SCOTTISH TERRIER RESCUE OF THE SOUTHEAST

CODE OF CONDUCT  

 

1. Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast is an all-volunteer, charitable endeavor.
2. The best interests of the Scottish Terrier are always primary as we serve as their advocate. Scottish Terrier designated contacts should contact local shelters, veterinary clinics, humane societies, animal control facilities, etc. and make them aware of the existence of Scottish Terrier Rescue in the area, and their availability and willingness to assist in any way possible. They will respond in a timely manner to all calls and/or emails regarding Scottie rescue.
3. If the closest rescue contact cannot be reached or is unavailable to take a dog, assistance from a nearby rescue contact will be made on behalf of that Scottish Terrier so that this rescue can be handled in a timely manner, in the best interests and welfare of the Scottish Terrier.
4. Scottish Terrier Rescue contacts will, at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner when representing their individual rescue groups.
5. While in transition, Scottish Terriers should be housed safely, humanely, and comfortably with appropriate and adequate socialization, training and medical care provided. Rescue contacts should know where they will keep any incoming and arrange for foster care or boarding. If the dog is to be boarded, arrangements should be made for the volunteers of the Rescue to spend time with the dog for grooming, socialization, and evaluation. In foster care, the foster family will be trained and supported to socialize and evaluate each dog.
6. Provide detailed information and evaluation of prospective adopters and foster families by following a thorough process that will include education of prospective foster families and adopters of homeless Scottish Terriers so that a proper, long-term placement may be made. This process should include a comprehensive written application, a home visit to evaluate comfort, safety, and suitability for a rescue Scottish Terrier; meeting all family members and other pets living in the home; and contacting personal and veterinary references. All of these steps need to be completed prior to placement unless there is a compelling reason that a step cannot be completed. Frequent follow- ups and continued assistance once placement is made should be done to assure a successful placement.
7. ALL RESCUE DOGS SHOULD BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED BEFORE PLACEMENT.  Alternatively, the dog should be adopted on a spay/neuter contract with strict follow up should there be a medical reason or age restriction preventing Rescue to alter before adoption. This rescue organization has a set of minimal veterinary care standards which include a full medical examination, vaccinations (3 year if available), fecal check, heartworm test, and microchipping. Dental cleaning, blood testing, urine testing, etc. may vary with the needs of the individual Scottie. All known health problems should be thoroughly explained to the new owner and copies of appropriate veterinary records provided. Veterinarians should be asked for reduced fees for rescue dogs. The Scottish Terrier should be clean and freshly groomed before going to his/her new home, if their medical and emotional situation permits.
8. Members of Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast acknowledge that not all Scottish Terriers can be successfully rehabilitated for medical reasons and/or temperament. When euthanasia is necessary, it will be carried out in a timely manner with respect and dignity for the Scottish Terrier.
9. A release form should be completed by the documented and proven owner(s) of any dog relinquished to this rescue program. This transfer of ownership should include a clause that the dog is to become the legal property of Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast and that the person signing the form is the legal owner. If the dog has bitten anyone, full details of the biting incident should be included. A profile of the dog should be completed as part of the surrender form.
10. An adoption contract is essential and includes a clause that the new adoptive owner may not sell, donate, or otherwise dispose of the Scottish Terrier. The Scottish Terrier is to be returned back to Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast, if for any reason, the placement is not successful. The contract also includes statements regarding the adoptive owner understanding the responsibilities of pet ownership and will provide adequate and routine medical care including recommendations of quality food, clean water at all times, will keep the Scottish Terrier as an indoor companion in the house, and will never allow the Scottish Terrier to run loose unless it is within a fully enclosed and appropriate fenced area, or will walk the dog on a lead.
11. An adoption fee/donation is charged by Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast to cover all or part of expenses. Expenses not covered by the adoption fee/donation may come from the Rescue’s general fund or funds may be raised specifically for rescue. Assistance for extraordinary expenses may be granted by the STCA Rescue Trust Fund, only on a dog by dog basis.
12. Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast contacts will cooperate with each other and with other members/volunteers of the animal welfare community.
13. Records and documentation should be kept on all Scottish Terriers placed through Scottish Terrier Rescue of the Southeast.
14. The laws governing rescue in the states where the rescue group operates should be on file in the group’s records and followed in each placement.
15. The herein guidelines may be reviewed so they can be modified in a timely manner. They should be reviewed in a by-yearly to insure that they are in harmony with current policy.

 

Adopted December 30, 2015

No Scottie Left Behind