cash reconciliation. @. Inspection $eport #nspection form used when inspecting pet stores or petting Boos. M. Cennel 2ail" =or7s!eet $orm completed daily by :ennel staff indicating time and area wor3ed. A. @eave?Overtime $e*uest $orm used by staff when reAuesting vacation, sic3 time, comp, overtime, or bereavement leave. The reAuest form is submitted on-line to Senior <fficer for approval with a copy to 'anagement. O. @ost and ;ound $eports $orm used by citiBens to fill out when a citiBen visits the shelter to loo3 for their lost pet. $orms are 3ept in a binder labeled E7ost and $oundF boo3. P. Officer 2ail" =or7s!eet $orm used by $ield <fficer daily to document vehicle information on one side and dispatched or self-initiated calls on the other side. H. O6ner Surrender , Canine?;eline Profiles $orm used by owners surrendering their animal so staff has information regarding pet and owner. $. Mu>>ling Animals #llustration 4e8hibit section5 on how to provide an emergency muBBle for dogs. S. Huarantine $elease ;orm $orm used if home Auarantine granted so owner can sign after the ten 4)C5 day release.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures T. $edemption $eceipt Computer generated receipt used when citiBens pay fees for service. #n the event the computer is down, manual receipts will be used. -. Trap $e*uests $orm used by staff when an animal trap is issued. %pon return of the trap, both the citiBen and receiving <fficer will sign the reAuest to confirm that the trap has been returned. The trap is also removed from the database log. ..1& 3andling of Calls
<fficers are to handle all calls in a timely manner by priority and not by time a call is received. 7ow priority calls may be Mre-assignedM to the ne8t shift if not practical to run before the end of shift. <fficers should use good Dudgment and appropriate discretion when evaluating these issues. Animals attac3ing people or pets. Animals in t!e residence-high ris3 4bat, coyotes, fo8es, raccoon or s3un3s.5 Animal inDured. 79CA incident 4stray at large5. 79CA incident 4stray confined5. &olice and $ire assist 4aggressive dog @ paramedics can=t get in to treat victim5. &olice and $ire assist 4dog in car @ stressed5. &olice and $ire assist 4drug arrest5. Stray dogs 4playgrounds, schools, par3s, neighborhoods5. A. Animals in Attics or =alls CCACS does not participate in the removal of wildlife or vermin inside of homes or walls. Animals trapped in walls are the residentLs responsibility. %nder no circumstances may an <fficer cut into a wall, flooring, climb on top of a roof, move any furniture, other property, or climb a ladder to enter an attic. A list of alternative wildlife specialists can be found in the e8hibit section. 9. 9irds #nDured haw3s, owls, etc., can hurt an <fficer or citiBen if not handled properly. <fficers should wear gloves and use the net on the truc3 to effectively capture the bird. An <fficer may also use a cotton towel or blan3et. <nce the animal has been captured, the bird should be transferred to the A9: or other certified rescue.
Amos# Anthony !ort Aransas $irds %in&l. raptors' ()*+,,-+.)(/ 0 ()*+,,-+.)(/
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!arsons# !amela 1orpus 1hristi $irds %e2&l. raptors' ()*+/3,+).*4 0 ()*+/3,+).*4 %after 35(4pm'
C.
Cats <fficers should always wear gloves prior to and during the handling of cats. To pic3 up a cat, hold the cat by the scruff of the nec3 and bac3 legs. &lace cat in the carry cage and place on the truc3. A restraint pole may be used on feral or aggressive cats and a towel can be used for sic3, or inDured cats. Cats in traps should be transferred to a transfer cage by running them from the trap to the transfer cage. #f responding to a stray cat call and the <fficer cannot apprehend the cat, then the complainant may use a live bo8 trap to catch it. Traps are chec3ed out through the office. #f an <fficer can apprehend the cat, gloves are to be worn, and a carry cage should be readily accessible. %sually the Shelter ma3es one p!"sical attempt to capture a loose cat. #f that fails, a live bo8 trap is recommended to the complainant. #f a citiBen traps a cat in their own personal trap and the <fficer has concerns of the animal escaping during transfer, get permission or leave a door tag to ta3e both animal and trap to unloading destination. 9eturn the trap the same day or mar3 the trap with resident=s address and a note for the ne8t shift to return the trap. :eep in mind that cats are $ree 9oaming in the City of Corpus Christi. Trapping a cat in a trap will not solve the complainants cat related problems. <ffering other solutions can be helpful. #f complainant has a problem with cats urinating in his bushes, he might try using moth balls in the shrubs to 3eep the cats away.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures 2. 2eceased Animals 6hen pic3ing up deceased animals from veterinarian clinics, the <fficer should use the reAuired log form. The clinic is charged in accordance with current City <rdinance. 6hen pic3ing up dead animals from the streets please ma3e your vehicle visible by using the truc3=s overhead lights, haBard flashers and directional signal 4if eAuipped5. The truc3 should be par3ed on the shoulder of the road if possible. #f not, par3 in the lane that the animal is in. 6ear your safety vest, pic3 up the animal, and leave the scene as Auic3ly as possible. #f on a highway, par3 your vehicle on the shoulders. (o not par3 on the highway. #f possible, have another Animal Services truc3 present or contact the &olice (epartment. 6hen pic3ing up a deceased animal from a residence, use gloves, plastic bag and proper discretion 4as you would want your pet handled5. "nter these deceased animals into the Shelter computer system. &lacing the animal on a stretcher and using the two adDoining large bins is more appropriate with the owner present. At the Shelter place the bagged animal in the freeBer. ). 2og Impound 4Stray animals5 - Apprehending stray dogs presents problems because dogs are able to evade capture by darting between houses and escaping into fields where vehicles cannot travel. #n attempting to capture stray dogs, <fficers should :eep the animal out of traffic. Stop the chase if an animal is hit by a vehicle and the Shelter truc3 is present, the public will view the Shelter as being at fault. Try to contain the dog in an enclosed area. #f a resident is home as3 if you could enter the bac3yard if the animal can be contained. %se the net or snappy snare. %se gloves anytime an animal is handled. &lace the restraint pole or leash over its headJshoulder before wal3ing to the truc3. %se caution while handling the animal. A cage door should be open prior to placing the dog on the truc3. A restraint pole is to be properly attached to the animals nec3Jshoulder. 'uBBle the dog if necessary and ta3e muBBle off once animal is on vehicle.
6hen placing a dog onto the truc3, grab the scruff of the bac3 end or support animal weight from underneath by hand or use a towel if fractious and lift onto the truc3. ;ever cho3e an animal in any way by lifting the animal by the nec3. &lease
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures remember someone is always watching. #f placement cannot be done alone, call for another <fficer to assist. After the dog is in the cage, then remove the restraint pole or leash. 7oc3 the truc3 cage door to protect the dog and the public. Turn on the blower or air-conditioning unit during warm to hot weather. Turn on the heater during cold weather. 3ot =eat!er #f a dog is apprehended after being chased and is overheated, as3 a citiBen to use their yard water hose and wet the dog down and give the animal water to drin3. #f the homeowner is not home to reAuest using their water hose go to the nearest fire station or City facility, Vet clinic or immediately return to the Shelter. ?eat e8haustion or stro3e can happen in the field or on Shelter truc3s and without immediate assistance the animal will receive brain damage and euthanasia would be needed. #f heat stro3e or e8haustion is suspected submerge the dog in cool water or apply ice pac3s on the inside of upper part of dog=s body. Alcohol can be poured on the pads of the dog=s feet. Gou may use a rectal thermometer to monitor the dog=s temperature as a dog=s normal temperature is )C+\. Cold =eat!er <fficers should put towels, sheets or blan3ets in their vehicles during cold weather. %se these supplies for old, sic3, inDured or young animals. Transport these types of animals to the Shelter within the hour or sooner. #f the animal is wet from rain, cree3s, swimming pool, etc., use something to cover the animal and do not turn on the blower during transport. At the Shelter, contact :ennel staff for assistance and if necessary use the dryer to dry the animal and place a dry towel in the cage with the animal. Goung or old animals may have to be placed in receiving cages and placed on a heating pad placed under a towel. #f a heating pad is used, have staff monitor and ma3e sure the animal has enough space to move off the heating pad. ;. )1tractions &rior to any e8tractions, the <fficer will chec3 to determine if resident is at home. #f anyone is at home discuss the issues with the resident. #f an e8traction is still necessary, contact a Senior <fficer, 'anager, Supervisor and a &olice <fficer. A &olice <fficer needs to be on the scene for your protection and as witness in the event problems arise. Some reasons for e8traction are the following #f an animal or citiBen=s health and safety are in immediate danger. Some e8amples are prior bites or the animal has been deemed dangerousJvicious. The animal ran into an enclosed structure such as a fenced bac3 yard.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures The enclosure is not structurally sound and will not 3eep the animal properly confined. <nce the animal has been placed into custody, and the owner is not at home, Animal Services <fficer will leave a door tag regarding the situation.
&ictures must be ta3en of the escape route andJor the fence condition to Dustify the animal=s removal. :. In!umane Treatment of Animals An <fficer shall investigate to determine if the animal is being treated inhumanely. The <fficer should chec3 for AdeAuate shelter from elements of the weather 4, sidesJroof with opening facing south5. Accessible fresh water and wholesome food supply. Condition of the animal. Sanitation. <ther conditions which may constitute cruelty.
