KRO Protocols: How We Function

KRO Protocol: How We Function

Identifying A Rescue

When a potential rescue is identified, an Intake Information form is filled out (either for Owner Surrender or Shelter Release): this is to collect as much info as possible that will help KRO assess a potential rescue and know whether s/he is actually re-homeable. The forms are on the website (www.keeshondrescueofontario.com) to be downloaded by the KRO member who has first contact.

However, our first priority is to ensure that every effort be made to alert a tattooed or microchipped dog's breeder that one of his or her dogs needs re-homing, and this must ideally happen before accepting the dog into foster. If the breeder needs the assistance of KRO for any reason in re-acquiring the dog, we must be prepared to offer whatever support -- transport, overnight care and the like -- is needed to facilitate such a reunion, which is clearly in the dog's best interests. Since most purchase contracts from reputable breeders include a 'return' clause, ensuring that this alert takes place is also crucial in maintaining one of our objectives as a rescue organization: the practice of good faith between Keeshond Rescue of Ontario and all Keeshond breeders, with whom we need to work in partnership if we are to optimize all possibilities to benefit abandoned Keeshonden.

Release To Rescue

An Owner Surrender or Shelter Release form has to be signed by both the previous owner/shelter of the rescue and a KRO member, with copies kept by each party: this is to construct a written record of ownership transfer and intent. The forms are on the website, to be downloaded by whichever KRO member will be picking up the dog.

Fostering A Rescue

Fostering is done with the assistance of three other KRO members who consult with and give support to the foster home on all matters: this is to ensure that no one is left feeling 'on the spot' and worried lest he or she do something wrong.

a. Safe Procedure: When a dog comes into foster, initial care is taken (by segregation of the rescue and administration of fenbendazole for 3 days) to make sure the rescue has nothing contagious that could affect a foster home's own Keesies.

b. Assessing The Foster Rescue: A rescue remains in foster for at least two weeks and more likely, in the case of an adult dog, 6-8 weeks: this is to allow the rescue to settle and feel secure; as importantly, it also allows aspects of his/her true personality to surface, so his/her needs can be correctly assessed by the foster family and a correct and responsible match can be made with an adoptive home. The Intake Information form is used to record all observations such as fears, dislikes, requirements etc., as the original of this document goes with the rescue to the new adoptive owners.

c. Veterinary Requirements: Veterinary consultation is decided upon, and all medical procedures are determined by the foster home and advisory group as well: microchipping and neutering before placement are mandatory for any rescue but blood-test profiling, full immunization where we have no record of vaccinations in the past, or dental work are not uncommon.

Adoption Application

Adoption Application is made by an interested new owner, and a Home Visit is arranged to be undertaken by one of the group on behalf of KRO: the forms are on the website, the former to be downloaded by a potential adoptive home and the latter by the KRO member doing the Home Visit. Both are reviewed by the foster home and advisors: this is done to protect the rescue and to be absolutely sure that the best possible placement is made.

Adoption Agreement

An Adoption Contract is filled out and signed by the new owners and the KRO foster home, with copies kept by each party. The form is on the website, to be downloaded by the new owner and/or the foster home.

Rescue Costs And Reimbursements

The foster home covers all costs for the rescue (for food, and any medical appointments, medications and procedures), and then submits receipts for reimbursement. All requests for reimbursement pertaining to the rescue are sent, WITH ORIGINAL RECEIPTS, directly to the KRO Treasurer. The KRO Treasurer will complete and forward the request for reimbursement for medical expenses (ONLY) to K9 Rescue Me. When the KRO treasurer receives the cheque from K9 Rescue Me she will in turn reimburse the foster home. This process could take up to a couple of months.

Expenses other than medical ones will be reimbursed directly from the KRO free-standing account. The KRO treasurer will complete the cheque which must be co-signed by another signatory and sent to the foster home. This process will take a couple of weeks depending on the availability of the co-signer.

The balance of food purchased for the rescue must be given to the adoptive family. Costs other than food for the rescue need discussion by the foster’s advisory team.

Medical Assessment & Treatment of the Fostered Dog

Medical treatment of the fostered animal is the responsibility of the foster family. The decision to undertake serious surgery or euthanasia will be made by the advisory group designated by the foster family.

Out of pocket expenses for medical care of the dog will be reimbursed by KRO. The foster family must complete the ‘Medical Receipt Submission Form’ (available at: www.keeshondrescueofontario.com) and submit it to KRO’s Treasurer.

If the dog will be kept in long-term foster or has an on-going medical condition requiring veterinary assistance, special medication etc., the foster family can request a “floating” loan to alleviate out of pocket expenses.

KRO’s Board will determine the amount of the floating loan based on medical information/veterinary assessment as provided by the foster family.
The foster family will submit medical receipts which have been paid for out of the floating loan on an on-going basis. This should be done monthly at least.
KRO’s Treasurer will continue to replenish the loan to its original amount as long as the dog remains in foster care.
The Treasurer will request reconsideration of the loan amount if necessary.
The foster will return any unused portion of the loan to KRO’s Treasurer immediately upon the adoption or demise of the dog.

The dog’s file will contain the following information:

Veterinary assessment & description of treatment
Test results should also be kept in the file
Medical records from the originating shelter (if applicable)
Medical records from the surrendering owner (if applicable), including contact for vet
Breeder/microchip information (if available)
Breeder contact memo, if performed
Journal notes of foster’s assessment of dog’s training, temperament, sociability & diet.
Surrender form from owner or release form from shelter

KRO’s Treasurer is responsible for maintaining records of cash expenditures for the foster dog, including the floating loan and its disposition.

Record Keeping

Copies of all documentation created by the intake, fostering and rehoming process must be sent to KRO’s Statisitician, Kelly Wood. Please consult the KRO At-A-Glance sheet for the address.