For Animal Organizations

SAN DIEGO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SERVICES

POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL

EUTHANASIA OF ANIMALS

[Download a pdf file of San Diego's Policy.]

[Download a pdf file of San Diego's Procedures.]

[View a pdf of San Diego's lifesaving statistics.]

BACKGROUND

The word "euthanasia" means the intentional causing of a painless and merciful death. Animal sheltering agencies have a mandate to provide a humane death for those animals whose lives must be ended. These include animals that are fractious to people or animals, or animals that are suffering from or afflicted with a medical condition that cannot be rehabilitated with reasonable efforts, and animals whose owners request euthanasia.

The Department is committed to using its best efforts to avoid euthanasia of healthy and reasonably well-adjusted animals, as well as those animals where reasonable medical treatment or behavior modification will enable them to become healthy and socialized pets.

NOTE: Related procedures are contained in Department Procedure.

POLICY

It is the policy of the state that no adoptable or treatable animal should be euthanized if it can be adopted into a suitable home.

Our commitment to responsible sheltering practices requires that we use and document reasonable efforts to place adoptable, treatable, or manageable animals in an adoptive home or with an animal sheltering agency or animal rescue organization.

All applicable Department staff members involved in the euthanasia process are expected to perform this responsibility in a humane and respectful manner with compassion toward the animals.

DEFINITIONS

Defining what we mean is an essential part of creating an effective work plan. To be meaningful, definitions must be objective and based solely on an animal's health and behavior, and not other criteria such as age, color, and length of stay at the shelter, number of similar animals at the shelter or housing space.

By properly documenting the assessment of each animal and accurately categorizing those that are euthanized, the Department can provide the public with more complete and accurate information on the disposition of impounded animals, and report euthanasia statistics in context. If an animal must be euthanized it is important to record accurate information, and no attempt should be made to skew data or manipulate statistics.

For the purposes of this policy, and the procedures set forth in Department Procedure, the following terms (and Outcome Subtypes) have the following meanings:

Adoptable animals are those animals eight weeks of age or older (or, for the purposes of this policy, weaned and eating on their own) that, at or subsequent to, the time the animal is taken into possession, have manifested no sign of a behavioral, or temperamental defect that could pose a health or safety risk or otherwise make the animal unsuitable for placement as a pet, and have manifested no sign of disease, injury, congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the health of the animal, or that is likely to adversely affect the animal's health in the future. (Also see Civil Code sec. 1834.4, Food and Agricultural Code sec. 17005, and Penal Code sec. 599d).

"Adoptable" animals are healthy and well socialized, and need no medical attention. They have not manifested a sign of a behavioral or temperamental condition that could pose a safety risk. Animals that may be old, deaf, blind, scarred, or disabled, but are not in any pain, do not require medical treatment, and are healthy, friendly pets, are adoptable. Age, breed and time at the shelter do not affect the definition of "adoptable."

Treatable animals include any animal that is not "adoptable," but could become "adoptable" with reasonable efforts. (Civil Code sec. 1834.4, Food and Agricultural Code sec. 17005, and Penal Code sec. 599d). "Treatable" animals have a behavioral and/or medical condition that is normally responsive to reasonable treatment or intervention efforts that would enable them to become "adoptable."

To be considered "treatable," an animal need not be fully rehabilitated within the applicable holding period. It is the reasonableness of the behavior intervention or medical treatment and the likelihood of remediation, rather than the cost or availability of such resources in the shelter environment that is determinative. Reasonable treatment efforts are generally considered the accepted, prevailing, usual and customary remedial measure for the particular condition among veterinarians or behavior specialists (as distinguished from unconventional, untried, or experimental procedures).

While cost and availability may be relevant in deciding whether or not an animal should be treated or euthanized, they are not material factors in determining whether an animal is defined as "treatable." Although saving treatable animals will be limited by budget constraints, such financial considerations do not affect the definition of "treatable." The decision as to whether an animal is "treatable" depends on the condition of the animal rather than other criteria unrelated to the animal's health and behavior.

"Treatable" is not synonymous with savable. An animal with a remote chance for recovery, or whose condition would require life long treatment or experimental procedures with uncertain outcomes may be "manageable" or savable, but it is not reasonably "treatable."

Manageable animals are those animals found to have a chronic behavior or medical, congenital or hereditary condition that poses no significant health or safety risk to itself, other animals, or the public and typically requires ongoing reasonable treatment or intervention that enables them to maintain a satisfactory quality of life.

Note: All unclaimed animals categorized as "adoptable," "treatable," or "manageable" are available for adoption.

