NORCAL Golden Retriever Rescue

AREA COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The following is an outline of the jobs needed to be done in each area. The coordinator should recruit volunteers to do many of them.

Contact local shelters, introduce yourself and visit regularly. Take some brochures and calendars and talk with them about rescue - be sure you let them know that they should contact you before any Golden Retriever is euthanatized.

Contact local Vets to see who will work with the group and offer discounted rates for medical attention (most vets will give a 25% discount).

Make sure the dog list is updated weekly.

Be sure Fosters and Volunteers are clear on how to handle Medical Bills and payments.

Check personally, or through another Golden Retriever owner, to be certain that the dog is actually a Golden Retriever. Attempt to find out where the dog came from. If surrendered, do they have any information on the dog - age, whether neutered or not, area it came from? If found, what area of the town/country was it found in? Determine when the dog will be available for adoption. Will they release it to rescue? If so, will they assist us in filling out a preliminary evaluation form? If the dog is found to be in good health, the dog may be taken to a foster home for further evaluation. The Rescue Agent shall maintain a file on each dog.

The Agent should arrange the release personally even if a volunteer is actually going to pick up the dog from the shelter. Shelters only want to work with one representative.

Each area coordinators phone number will be on the Master List and the Hotline. All rescue calls for the area will be done by the area coordinator who may refer callers to his/her assistants or other groups.

1. Initial phone interview
1. Talk and get to know the person.
2. Dog will be spayed or neutered before placing.
3. Yard must be fenced in.
4. If anything happens to prevent them from keeping the dog we must get the dog back (this is specified in the adoption contract).
5. The dog should be considered a companion animal (family member). - Will the dog be allowed in the house (listen for any hesitation, then probe further).
6. Where will the dog sleep?
7. How long will the dog be alone during the day?
8. House/Apartment/Condo?
9. Who will train and exercise the dog?
10. Where will the dog stay while your at work?
11. Why do you want a Golden Retriever?
12. Have you ever had any animals before?
13. Rule of thumb, would I trust this person with one of my dogs?

• Make a record of your meeting and/or phone conversation, including date.

1. Mail the application and include brochure
2. Evaluate returned signed applications
3. Arrange for a home visit - This step is essential.
1. The purpose of the home visit is to assess the perspective adopters and evaluate the physical environment.
2. The home visit also give the opportunity to get to know the adopters on a personal level.
3. What to do during home visit - bring your dog with you and evaluate the interactions of the dog and those hoping to adopt.
4. Evaluate the home - stair cases for the older dog,
5. Ask to see where the dog will sleep.
6. All family members should be present.
7. Is the house on or near a highly trafficked street?
8. Is the backyard fenced? How high is the fence, condition, is it secure?
9. If the dog is to be outside while the family is away is there a shady area for the dog and shelter against the wind and rain?
10. Are there foxtails - poisonous plants?
11. Will the dog be properly exercised and trained if needed?
12. Pool – is it fenced? Can the dog use it?

1. Temperament
1. Bright and alert?
2. Willing to please, interested in people?
3. Energy level?
4. Biting? Examine each situation individually as to whether we would accept the dog or not - One bite does not mean an aggressive dog.
5. Fears?
6. Determine if the dog has any behavioral problems, i.e. digging, barking, jumping up, mouthing, chewing, etc.
7. Aggressive or mellow?
8. Behavior with children?
9. Behavior with cats?
10. Behavior with other dogs?
2. Health and Vet Care
1. General evaluation (unless from PHS)
2. Spay or neuter?
3. Shots to be updated?
4. Heartworm Tested?
5. Any signs of sickness or medical problems?
3. Documentation – Get all copies of records if possible.
1. Current shots and medications
2. Last visit to vet
3. Any physical problem
4. Training
5. Indoor or Outdoor

1. Check the dog list for current dogs available.

2. If you see a dog that outside your area that might be a potential match with one of your applicants you must call the Area Coordinator to discuss the availability of the dog and the review the applicants form. Be sure to let them know if you’ve done a home visit. If the Area Coordinator agrees it’s a good match, then refer the applicant tot he Area Coordinator or foster.

3. The Foster Parent coordinates with the Applicant

See the section regarding Fosters Responsibilities for more details.

Whomever is handing the adoptions should remember the following:

1. Make sure the new owner reads contract and is aware that rescue will always take the dog back - for any reason.
1. If a couple is adopting a dog, BOTH must sign the contract and agree to be responsible for the dog.
1. Give pink copy of the contract to the new owner with the supplemental information sheets.
1. Make a copy of the donation check and keep the canary copy of the contract for your records
1. Mail donation check, and white original copy of the contract to:

NGRR

406 El Camino Real, Suite 420

Menlo Park, CA 94025-5240

1. Adoption package should be given to each adopter and should include medical records.
2. Call new owners two days after dog has been placed.
3. Do another follow up a week later, and again a month later.
4. Do a home visit approximately two months after placement.

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1. Get signed surrender forms and donation.
2. Send all forms and donations to the Menlo Park address.
3. Submit expense requests on a regular basis to Menlo Park address (monthly)
4. Yearly recap of dogs placed is due each January (form included).
5. Maintain a file system containing all relevant papers:
1. Surrender forms - signed agent’s copy
2. Application forms - signed agent’s copy
3. All notes pertaining to the dog.
4. Contract - Signed canary copy and copy of the donation check.

1. Visit pet supply businesses regularly to
1. Talk to people
2. Pass out information
3. Recruit volunteers/assistance/foster homes for your area
4. Participate in rescue fund raising as much as possible
5. Participate in Pet Store Adoption Programs
6. Give out website address and encourage people to visit it often.
2. Distribute flyers
1. Veterinary clinics and hospitals
2. Pet supply stores
3. Groomers

All out of state inquiries should be forwarded to Pat Lynch.

E-mail Corrections, Suggestions, and Questions?