#f inhumane treatment is confirmed, notify a Supervisor and the crueltyJbite officers. #f reAuested, the <fficer is to contact the complainant. 9emoval of an animal deemed as cruelly treated or inhumane ma" onl" be done 6it! a sei>ure 6arrant or b" o6ner surrender. #f the animal is in imminent danger suc! as a life t!reatening condition, the animal may be ta3en into custody 6it! a sei>ure 6arrant to follo6. This reAuires concurrence of the 'anager or Supervisor. <fficers should document time, date, when, where, why, and what they observed. &ictures should be ta3en when appropriate to prove your case. 3. In8ured?Sic7 <fficers will respond to inDuredJsic3 animal calls as a priority call. Care must be ta3en in handling inDured animals so as not to inflict further inDury or pain to the animal, and for the safety of the <fficer. $irst responsibility of the <fficer is to carefully assess the situation, and form a plan of action. 6ear leather- type gloves. #f possible, muBBle the animal with a leash, rope, or cloth. This will minimiBe any snapping and inDuries. &lace animal onto the truc3 by way of carrying, stretcher, or transfer cage. 9emove the muBBle as soon as possible so the inhibiting of breathing
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures by the animal is 3ept to a minimum. An inDured animal 6it! a local veterinarian tag on shall be ta3en to that veterinarian if they are open. Animals 6it!out tags may be ta3en to the VC for an opinion regarding the humane holding of the animal for the duration of the stray period. #f possible, have the veterinarian write down their opinion for Shelter records. 9eturn to the shelter as soon as possible.
#f the animal is severely inDured, such as immobility, bone e8trusions, gunshot wounds, etc., the animal may be euthaniBed upon return to the shelter with authoriBation from management. Ta3e pictures and 3eep with the appropriate impound data sheets to support the animal=s condition. #f the animal appears to be sic3 in any way, it should be isolated if at all possible, either in a semi-Auarantine cage or Auarantine cage. 'a3e a copy of the :ennel card with the noted medical issues and place it in the file outside of the lab door for the VC, veterinarians and other staff.
I.
Iguanas & Aon%Venomous @i>ards 6hile wearing gloves, pic3 the iguana up with one hand under the mid-section and the other hand at the base of the tail. &lace iguana in transfer cage and impound the animal. These reptiles are cold blooded and need to be transferred to A9: 4or approved rescue5 immediately or <fficer should provide proper care to maintain warmth.
D.
@ivestoc7 7ivestoc3 roaming city streets or highways can present serious safety haBards to traffic, the animal, and to the <fficer responding to the call. 7ivestoc3 should be removed from roadways immediately. 6hen possible, as3 for assistance from another Animal Services <fficer. #f it is apparent where the livestoc3 came from, try to return them to their pasture. #f an <fficer cannot find where the animal4s5 came from, then livestoc3 should be herded to an area where they will not interfere with traffic. #f possible, ma3e an attempt to temporarily repair openings in fencing so animals can be secured until owner is contacted. #f the owner is un3nown and animals cannot be secured, contact the ;ueces County Sheriff at 4#&15 (##%'0 . 4Dudy.DacobsonIco.nueces.t8.us5 or ;ueces County Animal Control at #&1%#.+%(+01 and reAuest assistance with cattle trailer impound. ?owever, if the owner is 3nown, ma3e contact so they may place the animals in the pasture and mend fencing or assist. #f
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures a recurring problem persists, citations for no restraint may be issued. 7ivestoc3 involved in bites need to be Auarantined for thirty 4,C5 days and most of the time this can be done on the owners landJpasture. (eceased livestoc3 are t!e o6nerEs responsibilit" to remove from their property. #f Animal Services has to obtain assistance from other city departments to remove dead livestoc3 from public roadways, and if the owner is 3nown, they will be assessed removal fees, plus any additional fees by the other agency. C. S!elter animals ?andle all animals at the shelter with a leash, gloves, or restraint pole. The public is not allowed inside individual animal cages. "mployees are to remove the animal when wor3ing in the cage. #f you are unable to handle an animal by yourself, get assistance.
@.
Sna7es Sna3es are unpredictable and often hard to determine if it is venomous. AC<s should not handle sna3es if at all possible. %nless the sna3e is an immediate threat to the public health or peace, it should be left alone. <ften sna3es are in yards to eat vermin 4mice5 and coc3roaches. The pests may be in the yard due to people feeding birds or pets outdoors. The Auic3est way to rid the problem is remove the food source. Try educating the public on why they have sna3es in their yard first. 6e do not climb treesH crawl under houses or into confined spaces. Calls of that nature should be referred to pet control companies. 6hen capturing sna3es do the following 6ear gloves. &ractice caution even when using sna3e tongs. &lace the sna3e in a secure container for transport to an undeveloped area for release. #n the event a poisonous sna3e is found, e8treme caution should be used and the sna3e should be transferred to safe location, away from the public. (o not bring the sna3e bac3 to the shelter.
M.
Stra" Calls 6hen responding to stray animal calls do the following. Chec3 the area for any and all strays.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures #f reAuested, ma3e personal contact with the complainant or leave a door tag if they are not home. #f any strays are located, the first responsibility is to apprehend the animal. #f you are unable to apprehend the animal, attempt to determine where the animal lives by following it home. After an animal has been EAt-7argeF, if the animal has entered an enclosed yard and is believed to reside there, chec3 to determine if the resident is at home. #f a resident is not at home, the <fficer may remove the animal and leave the resident a door tag informing them of the removal.
A.
Turtles <fficers must wear gloves. Turtles can be captured by grabbing them in the middle of the shell. Always be cautious of the hind legs. They do carry bacteria and can cause infections. Turtles should be released near appropriate bodies of water.
O.
=ildlife 6hen receiving complaints on wild animals such as sAuirrels, raccoons, s3un3s, opossums, armadillos, etc., notify the complainant to obtain a live trap through the office. #f the animal has cornered the resident, an <fficer should attempt to capture or chase it away. #f the animal is inside the dwelling and is visible 4not in the walls or attic5, the <fficer should attempt to capture the animal, remove it, and release it away from the residence. S3un3s and 9accoons are only euthaniBed when appropriately confined, such as a live bo8 trap or a small enclosure of home, business or structures. To prevent being sprayed by the s3un3, AC<s should attempt to cover the cage with a blac3 trash bag. (o not seal the bag, the animal will suffocate. Coyote calls will be responded to in residential neighborhoods during daylight hours. %pon a sighting, always update the coyote activity log. Supervisor should be notified of unusual freAuency or Auantity of coyotes in an area. #t may be necessary to contract with a licensed Trapper to minimiBe coyote activity or contact T&67 biologists to start a reduction program. <fficers should ma3e a loud noise and run the coyote bac3 to a nearby wooded area. ?owever, if the coyote is sic3 or inDured and a safe capture can be performed then do so. Officers must use common sense and not spend t!irt" 4#05 minutes tr"ing to catc! a !ealt!" 6ild animal. ACOs are not trained in !andling Co"otes and s!ould not attempt to dart or catc! a co"ote.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures 6ild Mhigh ris3M animals 4involved in a bite or scratch5 will not be *uarantined. They will be euthaniBed and shipped to (S?S for testing. The e8ception to this rule is ferrets. $errets will be Auarantined as stated by the Te8as (epartment of State ?ealth Services 4(S?S5. To see a copy of the current "ndangered Species, go to the below T&67 lin3
http JJwww.tpwd.state.t8.usJhuntwildJwildJrehabJprotectedJ
$or baby or inDured animals that the <fficer wishes to relocate or rehabilitate, the <fficer should contact the below certified rehabilitators
Amsden# 6ani&e 1orpus 1hristi "mall mammals ()*+7(7+/(*, %)pm + 7pm'# ()*+..7+-/,4 &ell %7a+)p'
$u&8ley# 9r. 6ohn 1orpus 1hristi
Reptiles %in&luding Te2as Tortoises'
()*+77-+((/4
%)p+*4p' ()*+3)(+-.)-
;ueces T&67 >ame 6ardens +C),-+C)Aguilar, Saul 7indner, Scott C 7indsey, Qames ( 9obinson, 9obbie SpatB, ;ichole ' 6heelington, 'ichael S -,+-1-C-*,11 ,.)-0),-C1)C ,.)-0).--C1) 1*.-.-+-.C)1 ,.)-*,/-+1C, ,.)-0).-.1-,
..1+
3andling Possible $abies )1posure Animal