Reasonable efforts are documented attempts by the Department throughout an animal's stay to treat or place an adoptable, treatable, or manageable animal. Reasonable treatment efforts are generally considered the accepted, prevailing, usual and customary remedial measure for the particular condition among veterinarians or behavior specialists (as distinguished from unconventional, untried, or experimental procedures). Reasonable placement efforts include documentation of attempts to contact applicable animal rescue organizations.

Owner request: Owners may sign a written request to have their animals euthanized for a fee. In general, such animals that have a behavioral or medical condition may be immediately euthanized. An animal that is deemed "adoptable" will normally be held and made available for adoption as a relinquished animal (despite the owner's request for euthanasia).

Behavior-potential safety risk animals are those (other than those classified as feral or "regulated" animals) that have a documented history of aggressive behavior towards a person or other animal, or that at or subsequent to impoundment have manifested some sign of a behavioral or temperamental condition that could pose a safety risk.

Examples include any animal with a history of biting or attacking a person or other animal, or an animal that demonstrates aggressive behavior towards a person or other animal during a behavior assessment or evaluation.

Not rehabilitatable: Animals that are irremediably suffering from a serious illness or severe injuries, have a poor prognosis or protracted painful recovery, or are afflicted with some significant behavioral or medical condition that is not likely to be satisfactorily remedied or managed with reasonable efforts are considered "not rehabilitatable."

Examples of conditions that may necessitate euthanasia include: fading/collapsing kittens, organ failure, feline immunodeficiency, feline infectious peritonitis, a puppy in the advanced stages of parvo, a spinal fracture, cancer, chronic debilitation, certain congenital abnormalities, or any serious, chronic illness with a poor prognosis or that is unresponsive to treatment. A condition that may not necessitate euthanasia on its own, when present in combination with other factors may lead to the decision to euthanize. Quality of life and risk to the health of other animals or people are factors that will be considered in the decision.

Feral animals are animals without owner identification of any kind whose usual and consistent temperament is extreme fear and resistance to contact with people. A feral animal is totally unsocialized to people.

Neonatal animals are newborns unable to survive without maternal care. These animals may be euthanized if no maternal, foster or rescue care can be given. Attempts to obtain foster or rescue care should be documented and unweaned animals should be held as long as they are not under distress or their stability compromised. (An Outcome Subtype of "Adoptable" [rather than "neonatal"] should be entered for healthy weaned kittens and puppies under eight weeks of age that must be euthanized.)

In general, healthy and social weaned kittens and puppies are considered "Adoptable," and unweaned kittens and puppies that are healthy or that have some curable medical condition typically responsive to reasonable medical treatment are considered "Neonatal - medically treatable." Unweaned animals that are euthanized due to irremediable suffering from a serious illness or severe injury should be classified as "Neonatal – Not rehabilitatable."

Quarantine: Euthanasia of an animal for a laboratory (pathological) examination for rabies may be appropriate in certain cases (e.g., for stray, unidentified biter animals held through the required holding period, or where the Quarantine period has not expired, and the laboratory examination is approved by a Lieutenant).

Regulated animals are prohibited or disqualified for adoption by law, regulation, or policy. To promote animal and public health and safety, no "Dangerous Dog" as defined in section 62.601(l) of the County Code should be made available for adoption, whether or not the dog has been declared a "Dangerous Dog" pursuant to section 62.674 of the County Code. Animals that have been declared a "public nuisance," or that are subject to public nuisance proceedings, should not be made available for adoption without a file review and concurrence of the Regional Director.


BACKGROUND

The following procedures are established as a guide to implementing the Department's Euthanasia Reduction Program. The terms defined in that policy have the same meaning in this procedure.

PROCEDURE

Emergency/urgent situations: Animals that are irremediably suffering or newborns requiring maternal care may be euthanized without being held for owner redemption or adoption (Food & Agricultural Code sec. 17006), and feral cats may be euthanized after 72 hours with proper observation and documentation (Food & Agricultural Code sec. 31752.5; also refer to Feral Cat Observation Log). Such animals may be euthanized with the approval of the veterinarian or RVT, if available, or Lieutenant.

In cases involving medical emergencies and/or the need to alleviate severe suffering, a Department veterinarian, if available, or Lieutenant should be contacted (by telephone or through dispatch, if necessary) to determine if the animal should be transported for off-site treatment or euthanized.

Note regarding owner requested euthanasia: Owner requests for animal euthanasia that involve questionable circumstances, an inadequate reason, or an adoptable animal, should be brought to the attention of a supervisor for review. The supervisor should meet with or call the owner and attempt to resolve any issue surrounding the reason(s) for such request. The supervisor may approve a requested euthanasia of an adoptable geriatric animal if based on the owner's concerns about the likelihood of placement in a suitable adoptive home, or the adequacy of companionship or quality of life prior to or after any adoption. (In such cases the animal's Outcome Subtype would be classified as owner requested euthanasia of an adoptable animal.) In any case where an owner insists upon the euthanasia of an adoptable animal without providing an acceptable reason, the supervisor should decline to accept the animal.

