Medical for Fosters

You are the frontline for ensuring your foster pup is as happy and healthy as possible adoption. Sometimes dogs will come fully vetted and ready for adoption – sometimes more work is needed to get them prepared. Medical adoption requirements: All dogs are required to have the following done before they are able to be adopted. This is a rule of thumb, but based on other factors, further medical testing may be needed outside of this. • Rabies • Distemper Combo (DHPP, DA2PP, DAPP etc. Note: if an L in the combo's name, the vaccine INCLUDES Lepto, such as DHLPP) • Lepto Vaccine • Bordetella Vaccine • Spay/Neuter • Microchip • Senior Blood Panel (ages 7 and over or as needed for medical issues)

• Dental (only if stage 3 or 4, see: dental-grade-chart.pdf)

• Current on both flea/tick and heartworm preventative

• A negative heartworm test within six months prior to the adoption or evidence of three heartworm treatments following the American Heartworm Society protocols

• A completed and valid Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate.

Once you agree to foster and we have received all of the records for the dog, you will receive an email notification from us with the subject line - ADL Dog Checklist and your name.

This checklist will go through all of the vetting the dog has received or notify you of any vetting the dog will require.

• All dogs must have an intake exam upon entering our foster program. If you know your dog is coming, you should get that exam on the books, so you don't have to wait too long to have that appointment.

• If you have not received an ADL Dog Checklist prior to your appointment, please reach out to our Records Coordinator and ask what vetting the dog will need. If you are not sure who to contact, review our Team Leaders and Resources here: Leaders And Resources | Albert's Dog Lounge | United States

• We strongly recommend printing out this document and taking it with you to your vet appointment to ensure all vetting is done at one time.

All of the necessary vetting any dog is required to get is provided in the ADL Dog Checklist you are emailed. We understand and recognize that often times a new dog can present new issues above and beyond the basic vaccines. More often than not, our trusted vets have worked with us for some time and know we will and won't do or will contact us should there be any questions or concerns. Should the vet ask you if any additional tests or procedures can be performed, the following are ok to approve.

X-rays

Ear Cytology (ear infection)

Skin scrape (if dog is itching or skin concerns)

T4 Thyroid Test (if the vet is concerned about low thyroid)

Stool Sample (only if symptomatic of something)

Urinalysis (only if symptomatic of something)

Fine Needle Aspirate (To look for cells in any bumps or tumors)

Prescription Refills (do not get flea/tick or heartworm prevention at the vet unless instructed)

Dewormer Treatment

Eye Pressure Tests

Anything beyond that, you should reach out to our group of Wellness Coordinators (please remember to include them all in a chat) or the vet can contact us for further approval. Find the list of Wellness Coordinators here: Leaders And Resources | Albert's Dog Lounge | United States

A certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, is a legal document that verifies an animal is healthy and meets regulations for movement or adoption. CVIs are required for animals traveling within or between states.

CVIs are issued by a licensed veterinarian and ensure that animals are free of contagious diseases and meet the destination's requirements. The process for obtaining a CVI can vary depending on the destination, but may include Physical health checks, Vaccinations, Tests, and Treatments.

CVI's are valid only for 30 days. A dog cannot legally be adopted or transported without a valid CVI.

In Wisconsin, ***It MUST be this triplicate form to be valid*** (FORMS DOWNLOADED FROM THE INTERNET ARE NOT VALID)

• Albert's Dog Lounge does not require the physical copy. We are only required to keep an electronic copy. The paper copy can go with the adopter once we have an electronic copy on file.

Below is an example of what a CVI will look like:

• Note: Some Wisconsin forms will ask for both a sender and a receiver. BOTH should contain Albert’s Dog Lounge information. NEVER use individual adopters’ information on the CVI's. If the adoption doesn't occur, now that CVI is no longer valid. If a vet has any questions, they can reach out to us.

• Multiple dogs can be listed on a CVI

Albert’s Dog Lounge provides a lifetime commitment to all animals that come into our care. While we do not euthanize any animal for time or space, unfortunately, there are some instances where euthanasia is the best or only humane option for an animal in our care. Each animal is evaluated as an individual and assessed under the circumstances as a whole. Euthanasia is only considered after an appropriate investigation of other viable and reasonable options. The following outlines the circumstances in which we consider euthanasia for an animal in our care, how that decision is made and how it will be carried out

Circumstances that may require euthanasia

Albert’s Dog Lounge only considers euthanasia as an option for animals that are suffering mentally, emotionally, or physically and have a poor prognosis; are experience unremitting pain or mental suffering that cannot be reasonably alleviated; or pose danger to other animals, themselves or people. Euthanasia is not an option we take lightly, and it will be done only when it we have determined that is the only humane option for the animal. Medical Issues After consulting with a veterinarian and following his/her recommendations, we will consider euthanasia for an animal who has a poor prognosis, will have a long and painful rehabilitation process with little chance of a meaningful recovery, has an incurable debilitating illness, or is not responding to the available treatment. Behavioral Issues If an animal has a history of unprovoked biting and/or is exhibiting aggressive behaviors that pose unacceptable risk to other animals or people, we will consult with a certified trainer. If the expert determines that the animal is unable to be rehabilitated and/or will continue to pose a threat to others, we will euthanize the animal. In our opinion, if an animal is so aggressive that a behavior expert determine that it poses a danger to other animals and/or people, life in a sanctuary is simply not a humane option. We will not transfer an animal to another rescue group or shelter to avoid the difficult decision of having to euthanize for a behavioral issue or causing another rescue group to be liable for a high-risk dog.

