Feral Cat Coalition Clinic Procedures

Admitting

Greet caretaker and ask person to thoroughly read consent/release paragraph at the top of the caretaker sign-in sheet. Caretaker must personally sign designated spot on sign-in sheet to signify they understand this paragraph. Have them print their name as well and leave a phone number where they can be reached in case we finish early or have an emergency.

Confirm Caretaker has reservation for his/her cats: check reservation list and, if time, note actual number of cats brought to clinic. If not on list, locate Supervisor who will screen Caretaker, find out why no reservation exists, and notate discrepancy on list (how did they find out about clinic?!).

Screen cats/carriers for the following:

Food in trap/carrier
Inappropriate carriers
More than one cat per carrier
Obvious pets
Obvious serious illness
Tipped right ear
Underage kittens (less than 5 months)

Complete caretaker sign-in sheet by filling in designated areas on consecutively numbered lines. If Caretaker brings in several cats, group them together numerically and draw lines down repetitive columns (i.e. Caretaker can print and sign on first row only and volunteer can write initials once at the top, then line down through Caretaker's remaining assigned numbers). More than one clipboard with (pre-numbered) Caretaker Sign-In Sheets can be utilized at a time to expedite the admission process.

Take your time! Proper screening and correct admitting information is vital to the smooth running of the clinic and welfare of the cats. Notate any pertinent information on the sign-in sheet.

Prepare id tags using indelible ink. Make two identical identification tags per cat, using either pre-printed labels, if available, or 4" masking tape strips. If pre-printed labels are used, complete according to headings. If masking tape strips are used, prepare two for each cat in the following manner:

#1................ Cat/Caretaker ID #
AB.............. Caretaker's initials
.............. Sex (MALE)*
BLK/SH..... Color/Description (Black Shorthair)
MED.......... Write only if medical problem exists

* For sex of cat use these symbols:

... MALE
... FEMALE
?....... UNKNOWN

Affix both ID tags to top of trap/carrier, nearest to end with door.

If using pre-printed labels, please use the following method:

The first label should be peeled off then pressed on firmly so it will stick to the trap/carrier throughout the clinic.
The second label should be peeled off then lightly placed on the trap/carrier with a strip of masking tape (about 5") placed across the top. By using this method, the post-anesthesia volunteers (Transporter Job #2) won't have to mangle the label to get it off the carrier and onto the cat! Also, the labels don't always stick well to fur, so the masking tape helps to hold it on.

Create toe tag if medical problem exists (should be noted on the Caretaker Sign-In Sheet and indicated by "MED" or "Medical Problem" on the ID tags. The medical toe tag must include Cat/Caretaker ID #, Caretaker's initials, Cat's sex, Cat's color and description as well as a complete description of the medical problem to be checked by the Veterinarian. Stick the toe tag under one of the ID tags on the trap/carrier.

Give caretaker copy of "Drop-off and Pick-up Instructions."

Advise caretaker of discharge time and stress the importance of prompt pick-up. Animal Control will be called on abandoned animals.

After sign-in, place Caretaker's cats in area designated for either "MALES", "FEMALES", or "UNKNOWNS".

Direct Caretaker's attention to donation jar and remind them all donations are tax-deductible!

After clinic, thoroughly clean Admitting area and prepare supplies for packing.

Admitting Supplies

Receive these from Supervisor, and remember to use FCC supplies only!

4 rolls 2" masking tape
5 clipboards
6 indelible black markers (fine)
Caretaker sign-in sheets
Donation jar
Easy-wipe info boards
Pre-printed ID labels
Regular ink pens
Table
Toe tags
Trap/carrier covers

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[Page updated November 2009]