The Outcome Subtype of any euthanized animal that was accepted from an owner and, at least initially, made available for adoption (despite an owner's request for euthanasia) would be based on the appropriate status of the animal (e.g., "adoptable," "treatable," "manageable," or "not rehabilitatable") and not on the owner's request.

General procedure: The procedure for determining the need for euthanasia is normally a four-step process. If consensus is not reached, a fifth step is available for mediation.

These steps include (1) Hold Review, (2) Inventory, (3) Availability List, (4). Consensus/Concurrence, and (5) Mediation

Step One - Hold Review

Lieutenants are assigned to review the "Hold List" report on a daily basis. This list includes the Intake and Hold Dates of impounded animals. At the end of the holding period the animals become available for disposition. The impoundment records of the listed animals are reviewed for accurate hold dates, memo entries that may affect the final disposition of the animal, verification of proper owner identification research and notification, and review of special holds such as DDTF, Quarantine, Public Holds and Investigations. After careful review, the Kennel Status of applicable animals may be updated as "County Property." Hold Dates are normally reviewed on all animals one day prior to their eligibility for "County Property" status.

To avoid overcrowding and the potential consequence of unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable and/or treatable animals, Lieutenants are generally expected to complete the Hold List report list each day. As a part of this process, Lieutenants should also review (three times a week) the records of animals that have a special Status Hold and an expired Hold Date to determine if the Hold is still needed. To help limit overcrowding, Animal Care Attendants (ACA's) are generally expected to euthanize any applicable animal that is not rehabilitatable (and any other animals approved for euthanasia following completion of step four or five below) each day, including holidays.

Step Two - Inventory

Animal Care staff should conduct a daily kennel space assessment to determine kennel capacity. The kennel space available will dictate the number of animals that can be safely and humanely housed at the shelter. To determine daily available space only those kennels used to house available, stray, and incoming animals are counted.

Each of the three County shelters varies in size and configuration. Therefore, each will determine its own daily maximum capacity for available kennel space. Space assessment should normally be done after adopted or owner redemption (SNIP) animals scheduled for sterilization surgery through the Department's Outsourcing program have been removed from the kennels. Non-designated areas with the exception of the medical kennels may be used at the discretion of the Supervising Animal Care Attendant.

When determining space availability consideration must be given for maintaining safe, humane and sanitary conditions for the animals in our care. For public safety, some kennels must be specifically designated for quarantine and "Dangerous Dogs" or public nuisance animals and cannot be calculated in the available kennel space assessment. To minimize exposure to disease, a certain portion of the kennels must be reserved for medical animals. These kennels cannot be used for healthy animals.

Kennel space should also be reserved for daily incoming animals and emergencies. The Supervising Animal Care Attendant should determine the kennel space that must be reserved from the overall number of kennels available.

Generally, any animal exhibiting a fractious disposition should be housed individually. If more than one animal is housed per kennel, the weight and gender of the animal will serve as a guide to determine how many animals may be held in one kennel.

Small animals weigh 30 pounds or less.

Medium animals weigh 31 to 60 pounds.

Large animals weigh 61 pounds or more.

Individual kennels can generally accommodate up to three small or two medium compatible dogs or one large dog.

Puppies and kittens shall not be housed in the same enclosure with adult dogs or cats other than their dams/queens.

Step Three – Disposition/Available List

Completion of the Hold List report generates a daily list of all "County Property" animals available for disposition. The Lieutenant or Supervising Animal Care Attendant reviews the memos for each animal on County Property status and the profiles on Owner Relinquishments for any entries that may affect the available status of the animal.

The Supervising Animal Care Attendant and Lieutenant or designee will walk together through the kennels with the "Disposition/Available List" and "Long Stay List." If space is an issue, the current inventory of available animals, and available kennel space should be noted on the Disposition/Available list. The status of each available animal is reviewed to determine if there are any medical or behavior issues that may preclude an animal from being placed into or kept on available status. Animals on the Long Stay list are reviewed daily.

Note regarding severe distress: Dogs that exhibit severe distress in the shelter environment are potential candidates for euthanasia. Severe stress may be manifested by any of the following behaviors: repetitive behavior, unwillingness to eat, self-mutilation (such as lick granulomas), constant vocalization, crouched posture, increased aggression, high arousal and reactivity with no periods of calmness, pacing or cage spinning, elimination problems, depression, etc. Efforts to minimize stress should be attempted and documented. If we cannot find a way to make the animal more at ease, euthanasia may be the only option to avoid reducing the animal's quality of life.