How we make the decision to euthanize

For standard medical cases, we will defer to the judgment of our veterinarians in making euthanasia recommendations. For those rare, controversial medical cases where the animal’s quality of life may be unclear, the board of directors will convene to evaluate the data, consult other resources if necessary, and make a determination by a simple majority vote. The foster provider for the animal in question will also be allowed to participate in the discussion and request a vote.

How the animal is euthanized

The foster provider or another representative from Albert’s Dog Lounge will be responsible for taking the animal to one of the organization’s partner veterinarians for euthanasia. Whenever possible and as appropriate, the foster provider or other representative from Albert’s Dog Lounge will remain with the animal during the entire process.

Who pays for euthanasia services?

Albert’s Dog Lounge will cover the expenses of the euthanasia and a group cremation. For some fosters, they have developed an amazing bond with their foster pup and want to bring their remains home with them. We are all for that! However, any costs over and above the group cremation is the responsibility of the foster. This includes, but is not limited to: Individual cremations, paw prints, custom wood boxes, etc. If you choose to pay extra for something special, those costs will need to be paid at the time services are rendered.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Wellness Coordinators.

1. Start by gathering up all the supplies you'll need: Nail clippers and/or grinding tool, styptic powder, nail file, scissors, and dog first aid kit. 2. Before clipping, do a thorough inspection of your dog’s nails and paw pads. This helps to calm your dog and allows you the opportunity to thoroughly examine them for any damage. • Note: There's no rule that says you have to do everything at once. If your foster dog starts to squirm, speak soft praises and then offer him up a treat after the inspection and stop the session at this time. Repeat this process daily until your foster dog is comfortable with you examining his paws. 3. With the scissors, trim the fur from in between the pads under each paw. You can use your grooming clippers or a pair of scissors to do this. 4. Choose the type of clipping tool you prefer: regular guillotine style trimmer or a cordless rotary filer or dog nail grinder. 5. Have your dog sit or lie down and position yourself just behind him. Or choose a position that is most comfortable for you. Lift one paw and using both a firm and gentle hold of it, clip or grind the tip end of each nail. Just take off a little bit at a time. This will help you avoid cutting the quick. (see dog nail diagram) 6. It's important that you remain calm during the process. Your foster dog will be able to sense if you begin to tense up or feel uncertain. 7. Don't try to cut off too much. You risk cutting the quick causing your dog to bleed. And he will NEVER FORGET IT! Making future sessions that more difficult. It is best to cut off very little each time. This makes the whole trimming process a breeze for both of you. 8. As soon as you see a little dark spot in the center of the nail... STOP! You Reached the Quick! Dog nails have a hard outer covering, and soft inner part called the quick. The quick is the living part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerve endings. So always stop cutting as soon as you see a little dark circle appear in the center of the nail. If you do cut the quick and bleeding occurs, use the styptic powder to stop the bleeding. You can also use corn starch. 9. Continue trimming each nail from the front paws and then begin on the back paws. 10. When you are finished clipping, use a nail file, sandpaper or Dremel to file off and smooth down any rough edges. 11. Lastly, take some paw pad moisturizer or a tiny bit of Vaseline and rub it on each pad. Your foster dog should enjoy the massage and will be the last thing he remembers about having his nails trimmed.

12. When you are completely through, praise your foster dog and give him a treat for being such a good pup. Trimming your foster dog’s nail weekly is the easiest way to maintain the perfect length and keep the quick from growing out too long. With a bit of practice, you will learn to trim your foster dog’s nails with complete confidence.

How to Safely Restrain your Dog during Nail Trimmings: If you feel the need to restrain your foster dog in order to clip its nails, here is how many vet clinics and dog groomers do it: • Have your dog lie on a table and position yourself on the opposite side. Drape your arms and upper body over your dog (i.e. lean into the dog as in photo). • Use the arm not holding the clipping tool to keep your dog still and lying on his side by resting your elbow on the table and applying a light pressure up under the head and neck region. You are still able to use this hand to lift and hold your dog's paw. • Use your other arm, also draped around the dog's lower part of the body to keep it still, to clip the nails. When needed, you may apply light pressure with your body weight to secure a dog that tries to resist.

Absolutely, yes! If you are provided the dog's previous medical records, they should always be taken along with you to the dog's intake appointment. The previous medical records are a story of the dog's past medical history. Further, you should also take the dogs Incognito form, emailed to you by our Records Coordinator upon intake. This form will tell you when any previous vaccines or preventatives were administered, what vaccines are due and when, and what medical procedures (bloodwork, spay/neuter, etc.) is medically required in order for the dog to be considered for adoptability status.