The publicLs health and safety is the number one mandate for Animal Services as the Shelter is the 7ocal 9abies Control Authority for the State of Te8as. The maDor aspect of that responsibility is the capture and Auarantine or testing of a possible rabies e8posure animal. A possibly rabid animal call is on the level of priority &olice or $ire (epartment assistance call and can supersede those calls depending on the situation. 2eyond capturing the possibly rabid animal, safely transporting the animal to the Shelter is of prime importance. ). Always use gloves when dealing with a possible rabies e8posure animal or one of the five rabies carrier species 4e.g., bat, fo8, coyote, raccoon, and s3un35. +. &repare the truc3 bin and any other necessary eAuipment before attempting to handle the animal. ,. #f the animal is too large for a transfer carrier 4e.g., dog or coyote5, ensure the inner truc3 bin door is secure before ta3ing the animal off of the :etch-pole.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures -. $or animals in a trap or carrier 4e.g., cat, ferret, fo8, raccoon5, do not transfer the animal to another carrier. #nstead, as3 the resident if the entire trapJcarrier can be transported to the shelter where the animal can be removed safely in an enclosed area to prevent escape. The empty trapJcarrier can then be returned to the resident. #f a towel or blan3et was used to capture the animal, place the entire pac3age into the transfer carrier and secure the carrier in a truc3 bin. The animal can be safely removed later at the shelter. *. S3un3s are euthaniBed in the field in the original container. 6e do not attempt to catch unrestrained s3un3s. .. Small animals 4e.g., bat5 should never be transferred to a metal cage carrier. #nstead, the animal can be placed in a minnow buc3et or other buc3et with a lid that will close securely. #f the animal was caught using a net and there is too great of a ris3 to transfer the animal, the entire net can be placed into a bag or pillowcase and tied closed to secure the animal. /. Always secure the inner bin door and loc3 the outer bin door when transporting a possible rabid animal. P)EP()E +3E !3E6+E) C(2E &) :E--E6 P)*&) +& '-6&(D*-2 +3E (-*4(6. 0. 6hen unloading the animal, open the bin door carefully to ensure that the animal does not have the opportunity to escape if it already freed itself from the original carrier. 1. (S?S recommends any domestic animal 4owned or stray5 3nown to be bitten by a positive rabid animal to be euthaniBed for ship and test. )C. 7ivestoc3 6hile the City is not eAuipped to transport livestoc3, a possible rabies e8posure to livestoc3 can be resolved by contacting the owner and placing the animal into the proper 7arge Animal Ouarantine $acility. #f necessary, the ;ueces County Sheriff can be called at 4#&15 (##%'0 . 4Dudy.DacobsonIco.nueces.t8.us5 or ;ueces County Animal Control at #&1%#.+%(+01 and their livestoc3 handler with trailer can be dispatched. ..1. Incinerator 2oes not appl" at t!is time
At this time CCACS does ;<T have an incinerator. ?owever, once the bay is remodeled, an #ncinerator may be available. This S<& is being included to accommodate that change. <fficers are responsible for cleaning, loading, unloading and calling facilities for needed maintenance on the incinerator. <fficers can assist in ta3ing euthaniBed animals to the incinerator. #n all cases of euthanasia, death of the animal must be confirmed prior to incineration. <fficers must chec3 heartbeat, breathing, or eye refle8es 4or lac3 thereof5. All deceased animals not placed in the incinerator will be bagged and placed in the red cart to be included in that day=s burn or put into the freeBer. #n order for the incinerator to function properly, it must be cleaned daily. >oggles must be worn while loading and cleaning the incinerator. 6hen <fficers arrive at wor3, one of the primary responsibilities is for them to chec3 the level of ashes in the incinerator and remove the ashes daily. The incinerator should be cool enough in the morning to clean if the last burn was by . CC p.m. the previous evening.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures <fficers that unload or move deceased animals should put all deceased animals in the assigned cart, put into the freeBer, or load into the incinerator. #f possible, depending on the number of animals it would be best to start the incinerator. #f there is no room in the freeBer or incinerator then animals should be bagged and have a tarp put over them. At no time should a deceased animal be visible. All deceased animals should be bagged then the bag should be closed or tied. To use the incinerator perform the following Verify incinerator is clean. 9emove old dial chart and give to Administrative staff. #f red in3 on chart is dim then replace red pen cartridge. &ut in a new dial chart. Turn on incinerator to pre-heat for appro8imately )* to ,C minutes. After pre-heat carefully open the door and load the animals. Try not to load more than .CC to 0CC pounds. $roBen product should not be set in the incinerator until thawed. &ut weight of the product load on the dial chart. &ut your name on the dial chart. Close the door and let the incinerator run, burn should be complete after four hours. Schedule the burn so that the burn does not continue past dar3.
2o not open incinerator during burn process. <ou can be in8ured and t!e unit ma" be damaged. ..1/ In8ured Animals
(uring business hours if you bring in an inDured animal, have VC, Senior <fficer or other staff assist with evaluating the animal. $or an &9-ED ani"al, after hours, contact the VCA Animal ?ospital at ,.)-11--))-* 7ocated at //), South Staples St. Corpus Christi, TK /0-),. CCACS is not an ambulance service for animals and will not transport an inDured animal upon owner reAuest. #f the animal has a collar or microchip, attempt to ma3e contact with the owner. Advise the owner of the problem and let them 3now that you will either drop the dog off at VCA or they can pic3 the dog up themselves. 2o not give unstable animal4s5 food or water, they may go in shoc3 and cho3e to death. .. 0 Inventor" ;ield Operation Supplies
2ail"B staff will submit inventory pac3ing lists and any other field inventory related documentation to Administrative staff. Staff ta3ing the last inventory items should inform
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Administrative staff otherwise, Administrative staff will inventory $ield <perational supplies. .. 1 Cennel Cards
:ennel Cards should be created for all animals pic3ed up by <fficers, e8cept for nondomestic animals. ;on-domestic animal identification numbers can be documented on <fficer=s daily wor3sheets. There is no need to print out a 3ennel card for deceased unless for ship and test or for animals released in the field. A 3ennel card needs to be created for transferred wildlife. Two copies of the 3ennel card should be made. <ne copy of the 3ennel card should be attached to the transfer carrier and given to staff indicating when and where animal is transferred. The other card should be signed by whoever you transferred the wildlife to and this card should be returned to Administrative staff.
#f the animal is for ship and test, place a copy of the animal card on the animal itself 4if deceased is put into ship and test refrigerator5 and a copy in the Administrative area E&ending things to doF bo8 with ship and test written on it. Staff should indicate on the dry erase board by 'anager=s <ffice that an ES&TF is in refrigerator. $ield <fficers are to chec3 the E7ost and $oundF boo3 from current date bac3 two wee3s and chec3 for a microchip on every domestic animal 4live and deceased brought into the Shelter. <fficers should note on the 3ennel card that they chec3ed E7ost and $oundF boo3 and scanned for microchip. Animals that arrive after hours with collar and tags will 3eep the collar and tags on. $ield <fficers should attempt to notify the owners listed on tags and if they are unable to contact the owner a copy of the :ennel card should be placed in the pending bo8 at the front des3 so that office staff can follow up the ne8t wor3ing day. #f you pic3 up a deceased cat or dog, you will log the animal into the computer system, scan the animal for a micro chip and print the animal receipt and place it in the deceased boo3. This assists owners to identify their deceased animal. .. Cennel $esponsibilit"
Caring of the animals is a primary duty for A@@ STA;;. #n the event that the :ennel <fficer is absent, the morning shift <fficers need to assist with performing the :ennel <fficer duties as listed in /.) @ #ntroduction section EAF. Some of the duties are listed below. These duties are listed in alpha order and not the order that the duties should be performed.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures Assist with reconciling the animals. Assist with euthanasia. Assist with cleaning the puppyJ3itten room, cat Auarantine and cat isolation. Cleaning dog adoption and stray pods Cleaning dog Auarantine, dog isolation, receiving and surgery. Cleaning & sweeping of the bay area.
#f an <fficer assists with cleaning, please follow the cleaning order as listed in section /.* ECleaning Cages &roceduresF section EAF and indicate all areas cleaned or duties performed on your daily wor3sheet. )vening ;ield Officers can periodicall" spot clean. &rior to their shift ending evening <fficers should ma3e sure all shelter animals have water and animals in the &uppyJ:itten room have food and water. .. # @ocal $abies Control Aut!orit" 4@$CA5 Incidents
2eing the 7ocal 9abies Control Authority, <fficers have to fill out an 79CA incident report for any possible rabies e8posure. The purpose of incident reports, Auarantine, or shipping an animal is to determine if the animal was capable of transmitting the 9abies virus at the time the e8posure occurred. <nce an animal involved in an 79CA incident is captured and in an <fficer=s possession then it is the <fficers responsibility to ensure that the animal arrives at the Shelter for Auarantine. #f the incident animal escapes then disciplinary action will be ta3en against the <fficer and depending on the circumstances may include termination. 79CA incident report 4is high priority5 and impound paperwor3 should be completed. 6hen ta3ing an incident report, use the 79CA incident form as shown in the e8hibit form section of this manual. This allows staff to obtain as much information as possible on the initial contact. Some animal incidents can be dealt with over the phone, unless the incident animal is at-large. #f the victim is in the "mergency 9oom, attempt to arrive before the victim is released. #f time is of the essence, at a minimum get the following (id incident occur in Corpus ChristiP ;ame. Address. &hone numbers of victim. <wner of animal, if 3nown. 2reed, color, se8, and name of animal. ?ospital name, treating (octor, and type of wound. &hotos of the wound.
There is no need to spend e8haustive time on the phone. Qust get the necessities because