If an available animal is a potential candidate for euthanasia, an "E" for euthanasia and the reason (Refer to Subtypes), is placed next to the Animal ID number on the list, (or Preliminary Behavior Grading Report) and the Animal ID is highlighted. The initial "A" for adoption is placed next to the animal identification number for those designated for adoption.

Note regarding potential safety risk dogs: Before euthanasia of a dog considered to be a potential safety risk for behavior reasons, staff should document reasonable efforts to contact applicable rescue groups, disclose material information, and provide them a reasonable opportunity to take the animal.

If no applicable rescue group agrees to accept the dog, or if no applicable rescue group can be contacted through reasonable efforts, the Supervising Animal Care Attendant and Lieutenant should consider the size and history of the animal and the nature and degree of the safety risk it may present. The overriding safety consideration is whether or not the animal poses an unreasonable risk of harm to people or animals.

In cases where the potential risk is not considered to be unreasonable, such animals may be made available for adoption with the concurrence of the Regional Director or designee. Material information should be disclosed to any adoption applicant, and related adoption applications should be reviewed and approved by a Supervising Animal Care Attendant or Lieutenant.

Additional factors for consideration include the number, type, age, and compatibility of pets that may be owned by an adoption applicant and his or her pet owning history, whether one or more young children or young animals (or elderly people or elderly pets) live with an applicant or are otherwise likely to come in contact with the animal, and whether an applicant agrees not to transfer the animal to another person.

The Supervising Animal Care Attendant or Lieutenant may, in appropriate cases, condition approval to adopt a potential safety risk animal on the applicant's agreement to obtain appropriate training and conditioning for the animal from a veterinarian who is board certified in animal behavior, an individual with a doctorate degree in an animal behavior modification related field, or from a humane society that has a behavior modification program.

Step Four – Consensus/Concurrence

The persons reviewing the Disposition/Available List must agree on the final decision to euthanize.

If shelter housing space or necessary resources are inadequate and euthanasia of an available animal is considered, staff should first document the following efforts

• Ensure that any medical condition, intervention level (if applicable), prognosis (if known), and any treatment, is documented on the Medical Treatment Screen.
  
  
• Make reasonable efforts to contact applicable rescue groups, disclose material information, and provide them a reasonable opportunity to take the animal.
  
  
• Review memos and note attempts to contact any person or organization with a "last resort" or other interest in the outcome of the animal.
  
  
• Consider relocating the animal to another County or private shelter (refer to Movement of Shelter Animals Procedure).
  
  

In general, euthanasia of an animal for reasons relating to animal health, medical resources, or space limitations affecting medical enclosures (or any animal being treated for a medical condition) requires the recommendation or concurrence of a member of the medical staff documented in the Treatment Screen. Likewise, euthanasia of an animal for behavior reasons generally requires the documented recommendation or concurrence of a staff member trained to perform a behavior assessment or evaluation. If an animal's record reflects behavior observations that are inconsistent, the behavior should be re-assessed or evaluated by a staff member trained to conduct a behavior evaluation and, if consensus is not reached, the case should be submitted for mediation as described in Step Five below.

Euthanasia of an asymptomatic animal exposed to disease or other medically treatable animal with a medical treatment level of 1 or 2 requires the documented approval of the Regional Director or designee. Euthanasia of an adoptable animal, or any behaviorally treatable animal, requires the approval of a Regional Director (if available or, if not, the Assistant Director) documented in an Animal Memo.

Step Five – Mediation

If consensus is not reached, all documentation is reviewed by and opinions are discussed with the shelter Lieutenant (if he or she is not already involved). If after careful re-evaluation, consensus is still not reached or all individuals cannot agree on pursuing additional steps to avoid euthanasia, the documentation will be presented to and reviewed by the Regional Director. The Regional Director's decision is binding, and should be reflected in an Animal Memo. Each level of review should take place within a reasonable period of time and should be expedited if it is in the best interests of the animal or shelter animal population. Euthanasia deemed necessary should be conducted the same day before the shelter opens.

If, after completion of this four or five step process, one or more available animals must be euthanized, see the factors to be considered in determining euthanasia priority in Appendix Two of this procedure.

APPENDIX ONE

Medically "treatable" conditions include fractures, viruses, ear infections, skin conditions, or other conditions that would normally respond to reasonable treatment efforts and enable the animal to become "adoptable." This also includes animals that have been exposed to a serious contagious infectious disease such as parvo, distemper, or panleukopenia. As a general rule, asymptomatic animals that have been exposed to a serious contagious disease should be isolated during the incubation period to protect the health of other animals and to determine an appropriate course of action if the animal begins to show clinical signs of the disease.

