The following multiple-tiered evaluation system concocted by CACC management allows CACC to manipulate statistics so as to claim that the euthanasia rate for "adoptable animals" was decreased by 46%. This cynical manipulation of the statistics is exactly why CACC must be liberated from City Hall control.
CENTER GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE STATUS OF AN ANIMAL
All arriving animals receive a STATUS, which is designed to be a reflection of an animals potential adoptability. Behavioral and medical parameters are considered in assigning an animal a status and these status' may changed at a later date during the animal's stay at the CACC. " Owner Consent for Euthanasia" animals do not receive a status unless they are healthy and the CACC has refused to euthanize them because of the excellent opportunity for placement of such an animal through the CACC adoption programs. Temperament concerns with regard to worker and adopter safety are always given the priority when assigning the status of an animal.
Status One:
This category of adoption has been found to be healthy, with no apparent health or behavioral problems that require treatment or future adopter counselling. There should be no reservations about this animal's suitability as a pet and all comments from a surrendering owner with regard to temperament are without concern.
Status Two (2/2C):
These animals have been found to be healthy enough to be placed for adoption, but have an easily correctable health problem or prior traumatic or congenital defect that does not markedly affect their suitability as a pet. All health abnommalities must be noted and these animals are to be assessed with great care by the CACC adoption and medical staff prior to, or at the time of, placement in the adoption ward. Temperament must be acceptable as described for Status One animals.
Non-Contagious (2): Inguinal Hemia, Otitis, Dental Tartar, old traumatic scar, congenital missing limb with good ambulation, elevated inflamed third eyelid, mild congenital defects (entropion, prognathism), collar injury, mild localized Demodex, cryptorchid ,estrus, recent litter of animals with resolving mammary development, flea allergy (mild) demmatitis.
Contagious (2C): flea infestation, helminth/coccidial parasites under treatment.
Status Three (3/3C, 3T/3TC):
These animals have been found to have clinically long-term health problems in need of special immediate or extended veterinary care and follow-up. Generally speaking, these are animals that require special rescue/adopter placement. Examination by a CACC licensed veterinarian is required and all health conditions are recorded in the animal's medical file. Temperament must be acceptable as described for Status One & Two or a specific temperament evaluation by a qualified CACC staff member must be perfommed and limitations for a safe, happy adoption made.
All potentially adoptable animals with temperament considerations must be marked "T".
Non-Contagious (3C): mild-moderate traumatic or structural lameness, non serious traumatic injuries (Non-bite), Diabetes, Heart Murmur, Epilepsy, severe gingivitis, perineal and inguinal hemias, blindness, probable bladder or uninary tract problems, severe non-infectious dermatitis, demodex mange (generalized).
Contagious (3C): Upper Respiratory Disease; Giardia infection, severe parasite infection as above (with accompanying systemic signs), FIV, severe or patchy alopecia where ringworm or sarcoptes mange are considered unlikely on examination by a licensed veterinarian for alopecia or other skin conditions.
Status Four (4/4C):
All Status Four animals have temperament issues which make the animal unadoptable at this time, but for which there is a reasonable probability that a 24 hour period of acclimation and temperament reevaluation by qualifled personnel may result in the animal later becoming a candidate for adoption. Reevaluation of these animals is limited by staff availability and a reevaluation cannot be guaranteed for all such animals.
Status Five (5T/5TC, 5/5C):
For temperament or medical reasons, these animals are not adoptable. Any animals with bite histories, board of health holding animals, or clearly demonstrated aggression/arousal responses upon limited or extensive temperament examination are included in this Status. Animals that do not display acceptable standards of temperament for adoptability during a CACC training assessment are also considered Status 5 and the status of an animal may be changed to this Status following qualified behavioral assessment at any time. Temperament issues for unadoptability take priority in statusing over any and all medical issues.
Non-Contagious: End-Stage Heart or Renal Disease, non-ambulatory neurological or orthopedic injuries, multiple or single masses with probable indication of potential neoplasia on clinical examination, underage puppies or kittens, bite wounds of unknown origin.
Contagious: Canine Distemper, Feline Panleukopenia, FIP, Feline Leukemia Virus infection, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, diagnosed Parvoviral infection, Dermatophytosis (Ringworm), Sarcoptic Mange or patchy/generalized alopecia with a high probability of Dermatophytosis infection upon examination by a licensed veterinarian, Leptospirosis, bronchopneumonias.