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures most of the conversation is not being heard or understood due to the fact the victim is in the "mergency 9oom and probably more concerned with other issues. "8plain to them someone will follow up with a phone call the ne8t day. The balance of the report can be completed after spending more Auality time with the individual. #f the animal involved in the incident is at-large, dispatch an <fficer to the area immediately. The <fficer needs to impound the animal as soon as possible. #f the animal cannot be apprehended or an owner is not 3nown or located, then a live bo8 trap must be set. #f the incident animal does not belong to the owner, but another person, then contact the owner of the incident animal immediately in person, by phone or leave a +- hour door tag. "very effort needs to be made to get the incident animal into Auarantine or ship and test. All incident animals must be Auarantined for +-C hours, either at the animal shelter or at an approved veterinary clinic. ?ome Ouarantines are not recommended and may only be offered or approved by the actual 79CA. <n all Auarantine animals, the animals will be monitored and chec3ed by an Animal Services <fficer according to (S?S procedures and the <fficer will document these visits on the incident report form. This will allow staff to review the status of Auarantine animals. All incident report information should be entered into the Shelter=s computer system. T!e animal s!ould not be vaccinated against rabies during t!e *uarantine period. All reports and notes should be e8tremely thorough. This information may be needed at a later date in court or during the investigation stage. <fficers are reAuired to ta3e photos of the wound, save to the : drive, as-well-as print and place in the file. #f the inDury is in a location that would be considered modest, (< ;<T ta3e photos unless a witness of the same gender is present. #f the victim is a child, allow the parents to ta3e the photos if necessary. A. 3ome Huarantine There is absolutely no discussion or granting of home 0uarantine 'y staff 'anagement will review each Auarantine incident and if age or health of an animal is a concern, then the 'anager or their designee may discuss options with the animal=s owner. 9. S!elter Huarantine An animal should be Auarantined at the Corpus Christi Animal Shelter if the animal is either At large. ;ot currently vaccinated, and registered. #f Auarantined at the shelter, the animal s!all be vie6ed t6ice dail"
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures according to Te8as (epartment of ?ealth procedures. #f the animal was impounded at-large at the time of the incident full charges apply 4impound fee and daily board5. #f the animal was pic3ed up directly from the owner or the owner brought the animal to Animal Services, then staff will only charge daily board fees. C. Veterinarian Huarantine #f the animal is being Auarantined at an approved veterinarian clinic, it is Shelter staff=s responsibility to call on the specified days. A clinic representative or the attending veterinarian may give the result of the Auarantine chec3. #f the animal is not vaccinated, then when the animal is cleared, the veterinarian may vaccinate it and the owner will pay the cost. $or veterinarian Auarantine, the owner must pay the veterinarian fees. .. ' @unc! 9rea7
<fficers are to ta3e their lunch periods as close to four hours into their shift as possible. <fficers are to notify dispatch at the start of their shift as to the time they actually are scheduled to ta3e their lunch. <nce they are clear of priority calls, they should notify the officeJdispatch by radio that they are )C-/ 4out of service5 for a lunch. #f <fficers still have priority calls needing ran, they should reAuest dispatch to transfer the calls to another <fficer. <fficers may ;<T go to lunch all together. They may go two at a time, if there are more AC<s in the field. <therwise they must stagger their brea3s to ensure adeAuate coverage at all times. AC<s will ta3e a City Vehicle, be dressed in their professional uniform and have the radio on to monitor radio traffic during their brea3. #f the AC< must be pulled from their brea3 due to an emergency, they will be given Comp-time or may be able to ta3e their brea3 later in the shift. AC<s will not eat at establishments that would not be considered family friendly. AC<s will use good Dudgment. .. ( On%Call 2ut"
The primary purpose of Mon callM is to provide assistance to $ire and &olice (ispatch and citiBens who reAuest emergency service after hours. <n call hours begin at )) CC p.m. and ends at / CC a.m. on the following morning. The on-call bo8 is no longer necessary since each <fficer is assigned a cell phone. <fficers should have blan3 forms at their home to complete 79CA incident calls. <therwise, if the calls have to be run other necessary eAuipment and supplies should be in your assigned vehicle. The Animal Services <fficer assigned Mon-callF should 2e available for calls at all times during their rotation. 'aintain contact with dispatch so they 3now your location, phone number or pager number. 9emain within a half-hour response time to the animal shelter.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures <fficers responding to emergency calls should be in uniform and have their officer badge and city identification. Shelter truc3 is to be used for all on-call responses. <fficer (aily 6or3sheet will be filled out for all on-call calls. AC<s may ta3e the truc3 home when on-call.
9esponse to emergency calls by an Animal Services <fficer contained herein is department policy. The <fficer should be familiar with these procedures and adhere to this policy. #f special conditions arise which are not covered in the procedures, use Dudgment and decide what needs to be done. Call a Supervisor if you are unsure about proper response. All non-emergency calls are to be forwarded to the office the following morning. Advise complainant that they may call the Call Center at ,.)-0+.-+-01 during business hours and discuss with staff or leave a voice mail. <fficers should insure citiBens all voice mail calls will be received by the ne8t shift. 6hen a call is received by dispatch, do not discuss policy with the dispatcher unless to inform the dispatcher that the type of call they are giving you is not handled as an emergency after hour call. #f you are receiving calls not considered an emergency by Animal Services after hours, document on your wor3sheet and ma3e a copy for the Senior <fficer. The Senior <fficer will follow up with dispatch or the call center regarding the type of after hour calls needing to be dispatched. <btain the information necessary to ma3e contact with the citiBen reAuesting assistance. (ispatch will contact on-call <fficers by one of two methods Calling <fficer=s city issued cell phone andJor pager. Calling <fficer=s residence J cell phone. The <fficer Mon-callM will follow up on the reAuest by ma3ing contact with the citiBen by phone or in person, whichever the situation dictates. 6hen contact is made, the <fficer should use good Dudgment and respond accordingly to the situation. The Mon-callM Animal Services <fficer should respond to the following, but not limited to these particular calls. The following is to provide an outline of the criteria that should be used by <fficers. ;ire and crime scenes, and to &olice <fficers arresting individuals who have an animal needing to be placed in Shelter custody. Animals creating immediate traffic !a>ard - loose, inDured, or estray livestoc3 on main roadways. Trapped animals, especially in e8treme weather conditions or that have been involved in a bite, scratch or possible rabies e8posure. M3ig! ris7M 6ildlife t!at are visible - 4bats, coyotes, fo8es, raccoons
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures and s3un3s5, inside a dwelling or garage. Gards and cars are not considered a dwelling. M3ig! ris7M 6ildlife that may have been inDured or 3illed by a family pet. @$CA incident in which human e8posure has occurred through a bite, scratch, or from e8posure from an animal that can transmit the rabies virus. These would include but are not limited to cats, dogs, bats, coyotes, ferrets, fo8es, raccoons, s3un3s, or low ris3 animals including but not limited to hamsters, rabbits, rodents, and sAuirrels. #f an incident comes in during on-call hours, the Shelter needs to inform disptach to e-mail Eanimal controlF and the incident can be handled first thing in the morning. ;othing can be done with these incidents until the morning, so getting the information during on-call hours is not necessary. 'ost of the times, the hospital cannot find the chart as they are still wor3ing with the patient and the chart is not yet available. <fficers have to call them in the morning to get more information. The victim is usually unreachable until in the morning as well. ?owever, if the incident happens during on-call hours and it is a stray that is still at large, disptach should contact on-call <fficers to patrol as this is something that needs to be done immediately $esident contacts @ #f resident reAuests to have Animal Shelter staff contact them and refuses to provide necessary information to disptach, then once contacted, it is your responsibility to contact the citiBen for further details. Sic7 and in8ured animals 4domesticated, livestoc3 and wildlife5 that will not vacate the area on their own or are in pain and are suffering.
The <fficer should not respond to Mlow priorityM or Mlow ris3M type calls, but should forward them to the Shelter for the following morning. <fficer Dudgment and discretion is essential in this determination. .. & O6ner 2OA
The removal of a residentLs deceased pet is an e8tremely sensitive time where proper discretion and respect are mandated of the <fficer. 6hile the deceased pet might be one of many the <fficer has responded to during the shift this pet is part of the residentLs family and must be treated as such. ). #f the pet has a collar on, as3 the resident if they want to 3eep the collar. #f they want, remove the collar delicately and with respect. #t the collar has blood on
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures it, ta3e the collar to your truc3 and use a hand sanitiBer sheet to clean the collar, as best as you can. As3 the resident if they want to ta3e a few last minutes to say farewell to their pet. >ive the owner the option to leave the area or ta3e children to another area before attempting to remove the pet. %se a blan3et, sheet or towel as using a plastic trash bag is inappropriate. #f the <fficer only has a plastic trash bag then e8plain to the resident the reason for the bag. <pen the truc3 bin door and set up the bin before attempting to remove the animal. Also, gently and carefully place the deceased pet into the truc3 bin. #f the pet is too large for one <fficer to lift safely and delicately, call for assistance. Also, a stretcher may be used to remove the pet. #f no assistance is available, call dispatch and reAuest assistance from a &olice unit to help lift the pet. <ffer condolences for the loss of the residentLs pet. O6ner Aotification