Medically treatable animals may be classified into one of four medical intervention/treatment levels. To help visualize these levels, consider a pyramid divided in four sections or groups. The base or first level is the largest category of treatable animals and represents uncomplicated, basic medical treatments. As treatments (or interventions) become more complicated or intense, there is an elevation in the intervention level and a narrower, smaller group of animals are represented.

The medical staff will use the guidelines listed below in determining the appropriate treatment/intervention level for animals with a treatable medical condition. Treatment parameters are described by type, intensity, number and/or duration of treatments, as well as route of administration, and number, frequency, and duration of medications.

Treatable Medical Conditions: Intensity ranges from minor to extensive. Duration is length of treatment from days to weeks. Routes of administration are oral (PO), topical, ocular, and parenteral. Parenteral medications are those medications given by subcutaneous (SQ), intramuscularly (IM), and intravenous (IV) route. Frequencies of medications are once daily (SID), twice daily (BID), three times daily (TID), and four times daily (QID). Combinations of more than one treatment may elevate the intervention/treatment level.

Examples of treatable medical conditions and levels of intervention include:

Level 1: Examples of medical conditions include upper respiratory infections, kennel cough, and flea allergies. Treatments: One to two oral or topical medications given SID to BID for less than 14 days. Parenteral medications given one to three times total over course of treatment. One to two ocular medications given SID to BID for less than seven days. Conditions that require cage rest or monitoring less than TID.

Level 2: Examples of medical conditions include uncomplicated mange, or broken bones. Treatments: One to two oral or topical medications given TID to QID for less than 14 days. More than two oral or topical medications given SID to BID for 14 days to three weeks. One to two parenteral medications given SID to BID for less than five days. One to two ocular medications given TID to QID for less than seven days. Administration of SQ fluids one time. Minor surgery or procedure with a healing time less than 14 days. One to two bandages/casting placed over less than five days.

Level 3: Examples of medical conditions include parvovirus, hernias, and internal injuries. Treatments: One to two oral or topical medications given SID to BID for more than eight weeks. More than two oral or topical medications given TID to QID for three to eight weeks. One to two parenteral medications given SID to BID for five days to 14 days. One to two parenteral medications given TID to QID for less than five days. One to two ocular medications given SID to BID for seven days to four weeks. More than two ocular medications given SID to BID for less than seven days. Administration of SQ fluids two to ten times. Moderate to extensive surgery or procedure with a healing time less than three weeks. Two to ten bandages/casting placed over less than 14 days. IV fluids for less than three days. Blood testing one to two times or biannually.

Level 4: Treatments: More than two oral or topical medications given more than BID for more than eight weeks. More than one parenteral medications given more than SID for longer than 14 days. More than two parenteral medications. More than one ocular medication given more than BID for longer than four weeks. More than two ocular medications given more than BID for longer than seven days. Administration of SQ fluids more than ten times or more than BID. Extensive surgery or procedure with a healing time longer than three weeks. More than ten bandages/casting placed over any period of time. IV fluids for longer than three days. Blood testing more than two times or more than biannually.

Medical - Manageable Conditions:

Examples of medical manageable conditions include degenerative joint disease, hyper/hypo thyroid, hyper/hypo adrenal, Kerato Conjunctivitis (KCS), chronic skin disease, and diabetes. These conditions normally require life long treatment to manage the disease and enable the pet to maintain a satisfactory quality of life.

In general, after placement of adoptable animals, we should focus our efforts on addressing the relatively uncomplicated medical conditions and adopting those animals that come within the first level of treatable cases, and eventually work our way to the more complicated cases one level at a time.

APPENDIX TWO

Euthanasia Priority Factors for available Treatable, Manageable, and Potential Safety Risk Animals

MEDICAL	BEHAVIOR
Medical manageable by earliest Intake Date	Assessment Grade D, then Evaluation Level 4 by earliest Intake Date
Medical Level 4 by earliest Intake Date	Assessment Grade C, then Evaluation Level 3 by earliest Intake Date
Medical Level 3 by earliest Intake Date
Medical Level 2 by earliest Intake Date
Medical Level 1 by earliest Intake Date

Euthanasia Priority Factors for Adoptable Animals

DOGS	CATS
Assessment Grade B, then Evaluation Level 2 by earliest Intake Date	Adult cats by earliest Intake Date
Assessment Grade A, then Evaluation Level 1, as follows:
Dogs in isolation by earliest Intake Date	Kittens by earliest Intake Date
Large dogs by earliest Intake Date
Medium dogs by earliest Intake Date
Small dogs by earliest Intake Date
Puppies by earliest Intake Date

Consideration of these factors will help make the best use of available shelter housing space and enable more animals to have adoption exposure. Dogs that are large or require isolation should be housed in a single occupancy enclosure. Two medium dogs may occupy a single enclosure. Three small dogs may be housed together and, in some cases, an enclosure may house more than three puppies at a time. Adult cats require a single occupancy enclosure, while two or more kittens may be housed together. Consideration of Intake Dates also provides an equitable basis to allow more animals a chance at adoption.