If you aren't sure about anything related to the dog's wellness or medical needs, please reach out to the Wellness Coordinators. If you are not sure who the Wellness Coordinators are, you can find that information on the Team Leadership and Resources tab: Leaders And Resources | Albert's Dog Lounge | United States

This is not a black and white blanket answer. Many variables come into play such as the overall cost, what alternative options we have for any medical condition, the dogs age, other health issues the dog may be having, and most importantly what the dog's quality of life will be. Albert's is a rescue that routinely goes above and beyond on medical, providing levels of care for dogs that most rescues can't or won't do. But with everything in rescue, cost is always a factor. We always try to find the best outcome for every dog in our program that will still provide the best outcome and the best opportunity for quality of life.

We always keep any foster parents in the loop for any procedures, throughout any ER visits, or specialty care that is being provided.

If a dog has to have a very expensive procedure, we do ask that our fosters consider doing or sharing a social media campaign to fundraise. You may also be asked to get photos of your dog as well for fundraising purposes.

If you have any additional questions, you can always reach out to the Wellness Coordinators. If you are not sure who the Wellness Coordinators are, you can find them on the Team Leadership and Resources page: Leaders And Resources | Albert's Dog Lounge | United States

We are always here to assist our foster families with any medical or behavioral issues. Depending on what issues the dog is having will depend on the next steps we use. Sometimes, the dog may need something simple as some medications to treat specific moments of high anxiety, such as being left home alone. Other times, it may require much more work such as meeting with a behaviorist, vet behaviorist, or even starting long term medications, such a Prozac.

We will always exhaust our best efforts to give any dog the best quality of life, whether it's physical or mental. If you are having any issues with your foster dog behaviorally or medically, please reach out to your Wellness Coordinators. If you are not sure who the Wellness Coordinators are, you can find more information on the Leadership Team and Resources page: Leaders And Resources | Albert's Dog Lounge | United States

YES! In fact, we encourage it. If your hospice foster is only on palliative care and at the end of his/her life and you wish to make the dog a part of your family formally, please let our Adoption Coordinator know, and she will send out the adoption contract. We always waive the $300 adoption fee when the dog is at the end of life and being adopted by his/her foster family. Albert's will still pay for the euthanasia following the euthanasia policy found here: Medical | Albert's Dog Lounge | United States

If you choose to pay for the euthanasia yourself, we are always grateful to apply that cost savings to another dog that may need our help.

YES AND YES! While not required in the least, we love when our foster families contribute to the care of their foster dog. This cost savings can help us continue to help the most unwanted and dogs first to be euthanized without our intervention. If you would like a document showing your donations, be sure to send your receipts to albertsdoglounge@gmail.com, ATTN: Mandy and indicate that you need a receipt for your donations, and we will get that right over to you.

We put a lot of thought and consideration into any dog's medical condition before we consider them "hospice." A lot of organizations will call an old dog hospice, just by virtue of being old. That is not what we do. We have adopted out dogs with active cancer, Cushing's disease, and other medical prognoses that most rescues would not consider adoptable. This is what Albert's does!

It is very very rare that any dog we would consider hospice would recover enough to be moved into a regular dog status and become adoptable.

If you think your foster dog may be hospice or you are not sure if the dog has a prognosis that may make them unadoptable, please reach out to your Wellness Coordinators. If you are not sure who the Wellness Coordinators are, you can find more information in the Leadership Team and Resources Tab: Leaders And Resources | Albert's Dog Lounge | United States

If you are in need of more monthly preventatives, please reach out to Lindsey Decker if you live in the Madison area or Mandy Lewis if you are outside of the Madison area. We will get those out to you in the mail to you. Please allow us enough time to get those to you in the mail and not wait till you are out to let us know.

We do ask that you only get preventatives from the vet if you have asked and have received authorization to do so.

No. Preventatives are a very costly, but necessary, expense to the rescue. That said, we do have some caveats to that statement...

- If the dog is DUE for heartworm within two weeks of adoption, you are ok to send ONE heartworm prevention home at the time of adoption. It can take longer than that for a new owner to establish vet care and get a script for the dog.

- If the dog is NOT DUE for heartworm for two weeks or more, it is the responsibility of the new owner to establish vet care for their new dog and get their own preventatives, as required by the adoption contract.

- We do not send home flea and tick preventatives ever. If a new adopter needs flea and tick, this is something that can be purchased right at their local Wal-Mart, pet supply store, or farm store like Tractor Supply or Fleet Farm.

- Occasionally, a dog will arrive with their own supply of heartworm and flea/tick (especially if a local owner surrender). In those cases, this is theirs and you CAN send those items home with them for their new family.

If you end up with extra stock of preventatives, please use them for your next foster or return them to the lounge.

Remember, if you need more preventatives, please allow enough time for us to gather them and ship them. It usually takes a week to 10 days. You can request more preventatives here: Monthly Preventatives | Albert's Dog Lounge

If you still have questions, please reach out to your Wellness Coordinators. If you are not sure who your Wellness Coordinators are, review the Leadership Team and Resources page here: Leaders And Resources | Albert's Dog Lounge | United States