+. ,. -. *. ..
/. .. +
Animal control authority or any &olice <fficer may impound any animal found at large in violation of this chapter. #f the owner, 3eeper, or harborer of such animal is 3nown or can be readily ascertained the Animal Services <fficer shall notify himJher by telephone, personal service, certified mail, or door tag no later than twenty-four 4+-5 hours following such impoundment or after obtaining owner information. #f there is a match with microchips, collars or lost and found, please contact owner. #ndicate date and time on 3ennel card. 6hen $ield <fficers bring in an animal wearing tags please do the following :eep tags and collars on the animals. 42O AOT $)MOV) tags5. &rint out the license tag registration and attach to the paperwor3. 6rite owner information or contact information on the 3ennel card then date and initial the card. .. . O6ner Surrender ;ield
#f at all possible do not ta3e <wner Surrenders animal in the $ield. Advise citiBens that paperwor3 has to be filled out regarding their animal behavior traits, vaccination records and other information prior to evaluating their animal for adoption. #f it is an <wner Surrender reAuest for euthanasia then inform them that CCACS does not euthaniBe animals on demand and they should contact their veterinarian if this is something they want done. %nless an emergency e8ists and the <fficer feels that immediate euthanasia is warranted. There will be certain situations when an <fficer is reAuired to ta3e an <wner Surrender in the field. Several reasons are owner is fearful due to the animal biting, showing
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures aggression, citiBen is disabled or a senior citiBen. 6hen this happens please have the <wner fill out the Animal profile sheet and have the citiBen show you their driver=s license. The <wner=s driver=s license number must be indicated on the profile sheet and the <wner must sign the profile sheet indicating they are the ownerJcustodian of the described animal. The original profile sheet must be filed with the 3ennel card. .. / Patrol
<fficers will be assigned sector4s5 to wor3 and may rotate wor3ing these sectors. Common sense should prevail and when other <fficers are absent, <fficers might have to wor3 several sectors or the entire City. 6hen all dispatched calls have been serviced, <fficers will patrol par3s that have complaints of loose dogs, neighborhoods, initiate calls via patrol and conduct special patrol for violations of city ordinance. <fficers will return to the Shelter in enough time to unload, wash and sanitiBe the truc3, and to complete their administrative tas3s before end of shift. This could include data entry on approved system, listing impounds, chec3ing the E7ost and $oundF board, logging in deceased from streets and veterinarian, and complaints or assisting Administrative or :ennel <perations until their shift is finished. ..#0 $abies Testing
9emember the Shelter is the 79CA and &ublic ?ealth and Safety is our main purpose. An animal that dies during Auarantine or any wild Mhigh ris3M animal shall be submitted for rabies testing. An animal whose disposition changes and there is reason to believe the animal is infected with the virus may also be tested. Te1as 2epartment of State 3ealt! Services 42S3S5 in Austin does not charge for rabies testing and City incurs only shipping cost. <wners are reAuired to pay the established fee for shipping and testing due to staff time in preparation and to cover shipping charges. $or no reason will any suspected animal not be tested. The process to perform a ship and test is listed under :ennel <perations. ..#1 $eleasing S!elter Animals , After 3ours
#n order to enhance customer service, staff can release animals after hours if the citiBen can pay by chec3H no cash or credit cards are accepted after business hours. &lease use good Dudgment and common sense when releasing animals. #f the citiBen is irate and offensive, inform them they will have to redeem their animal during business hours. <fficers must chec3 the computer system for priors before ma3ing a decision to release animal. #f <fficer decides to let the owner redeem their animal, two employees must be present while release is processed. A)V)$ @)AV) T3) O=A)$ -AATT)A2)2. #f animal is released, the 3ennel card and chec3 will be put into the Administrative pending bo8 and Administrative staff will process the transaction the ne8t business day. ..# Subpoena Polic"
<nce an <fficer is subpoenaed for court, 'anagement will attempt to schedule the hours
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures into the <fficer=s regular shift or if they receive the subpoena after the schedule is made, then their schedule will be reviewed and when possible, their shift will be changed so they can fle8 out the hours spent at the day of trial. The only reason an <fficer should not appear in court will be sic3ness. #f this happens prior to the court date, the court will be promptly notified. #f sic3 prior to attending court, then the <fficer must immediately notify a Supervisor. Supervisor will contact court personnel prior to court time. The <fficer must bring a doctor=s statement prior to returning to wor3 or disciplinary action will be ta3en. 2eing subpoenaed for court is one of the reAuirements for an <fficers and failure to appear at court is not allowed. Any no show appearance will be reviewed and at a minimum the <fficer will receive one day without pay. $ailure for an <fficer to appear for court more than once could result in termination and court could issue fines to the <fficer for failing to appear. #t would be the <fficers responsibility to pay any court fees. ..## Sunda" s!ift responsibilities for Officers
&rior to Sunday night shift ending, please spot chec3 the 3ennels and chec3 for water in all cat and dog cages. Spot chec3 all cats and 3ittens rooms. &ut the time and location on your wor3sheet and on the cleaning log posted on each pod door. The order of cleaning is important for the health of each animal in our custody and to avoid cross contamination. &lease clean animal cages in the following order. CATS 2O:S ;ursery J 3itten room. Adoptable cats Ouarantine cats 4use gloves5. Stray cats. #solation cats.
Ouarantine dogs. Adoptable dogs. Stray dogs. 9eceiving animals. #solation dogs.
OT3)$ 2-TI)S 6ash food and water bowls. #f the same animal is in the 3ennel and the bowls are not soiled, you can rinse the bowls in the 3ennel cage. 2owls need disinfected every other day. All staff is responsible for assisting with laundry
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures &lease document any animal symptoms of illness on their 3ennel card. Aggression or other Auestionable behavior needs noted. 9eview 3ennel cards for any animal with tags to determine if tag information has been entered under the #( and if owner notified. #nitial the cleaning log after each area you clean and indicate the cleaning on your wor3sheet. :ennel staff will use the :ennel Staff (aily 6or3sheet to document areas they clean. ..#' Ve!icle Operation
The primary purpose of this procedure is to follow $acilities and $leet 'aintenance &olicy, regarding vehicle maintenance and to encourage staff responsibility for vehicles supplied for performing their duties. 9emember, no eating, drin3ing or smo3ing in vehicles e8cept <fficers can have bottled water or non-alcoholic beverage and drin3 when their vehicle is at a stop. Animal Shelter policy is to turn off t!e truc7 when loading and unloading animals at the Shelter. 6ith higher fuel cost, please use common sense and turn off your vehicle when possible. After unloading your truc3 please move your truc3 to par3ing space or in front of trash bin, so other staff, citiBens and <fficers can use the sally port. A. Cleaning Gou are responsible for the overall image presented by your appearance and eAuipment to the citiBens of Corpus Christi. #t is your responsibility to clean vehicles operated and used by you. Any employee who uses a bac3up truc3 will be reAuired to clean the vehicle t!at same da". If dail" cleaning 6ill create overtime !oursB "ou must first notif" "our Supervisor. At a minimum perform t!e follo6ingJ Gou must clean inside the cab and all bins. #nside of the vehicle should be free of clutter. 4'agaBines, boo3s, bottles, cups, or other unnecessary material should not be carried in the truc35. Clutter in cab may be removed and disposed of by management without informing <fficers. The interior should be vacuumed and wiped as needed. The outside washed with soap and water as needed. Vehicle cages need to be sanitiBed, using a proper sanitiBing solution after housing each animal. This assists with reducing diseases. 2ins may need washing prior to sanitiBing. All logos, serial numbers, parts attached to the outside of the vehicle should be intact and legible.