APPENDIX THREE

Behavior Appraisal for Adoption: While no canine behavior assessment method in use today can precisely predict or guarantee the future behavior of an animal, such a program can help us identify animal traits or tendencies that may be indicative of future behavior. This, in turn, can help us identify dogs that can be made available for adoption to the general public as well as those that have special needs or could pose a safety risk. Beyond its value in addressing safety concerns, behavior assessment is useful since adopted dogs can be returned for a variety of inappropriate behaviors in addition to aggression or other signs of potential danger.

Canine behavior is rated on a continuum, and does not necessarily result in a "pass or fail" grade. Dogs that exhibit a behavior condition that may be corrected or managed with appropriate oversight are also available for adoption. Dogs that could pose a safety risk are generally available for release to an animal rescue organization and, where the potential risk is not considered to be unreasonable, may be made available for adoption by regional management.

After dogs are held for four days at the facility, a trained staff member will normally assess them for behavioral soundness. Staff members and volunteers that are not trained to perform behavior appraisals may note observed behaviors and/or an interest in the outcome of the animal in a Memo, but may not assign a behavior grade or level.

Behavior appraisals are one of several factors that should be considered in determining an appropriate disposition (i.e., outcome) for a sheltered dog. These factors include, but are not limited to, the animal's medical condition and quality of life, the adequacy of shelter housing space and necessary resources, the size and history of the animal, and the nature and degree of any behavioral condition we may observe. The relative weight of each factor must be taken into account in reaching a decision and some factors may outweigh other considerations.

Note regarding biter dogs: Dogs whose unsafe behavior is considered an isolated incident (protecting its litter, response to threatening behavior initiated by another animal, uncertain reaction by young animal to frightening situation, inadvertent contact during play, puppy bites, etc.) may be made or remain available for adoption with the concurrence of the Regional Director or designee immediately following any required quarantine period.

Note regarding animal behavior toward another animal: When a dog or cat is in its enclosure, the dog or cat may display aggressive behavior toward another animal (inside or outside of the enclosure). However, this behavior may not be a fair indication of the animal's behavior when it is outside of the enclosure or the animal's suitability for adoption. Therefore, an animal should be removed from its enclosure before evaluating the animal's behavior toward another animal.

Note regarding preliminary assessment grades and evaluation levels: While disclosure of an animal's observed behaviors to a prospective adopter is appropriate, the specific assessment letter grade or evaluation level number that may be assigned to an animal is intended as an internal kennel management tool.

Preliminary behavior assessment: The purpose of assigning preliminary behavior grades is to initially and efficiently segregate the dog population into groups of observed behaviors that indicate the need or lack of need for further review of behavior prior to being placed in the adoption program. Because resources are limited in providing complete, in-depth behavior evaluations, the preliminary grades offer a useful method in identifying dogs that either may not require further evaluation (e.g., Grade A or B dogs as described below) or that display behaviors that raise concerns regarding potential problem behaviors (e.g., Grade C or D dogs as described below).

It is critical that the described preliminary grades are consistently applied by all staff participating in this task, and that these staff members are adequately skilled at observing dog behavior. Related training should include a minimum of 4 hours of classroom training, and a minimum of 4 additional hours of performing this task with the Behavior Specialist.

Preliminary behavior assessment procedure: Reviewer will approach the public side of a kennel in a relaxed front facing position, making and maintaining direct, neutral eye contact with the dog. Reviewer will note the dog's initial placement in the kennel, and relevant body postures and activities. The reviewer will then place a knuckle at the front of the kennel, move it from place to place, and note dog's willingness to follow. Reviewer will then turn his or her body to the side and note the dog's reaction, then bend to a squatting position and use a soft tone of voice to talk to the dog, noting any changes in the dog's body posture and attitude. This procedure must be completed whether the dog responds in a positive or negative manner.

In cases where the dog is hesitant or unwilling to approach the reviewer, or where the dog displays some mix of defensiveness and mild aggression, the reviewer may choose to enter the kennel to gauge the dog's capacity to regain the ability to approach or to respond with calmer, more appropriate behavior.

GRADE A: Dog is at front of kennel or approaches as reviewer approaches. Tail is low; eyes are soft and averted. Dog shows high desire to make social contact with reviewer and may push against the kennel front with submissive body posture (body and tail low, ears back, eyes soft) with no signs of hardness or stiffness. Reviewer may observe lip licking, one paw up or other appeasement gestures. GRADE A dogs are considered "adoptable."

