FAQ > Lost & Found
When a pet first arrives, the R-H SPCA staff assesses their health and provides medical treatment if necessary. The R-H SPCA administers a DA2PPv (distemper/parvovirus) and bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine to dogs, and an FVRCP (feline distemper, calicivirus, rhinitis) vaccine to cats. These vaccines, when administered on intake, significantly decrease the spread of disease among stray animals awaiting reclaim. We also administer flea and intestinal worm treatments, document weight, estimated age and body score, clean ears, check teeth, cut nails, record body temperature, and photograph injuries.
After this initial processing, pets then await reclaim on their 3-, 5-, or 10-day hold. During that time, staff interacts with them to provide comfort and try to make friends. Behavior is monitored for signs of stress and steps are taken to alleviate it as best we can.
Once a pet comes into our custody, a formal assessment will take place. We look for signs of “sociability,” or a willingness to be with people. We introduce them to other animals of the same species to know what kind of home they will need. We play with them to see if they try to guard toys or if they get over-stimulated and how they channel it. We see how much they like being handled, or if they like it at all. Do they tolerate reasonable restraint that they will face at the veterinarian’s office? Do they guard their food bowl? All of these questions are important to answer so we can place them in the most appropriate home.
When a pet first arrives, the R-H SPCA staff assesses their health and provides medical treatment if necessary. The R-H SPCA administers a DA2PPv (distemper/parvovirus) and bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine to dogs, and an FVRCP (feline distemper, calicivirus, rhinitis) vaccine to cats. These vaccines, when administered on intake, significantly decrease the spread of disease among stray animals awaiting reclaim. We also administer flea and intestinal worm treatments, document weight, estimated age and body score, clean ears, check teeth, cut nails, record body temperature, and photograph injuries.
After this initial processing, pets then await reclaim on their 3-, 5-, or 10-day hold. During that time, staff interacts with them to provide comfort and try to make friends. Behavior is monitored for signs of stress and steps are taken to alleviate it as best we can.
Once a pet comes into our custody, a formal assessment will take place. We look for signs of “sociability,” or a willingness to be with people. We introduce them to other animals of the same species to know what kind of home they will need. We play with them to see if they try to guard toys or if they get over-stimulated and how they channel it. We see how much they like being handled, or if they like it at all. Do they tolerate reasonable restraint that they will face at the veterinarian’s office? Do they guard their food bowl? All of these questions are important to answer so we can place them in the most appropriate home.