&eriodically, each vehicle will be chec3ed and if the truc3 is not clean then the <fficer last using the vehicle will receive disciplinary action.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures 9. )mergenc" @ig!ts #f an animal is inDured or dead in the street, the overhead lights and flashers should be used. The truc3 should be used to bloc3 the lane of travel 4unless a state highway5 where the animal lies so that the <fficer has a protective barrier from traffic. :eep the truc3 appro8imately eight to ten feet from the animal. This is a safety precaution for the <fficer in case the vehicle is rear ended. The vehicle should be moved away as soon as possible. 6hen in pursuit of an animal within heavy traffic flow, the emergency lights and flashers should be used to alert traffic of the danger of the animal darting out into traffic. The emergency lights should not be used when the vehicle is in motion, e8cept on a main road following an animal. %se turn signals to alert traffic as to your intended direction. C. ;uel #t is the responsibility of the <fficer to ensure that vehicles are par3ed in the designated par3ing space and full of fuel at the end of each dayLs operation. $ueling is necessary due to emergency calls ran by other <fficers. If Officers !ave to fuel a ve!icle before !andling a priorit" t!en t!e S!elter is not meeting t!eir goal of offering *ualit" service to t!e citi>ens. Any employee who uses a bac3up truc3 will be reAuired to fuel the vehicle that same day. &eriodically, vehicles will be chec3ed to assure the vehicles have a full tan3 of fuel. 9eport any mechanical problems with dispensers and any fuel lea3age immediately to the Senior <fficer and document on your wor3sheet. 2. @oan of )*uipment "mployees of Animal Services will not loan City "Auipment to anyone unless authoriBed by the 'anager. ). Operation $leet Services is responsible for maintaining eAuipment and insuring the lowest possible cost for eAuipment acAuisition, operation and maintenance. $or immediate attention necessary to 3eep the vehicle in safe wor3ing order, ta3e vehicle to $leet Services 4i.e., service engine light, bra3es, steering, flats, etc.5. "Auipment you use is purchased and owned by the City of Corpus Christi. Gou are responsible for the proper care and use of this eAuipment and are reAuired to perform reAuired daily maintenance on the eAuipment you are using that day. All employees will perform a daily vehicle pre-trip inspection on each vehicle. ;. Preventive Maintenance
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures &reventive 'aintenance 4&'5 is scheduled periodically by $leet Services to chec3 eAuipment and correct potential problems before they arise. Senior <fficer will be notified of the vehicle needing maintenance and will schedule the vehicles according to the reAuest. Advance notification should be made to $leet Services if the preventive maintenance schedule cannot be met. :. Ve!icle Maintenance Preventative Animal Services <fficers driving vehicles shall be responsible for ma3ing dail" maintenance chec3s on the bac3 of the (aily <fficer 6or3sheets. This chec3 should include the following 2ra3e eAuipment chec3s. (ash board warning light of engine problems. 7ea3s. 7ight operation. <il levels. Steering fluid levels. Transmission fluid levels. Visually chec3 for tire damageJ inflation. 6aterJcoolant levels. 6iper operation.
The <fficer should ma3e necessary notes regarding the maintenance chec3 on the reverse side of the E<fficer=s (aily Vehicle 6or3sheetF. A copy of the <fficer=s wor3sheet is listed in the e8hibit form section of this manual. $ailure to document maintenance problems will result in disciplinary action. 3. $epairs Any vehicle needing repair must be reported to a Supervisor as soon as possible the same day. 2o not operate an" ve!icle if "ou feel it is unsafe. #f a mechanical problem should occur in the field, you should contact a Supervisor, who will determine if $leet Services is needed in the field. 2o not attempt to repair the vehicle yourself unless authoriBed by $leet Services or your Supervisor. "ach day of use, <fficers will perform a pre-trip inspection according to a chec3list formulated by $leet Services. Gou will be responsible filling out a &re-Trip #nspection Sheet for each vehicle used that day. ;ote any deficiency in the vehicles operational condition, initial the (aily Vehicle Chec3list on bac3 of wor3sheet and return it to your Supervisor for verification before leaving the Shelter. (o not use unsafe vehiclesH unsafe vehicles must be reported to a Supervisor and "Auipment Services immediately.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures I. Speed @imits All employees will follow posted speed limit signs. All City vehicles will maintain a ma1imum ten 4)C5 mph speed limit in alleyways andJor through municipal, private and public facilities. Any <fficer receiving a speeding tic3et will be responsible for paying their tic3et and will be ta3en out of the $ield for an unspecified time. D Tire $epairs Gou are responsible for chec3ing condition of all tires daily on your assigned vehicle and condition should be noted on pre-trip inspection. ;otify a Supervisor andJor $leet Services if any tire is unsafe. #f you have a flat, notify a Supervisor, par3 the vehicle in a safe location and contact $leet Services for road service. ..#( Veterinarian 2eceased Animal Pic7up
These calls are not a priority callH however, <fficers will be dispatched to pic3up deceased animals from veterinarian clinics two times a wee3 4Tuesdays and $ridays.5 6hen animals are pic3ed up, the <fficer will have the veterinarian sign the -) log. The log will be turned into the Administrative staff for billing each Tuesday and $riday. ..#& =or7 s!eets % Officers
An E<fficer=s (aily 6or3sheetF is to be completed at the end of every shift to accurately record calls and the activity of $ield <fficers. &ertinent information is documented on the <fficer=s (aily 6or3sheet 4listed below5 including the following time arrived, clearedH disposition and animal identification number. 6hen getting fuel for vehicles, indicate on wor3sheet under description column the Mvehicle mileageM and under disposition the Mnumber of gallonsM. <fficers should put completed daily wor3sheet on wall tray in $ield Supervisor office. <fficers should review their wor3sheets to ma3e sure that the following information is complete, accurate, and wor3sheet is legible. @ocation?Address - put address 4if it is Veterinarian, Vet=s name and address5. Sector @ list the sector. Signal @ what 3ind of call. Incident Aumber- write in computer generated incident number. 2escription- information on call, par3 patrol, shelter, description of animal, <fficer initiated information. Time received @ time call received, dispatch, "<C, or voice mail time. 4<n the CA( system this time is displayed under dispatched. (o not use CA( received as this is the time the dispatcher received the call from complainant5. 10%+ @ time arrived.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures ..#+NN 10%. @ time cleared. 2isposition @ what was done at call animal impounded, dead animal, citation issued, or written warning, how many and what 3ind or at lunch. S!elter I2- Animal Shelter computer identification. =eapons for Self 2efense Against Animals % Officers
AC<Ls are confronted daily with situations where control must be e8ercised. Such control may be achieved through verbal negotiation or the use of force. The gauge for the necessary force to use is the amount of resistance that must be overcome. $orce may be applied through the use of a personLs body, weapons, eAuipment, andJor other instruments. Tran*uili>er :uns and 9lo6 dartsJ The use of tranAuiliBer guns or blowpipes, as with any piece of eAuipment, reAuires proper training. #nappropriate use of the tranAuiliBer gun and dependency on its use should be avoided. TranAuiliBer guns and blowpipes do have value in certain circumstances, though with inherent dangerH e.g., 3illing the animal or causing inDuries to an animal, officer, or bystander. $or these reasons, the Te8as Animal Control Association recommends that tranAuiliBer eAuipment be used only after the officer has received proper training, and then only as a last resort when other methods of capture have failed. All tranAuiliBer eAuipment should be used as described by the manufacturer and under the direction of a trained user. 2rugs utili>ed must be documented and under t!e control of t!e s!elter veterinarian. 2osage is also under t!e discretion of t!e veterinarian. All darts that proDected through the gun, and did not hit the designated target '%ST be located. (ue to the drugs inside the syringe proDectile, the darts are e8tremely dangerous and could potentially be lethal to a child, adult or other animal. (arts ma" not be shot over )Cft away from proDected target. After )Cft, they lose velocity and the ris3 of losing the dart increases. (arts may not be shot in high grass or around water. Targets must be in an open area away from people. &ersons authoriBed to shoot darts must attend firearms training with the &( $ire Arms 'aster. &erson attending training must pass assigned fire-arms training as designated by &( $ire Arms 'aster. Training should be held Auarterly. Any tranAuiliBer guns owned by the City of Corpus Christi will be 3ept at the animal control $ield Supervisor office, in a loc3ed cabinet and separate from the tranAuiliBing drugs. Anytime a tranAuiliBer is used by an animal control officer, the officer will
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures complete an #ncident 9eport to be entered into the &olice (epartment=s system and, in addition, the officer may be reAuired to complete an #nter-<ffice 'emorandum to the Animal Control Supervisor documenting the incident. 9ite Stic7J 2ite stic3s may be used as a defensive tool to provide an Animal Control <fficer with non-lethal force for dealing with aggressive animals. %se of a bite stic3 for personal protection from humans is prohibited. CCACS relies on Te8as Animal Control Association for advice on trends, training, and procedure recommendations. TACA recommends that no animal Control <fficer be permitted to carry or use a bite stic3 without proper animal related training. TACA encourages that any agency approving the use of bite stic3 must have a written policy regarding the use of bite stic3 with proper training. TACA encourages periodic documented continuing education training concerning their use. The purpose of this procedure is to specify the appropriate steps for Animal ControlJCare <fficers or other authoriBed personnel 4in accordance with (efinition A.5 to properly use the assigned 2ite Stic3. Animal Care <fficers should be issued an e8tendable 2ite Stic3 for defensive purposes onl" against aggressive and dangerous dogs. The 2ite Stic3 is onl" to be used to prevent an animal attac7 , to defend the safety of the officer andJor general public 6!ile on dut" onl". AA ACT $elating to t!e aut!orit" of an animal control officer to carr" a bite prevention stic7 in t!e performance of official duties. 