GRADE B: Dog is initially towards the back of the kennel when reviewer approaches the front of the kennel. Dog may display moderate defensive body postures, either lower with tail low or tucked, ears back, eyes wide, averted or scanning, and may be dilated. As reviewer softens his or her body posture, dog may respond positively, and be able to approach reviewer with relative ease, or dog may respond cautiously, and be only partially or briefly able to approach reviewer at all, then may remain ambivalent or unwilling to approach. Dog may remain at front of kennel, with mild defensive body postures, or may remain either neutral or at the back of the kennel, with moderate to high defensive body postures. Dog may exhibit displacement behaviors such as yawning or lip licking, but continues to show strong desire to interact with reviewer; or

Dog is initially at the front of the kennel, showing some excitement, but lacks a frantic quality. Eyes may be wide and dilated, body is loose with tail low, and ears are back. As reviewer softens his or her body posture, dog responds with an ability to calm. Dog will remain at the front of kennel and may exhibit displacement behaviors such as yawning or lip licking, but continues to show strong desire to interact with reviewer and retains a relatively calm attitude. GRADE B dogs are considered "adoptable."

GRADE C: Dog is at front of kennel as reviewer approaches, showing high excitement with a frantic quality. Eyes are wide and dilated with some direct eye contact, but not more than about 2 seconds in duration. Eyes are wide and may be dilated, and ears may be neutral or forward. Body appears to lean forward and dog appears to be standing tall. The tail will either be neutral or high. Dog may make brief contact with handler, but then looks past reviewer and does not display any prolonged desire to interact with reviewer. Dog shows little ability to calm or interact with reviewer, even as reviewer softens his or her body posture. Dog may display high reactivity to environmental stimulus, such as flinching to loud noises or increased arousal to persons or other dogs walking by. GRADE C dogs are considered "behavior – treatable."

GRADE D: Dog may appear indifferent or unmoved at all by clear invitations by reviewer, and may display offensive (confident, forward, lunging, baring teeth, barking) or defensive (fearful, trembling, growling) body postures, or may initiate low level or subtle threats or warnings (stiff body, low growls, slow, deliberate movements) in response to these invitations. If the reviewer has any question regarding the recovery capacity of the dog, the reviewer may enter the kennel, if it is safe to do so, to gain further knowledge of the dog and help determine an accurate grade. (NOTE: Dogs that receive an initial behavior assessment of Grade D should be re-assessed or evaluated by a staff member trained to conduct a behavior evaluation.) GRADE D dogs are considered a "potential safety risk."

Note regarding changes in behavior: Dogs that present behaviors that are inconsistent with an initial assessment should be re-assessed or evaluated by a staff member trained to conduct a behavior evaluation. If a re-assessment or evaluation confirms a change in behavior, the new assessment grade or evaluation level should be stored using a new Treatment Number.

Behavior evaluation levels:

NOTE: Available resources enable us to evaluate the behavior of a limited number of dogs. In general, potential candidates for behavior evaluations include Grade D dogs that may be made available for adoption, dogs that have been sheltered for a considerable period of time and whose behavior has not been recently assessed or evaluated, and Grade C dogs.

The behavior of a dog with a medical condition may be evaluated when:

• The dog's record reflects safety related behavior concerns,
  
  
• The recommended treatment would most likely be provided with Department (rather than private) resources,
  
  
• Any deferral of treatment until completion of the behavior evaluation would not unduly delay medical care needed to stabilize the animal and/or relieve suffering, or otherwise jeopardize the efficacy of any treatment recommended, and,
  
  
• A staff member requests the evaluation and the request clearly conveys the need for prompt action.
  
  

The reviewer should first contact the medical department to determine the nature of the medical condition and any potentially sensitive areas to avoid if the animal is handled, and also should ensure the medical department is promptly made aware of the evaluation results. Disclosure of the observed behavior should contain a statement that the behavior might have been affected by the medical condition.

REVIEWER MAY FOREGO OR STOP A BEHAVIOR EVALUATION AT ANY TIME DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS

Level 1 – Dog is eager to initiate social contact with handler in a gentle manner within 60 seconds of commencing the evaluation, and repeatedly solicits affection from handler throughout evaluation. Dog readily accepts handling such as a hug or teeth exam without struggle, and retains social behavior with handler afterwards. Dog willingly relinquishes resources without any signs of guarding. Dog's play style is appropriately gentle for interaction with other animals and people of all ages. Dog has shown no threatening displays towards people or other animals while at the facility, or in previous circumstances of which the Department is aware. The dog can be placed in a home with inexperienced owners with no special restrictions regarding living arrangements. Level 1 dogs are considered "adoptable."

Level 2 – (L2F: slightly fearful) Dog is able to respond to invitations for interaction from handler, but is initially unable to start this social contact within 60 seconds of commencing the evaluation. Dog accepts handling such as a hug or teeth exam without struggle (level 1 or 2 teeth exam), but then may immediately move away upon release. Dog will show increasingly relaxed body postures as evaluation progresses. Dog will find resources valuable and may move them away from the handler, but does not display any signs of guarding above a freeze. Dog is able to engage in play at low levels and maintains ability to interact with handler without withdrawal. Dog will show interest in cats, but is easily distracted from them and shows no willingness to harm another animal. Guidelines may be recommended regarding an appropriate home.

(L2C: slightly confident) Dog initiates social contact with handler briefly within 60 seconds of commencing the evaluation, and in a somewhat forward and demanding manner. Dog accepts handling such as a hug or teeth exam with brief struggle (level 1 or 2 teeth exam), but then immediately moves away upon release. Dog shows ability to calm and displays increasingly relaxed body postures as evaluation progresses. Dog will find resources valuable and may move them away from the handler, but does not display any signs of guarding above a freeze. Dog engages in play eagerly and maintains respect for handler's boundaries, and lacks competitiveness in play. Dog will show interest in cats, but is easily distracted from them and shows no willingness to harm another animal. Guidelines may be recommended regarding an appropriate home. Level 2 dogs are considered "adoptable."

Level 3 – (L3F: moderately fearful) Dog does not initiate social contact with handler at any time during evaluation, and is unresponsive to handler's invitations for interaction due to high level of anxiety and/or fear. Dog will struggle out of hug and avoid further close contact with handler. Dog is able to tolerate teeth exam and does not require more than one correction to complete. Dog is difficult to engage in play, and may withdraw from handler's invitations. Dog may display resource guarding, but not beyond a freeze or whale eye. Dog may show a focused interest in cats, and may be willing to harm them. Dog interacts with other dogs in a defensive way, but seems unwilling to harm another dog.

(L3C: moderately confident) Dog does not initiate social contact with handler at any time during evaluation, and is unresponsive to handler's invitations for interaction due to high level of arousal and/or controlling behaviors. Dog will struggle out of hug and avoid further close contact with handler. Dog is able to tolerate teeth exam and does not require more than one correction to complete. Dog easily engages in high intensity play with an element of competitiveness present, and is more difficult to disengage, but does not become overly agitated (i.e., no hard direct eye contact, growling, or stiff body). Dog may be forward and somewhat rough in body contact with handler and shows only moderate ability to calm over course of evaluation. Dog may display resource guarding, but not beyond a freeze and/or whale eye. Dog may show a focused interest in cats, and may be willing to harm them. Dog interacts with other dogs in an offensive way, but seems unwilling to harm another dog. Management guidelines should be recommended regarding an appropriate home. Level 3 dogs are considered "behavior – treatable."

Level 4 – (L4F: highly fearful) Dog displays extreme defensive body postures and may become increasingly anxious or panicky as evaluation progresses. Dog may make extreme attempts to escape or hide, and is frozen during any contact with handler. Threats or warnings may be initiated at lower levels, but then may increase unpredictably as perceived threats increase. These may include freezing, snarling, growling or snapping. Dog may appear willing to harm a cat or another dog. Dog may appear stoic and present subtle warnings. Aggression may seem unprovoked to untrained handlers.

(L4C: highly confident) Dog displays extreme offensive or defensive body postures and may become increasingly agitated as evaluation progresses. Threats or warnings may be initiated at lower levels, but then may increase unpredictably as perceived threats increase. These may include freezing, snarling, growling or snapping. Dog may appear willing to harm a cat or another dog. Dog may appear stoic and present subtle warnings. Aggression may seem unprovoked to untrained handlers.

Level 4 dogs are considered a "potential safety risk." These dogs normally require a highly skilled owner with adequate ability to read body postures to avoid possible aggression.

Behavior Re-Evaluation

A dog's behavior should be re-evaluated (no sooner than 48 hours after the initial evaluation) in the following circumstances:

• The dog's behavior was last assessed or evaluated more than four weeks ago (or at any time prior to its current intake date).
  
  
• The dog failed to participate in the initial evaluation (e.g., where the dog was searching for its owner, or exhibiting extreme escape behaviors), or the dog's reactions during the initial evaluation may have been unduly affected by an illness or injury.
  
  
• The evaluators disagreed on the initial evaluation assessment, or one or both of them were unsure of the evaluation results.
  
  
• The dog presents substantially different behaviors (either positive or negative) towards people or other animals than were noted in the initial evaluation.