9) IT )AACT)2 9< T3) @):IS@AT-$) O; T3) STAT) O; T)IASO S)CTIOA 1. Section '&.1(B Penal CodeB is amended b" adding Subsection 4g5 to read as follo6sJ 4g5 T!e provision of Sections '&.0 and '&.0# pro!ibiting t!e possession or carr"ing of a club do not appl" to an animal control officer 6!o !olds a certificate issued under Section . /.00&B 3ealt! and Safet" CodeB and 6!o possesses or carries an instrument used specificall" for deterring t!e bite of an animal 6!ile t!e officer is in t!e performance of official duties under t!e 3ealt! and Safet" Code or is traveling to or from a place of dut". An authoriBed 2ite Stic3 user is defined as a State of Te8as basic certified Animal Control <fficer 4AC<5 and who has completed an approved State of Te8as Continuing "ducation Class of no less than - hours in 2ite Stic3 Training and who has been granted written permission to carry by the &rogram 'anager. Training on bite stic3s will include 4but not limited to5 methods of deployment, humane treatment and stri3es to an animal, use of force continuum, and 3nowledge of applicable laws.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures &<7#CG ). All authoriBed 2ite Stic3 users will utiliBe all appropriate steps and procedures in the handling and restraint of animals in the most humane way possible to avoid or minimiBe inDury and ensure the 2ite Stic3 user or another person=s safety. The authoriBed 2ite Stic3 user shall only utiliBe standard eAuipment issued by the department. 4<r personally owned bite stic3 of eAual Auality that is approved by the Animal Care Services &rogram 'anager.5 All eAuipment utiliBed by the 2ite Stic3 users will be handled and utiliBed in such a manner as to safeguard the employee or another person from inDury. The amount and degree of force, which may be employed, is determined by the surrounding circumstances, including but not limited to a. b. c. d. e. f. The nature of the animal=s actions or behavior, physical conditions, and the feasibility or availability of alternative actionH 2reed and siBe of the animalH (istance between the animal and officer or another personH 2arricades between the animal and officer or another personH 9oute of possible escape from the attac3H or The methods of force listed below are listed in ascending order from the least severe to most e8treme. #t is the responsibility of the 2ite Stic3 user to first e8haust every reasonable means of employing the minimum amount of force before escalating to a more severe application of force, to the e8tent the circumstance allow. )5 +5 ,5 -5 Calling to the animalH 9eaching out non-violently to animalH Approaching animalH 7eash, collar, rope, lariat, snappy snare, netH
+.
,.
-.
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures *5 .5 *. Control poleJsnareH and 2ite Stic3
An authoriBed 2ite Stic3 user will be held accountable for the unwarranted use of the 2ite Stic3 and will face disciplinary action up to and including discharge, based upon the severity of the incident. The 2ite Stic3 shall not be used in a careless or rec3less manner. This means no horseplay under any circumstances. The authoriBed 2ite Stic3 user shall maintain all eAuipment and ensure eAuipment is in optimum condition to ensure officer safety and will be inspected once a month. All deficiencies shall be brought to a supervisor=s attention. The 2ite Stic3 s!all not be used as a threat as a weapon against a person in any circumstance. The $ield <perations 'anager is responsible for ensuring all authoriBed 2ite Stic3 users are trained in the proper use of 2ite Stic3s.
.. /.
0. 1.
*f an (C& uses the bite stick against an ani"al, the officer will co"plete an *ncident )eport within / hours of the incident and turn in to the Progra" 4anager. )lectro%Muscular 2isruption 2evicesJ CCACS relies on The Te8as Animal Control Association to provide advice on trends, eAuipment use and opinions of certain devices. TACA is opposed to the use of "lectro'uscular (isruption 4"'( or Taser5 devices in the capture, control, or handling of animals. The false implication that because they are Enon-lethalF they are EsafeF may lead animal welfare agencies toward unnecessary reliance on "'( devices, which are traditionally intended to be used on a standing vertical human, and not designed to be used on animals. ;ewer models Edesigned for animalsF have an amperage output seven times that of the devices intended to be used on humans. TACA discourages animal control from the use of these devices as a substitute or supplement to current acceptable animal handling tools or techniAues. The animal control field already has established tools and methods specifically for handling animals within a non-lethal framewor3. Any professional animal handler or agency receiving and employing proper training should find these devices unnecessary and ineffective and should refrain from their use. The ris3 to health, safety, and public perception posed by such weapons presents a serious
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures liability to any agency and certainly outweighs any potential benefit they would provide. There is no need to incorporate "'( devices into animal control wor3. Animal Control is intended to safely capture, confine, transport, and ensure the protection of animals in the field. The reported effects of "'( devices on animals are varied brief immobiliBation and retreat are typical, and there are reports of these devices causing physical harm or death. The cited ris3s of safety and health, and the animal=s tendency to retreat, suggest that "'( devices are less effective than humane animal restraint. Animal Control <fficers are prohibited from using this type of device in the performance of their duties. Pepper Spra" & CitronellaJ AC<Ls may encounter situations in which they are the targets of an animal attac3 while discharging their routine duties. #n appropriate situations, the proper use of chemical agentsJpepper spray will enable AC<Ls to effectively control a potentially dangerous situation. Animal Control <fficers may not carry pepper spray unless they have been properly trained by a (S?S and TACA approved training entity. <nce training is provided and upon written authoriBation by the &rogram 'anager, the AC< may carry pepper spray. #f an AC< discharges pepper spray in the course of his regular duties, he will complete a %se of $orce #ncident 9eport to be forwarded to the &rogram 'anager. AC<=s may not ta3e the pepper spray out of their holster while in a building or dwelling. &epper spray will not be used for horse play, retaliation, or against another person. Citronella spray is a non-lethal and approved means of chemical spray that is effective in the approved situations. AC<=s may carry Citronella upon approval and written authoriBation by the &rogram 'anager. All regulations outlined above also apply to the use of Citronella. Aggressive Animals , =!en to $efer to P2 Aggression is a comple8 behavior it represents intent 4via either an overt attac3 or an agonistic threat5 by an individual animal to inDure another animal or a person. Canine attac3 behaviors include lunging, snapping, and biting, while threats include warnings that the dog may attac3 4freeBing, stiffening, staring, snarling, or growling5. 2oth are cause for concern for human safety and human safety must always be a primary consideration. &( and the &ublic-at-7arge do not always 3now that Animal Control <fficers have limited means of controlling an aggressive dog and are not trained to handle these situations. 'ost times, the catch pole, bite stic3, or spray will assist in fending off a biting dog. #n the event that a situation has become out of control and the Animal Control <fficer is
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures not successful with deterring the aggressive behavior and fears for !is personal safet" or t!e safet" of a t!ird part"B t!e ACO s!ould contact P2. :eeping in mind that &( <fficers have little e8perience with aggressive animals, the &( <fficer may have to use deadly force against the animal. #n this event, it is important to immediately contact the Animal Care Services Supervisor and advise them of the situation. The AC< must also follow up with a use of force report and forward to &rogram 'anager.
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/.
/.1
$A2IO COMM-AICATIOAS
Introduction
<fficers operating dispatch shall relay public calls for assistance and receive calls from $ield <fficers. &ersonnel using the radio system should adhere to proper radio procedures as a guideline. %se a clear voice tone. &roper etiAuette and respect should be practiced by all <fficers regarding calls from shelter dispatchers and &(. Transmission should be as brief as possible. #f the transmission is not understood, repeat it one time. 6hen further instructions are needed, use your city issued cell phone. :eep hand held portable units on at all times 4including brea3s.5 Advise dispatch if you will be out of contact. The radio is for official use only. (o not use it as a personal relay system or to tell stories about calls run. (o not broadcast music, ma3e animal noises, use abusive language, etc. &ersonnel found in violation of these procedures will be subDect to disciplinary action. 9emember <fficers radio transmissions can be heard by citiBens visiting the shelter or by citiBens monitoring the Shelter=s radio freAuency. &ractice vocal and tone discretion when spea3ing.
To shorten the amount of tal3 on the radio, radio call signals and codes are for transmitting calls from dispatch to $ield <fficers and bac3. ;ormal language may be used if 3ept brief. A list of the radio call signals and codes are listed below 41.,5. /. $adio Call Aumbers
All <fficers assigned to Animal Services are eAuipped with two-way hand held portable radios. 2atteries for these radios need to be changed daily. The radio plays a vital role in daily operations and allows complete communication capabilities. /.# $adio Messages and Standard 10%Codes
9adio messages should be as brief as practical to convey the information reAuired to coordinate wor3 efforts. 7engthy messages, unless absolutely necessary, should not be made over the radio system, instead use your City issued cell phone. The )C-Codes are to be used to standardiBe communication codes to facilitate the efficient use of airtime by shortening messages. $ederal laws reAuire that plain-tal3 is generally utiliBed when using radios. ?owever, codes can come in handy and speed things up. As long as the codes are not used to hide information from the public, you can use the codes sparingly.
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$A2IO OP)$ATIOA CO2)S

COMMOA T)A CO2)S )C.)C...) )C-/ )C-0 )C-1 )C-)+ Ac3nowledgement 2usy @ Stand 2y <ut of Service #n Service 9epeat 7ast 'essage Stand 2y @ with a CitiBen )C-)1 )C-+C )C-++ )C-+, )C-/. )C-1* 9eAuested to return to Shelter >ive your location (isregard Arrived on Scene "n route to ]]]] Animals #mpounded
SI:AA@ CO2)S ) , 0 1 )C )) )+ ), ))* %se CautionJ&erson <wner 9elease Vet &ic3 %p @ 7ive animal 7oose (og 4unless specified5 6ildlife 7oose Cat 7ivestoc3 9estraint Complaint ;oise Complaint Cruelty Complaint %nsanitary Conditions +C +) +1 ,C -) 0. 0/ 00 1C 10 11 Ouarantine Chec3 Animal 2ite, scratch or rabies e8posure Traps <fficer Assist (ead Animal 7unch )* 'inute 2rea3 &ersonal 9efuel Special Assignment $oot patrol
SI:AA@ CO2)S C-+ C-, C-C-* /.' 7eft (oor Tag Citation #ssued 6ritten 6arning "n 9oute to Shelter C-. C-/ C-0 C-1 %T7 4%nable to 7ocate5 %TA 4%nable to Apprehend5 %nfounded Call Animal 9eleased off Truc3
9eginning and )nding Transmission
&rior to beginning radio transmission, users should wait to see if the channel is clear before 3eying their microphone. 6hen the channel is clear, the calling unit should indicate their call number and the call number of the unit they are trying to reach, as follows M%nit KKK to %nit KKKM. 2oth calling and called units should MclearM the channel each time a message is completed by stating their unit number and the word MclearM. Call numbers are used to identify individual units and are to be used instead of employee names or titles in radio transmissions. /.( &rimary channel used during business hours is Animal ) or +. 9ase Station
The 2ase Station is located in the front office, staffed by Administrative staff. Staff
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Animal Services Standard Operating Procedures assigned to dispatch radio has other duties. Some of these duties include the following /.& (ispatching calls received by phone and calls left on voice mail, etc. 9elaying messages between office and field personnel who are unable to communicate directly by their radio. 9eceiving emergency messages. Contacting appropriate agencies. #nputting the calls into the shelter computer system. )mergenc" Communications
"mergency communications are reAuired whenever there is an immediate threat to employee or citiBen health or public, private property that reAuires immediate response by &ublic Safety, other City (epartments or Shelter Supervisor. %sers should indicate that an emergency message is to be transmitted by using the phrase MCO2) $)2M. All other units are to cease transmissions until the emergency caller clears. #f the emergency reAuires immediate response by &olice, $ire or Ambulance the caller should communicate with their Supervisor and should stay on the channel to answer all Auestions of the &olice (ispatcher. A direct contact from ACS to <( should be on channel ,. /.+ Misuse of $adio S"stem
9adios are to be used as tools to enhance wor3 performance and in some cases, convey emergency messages. #ntentional misuse of the radio system, such as purposefully disrupting the transmissions of others or playing of commercial radio broadcasts over the City radio system is prohibited. +he 5ederal Co""unications Co""ission prohibits use of profanity over the radio syste". Any of the above 6ill result in strict disciplinary action up to and including dismissal to those engaging in such improper use. All employees are reAuired to respond promptly to radio calls. /.. $adio $epairs
9ase Station - &roblems with radio base units should be reported immediately to the $ield Supervisor. Mobile and Portable -nits - &roblems with these units should be reported to the Supervisor who in turn will report the vehicle number of the unit, the type of radio, and a brief description of the problem to the &ublic Safety Communications Supervisor 4'#S5. 2ac3up radios are available when a radio becomes inoperative. #t is the employee=s responsibility to report all radio problems to 'anagement.
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10. )I3I9ITS
;orms 2ac3ground #nformation for Canine 4..,.5 2ac3ground #nformation for $eline 4..,.5 2ehavioral Safer Test 6or3sheet 4..)15 Cash Chain of Custody 7og 4..),-25 "uthanasia "8tensive &olicy 4/..5 $ee 9econciliation 7og 4..),-(5 :ennel Staff (aily 6or3sheet 4/.)05 7ost 9eport 4..+/5 79CA #ncident 9eport 4..+1 and 0.+,5 ;oise letter when registered with City 40./5 ;oise letter when not registered with City 40./5 <fficer=s (aily 6or3sheet 40.,-5 9abies Submission $orm >-1 4/.)-5 Surgery Consent $orm 4/.)*5 Temperament "valuation for (ogs 4..)15 Traps - ?av-A-?eart Traps @ 2aiting Suggestions 4..-+5 Trap 9eAuest $orm 4..-+5 Tying A 'uBBle 4-.-1 and 0.)*5 Visitor Sign-#n Sheet 4..)5 6aiver and release of liability @ Adoptions 4..,05 6ildlife 9ehabilitators and T&67 >ame 6ardens %se of $orce 9eport 40.,/5
$egulations City of Corpus Christi <rdinance @ Chapter ., Animal 9egulations Chapter ).1 - Te8as ?ealth Code @9abies Control and "radication 4/.)-5 Chapter 0+. - Te8as (epartment of State ?ealth Services 4(S?S5 @ 9abies 4).)- and /.)+5 Chapter 0+0 @ Te8as (epartment of ?ealth @ (og and Cat SteriliBation 4..-C5 "mployees "valuation Criteria 4*.-5
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City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services & Vector Control

Standard Operating Procedures

Standard Operating Procedures

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

Table of Contents 1. Introduction

. Accident $eports and Personal Safet"

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

'. 2ail" Operations

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

(. 2isciplinar" Action and )valuation Criteria

&. Administrative Operations , ;ront Office

&.' &.( &.& &.+ &.. &./ &.10 &.11 &.1

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

..#( ..#& ..#+

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

'ailing address isJ

$abies test resultsJ (1 %'(.%+(/( 1.1( Tobacco -se Control Polic"

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

. Accident $eports and Personal Safet"

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

'. 2ail" Operations

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

HAIR LENGTH E AM!LE"

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

2og Par7 4Aot Applicable at t!is time5

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

$ueling station address is 5352 Ayers

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

Open $ecords $e*uest

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services

City of Corpus Christi Animal Care Services