Introduction:

This rescue partnership program was developed to collaborate supportive efforts in the placement of unwanted shelter animals.  Rescue groups and adoption agencies play an integral role in assisting with animals that require additional marketing and placement assistance.

WCRAS keeps stray animals for a minimum of 5 days to ensure an owner ample amount of time to find their lost pet. Once available, the animal is evaluated, and an email is sent to the releasing agency group. WCRAS asks each agency to transfer animals as soon as possible and may institute a specific deadline to prevent population over-crowding. Rescues partnered with WCRAS will also receive an email of WCRAS’ Do-Not-Adopt list on the first of every month.

To be eligible for the program, the organization must:

1. Be a non-profit (as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code) a public charity or private foundation.

2. Be operated for the purpose of animal adoption

3. Have no criminal or administrative violations involving crimes against animals.

4. Rescue and all fosters associated with the rescue must be in compliance with all animal related Washoe County laws. It is the rescue’s responsibility to ensure that their fosters are in compliance with these NRS codes.

5. Adhere to an annual property inspection and/or be in good standing with the agency’s local Animal Services.

6. Prove their status as a releasing agency as described under NRS 55.010.

NRS 55.010 “Releasing agency” defined. “releasing agency” means:

1. A society incorporated pursuant to NRS 574.010 to prevent cruelty to animals;

2. A nonprofit entity that provides for the temporary shelter, care or placement of pets; or

3. An organization that takes into custody pets which have been abandoned, abused or neglected and places those pets with new owners.

Procedure:

1. The Nevada Humane Society has the first right of refusal for all dogs and cats within the first 24 hours of the animal becoming available for rescues to transfer. If a releasing agency wants to put a hold on an animal before the stray period is over or within the first 24 hours of an animal becoming available they need to request approval from NHS by sending an email to transfer@NevadaHumaneSociety.org and rescue@washoecounty.gov. If it has been over 24 hours that the animal has been available, the rescue does not need to get approval from NHS and will only need to email rescue@washoecounty.gov if they want to put a hold on an animal and make arrangements for pickup/transfer.

2. Animals will be microchipped and given a rabies vaccine if necessary and examined by WCRAS veterinarian/staff before leaving the facility.

3. The rescue group will be emailed all medical & behavior notes before transfer.

4. WCRAS will also send a voucher for spay/neuter for all dogs & cats that are not already altered. The voucher will be for $150 for neuters and $250 for spays. (see Spay/Neuter Voucher Program Guidelines)

5. A rescue packet will be given to the rescue for each animal. The rescue packet will include:

   • A rabies certificate (if applicable).

   • A microchip packet (if applicable).

   • A spay/neuter voucher (if applicable).

   • All behavior notes (if applicable).

   • All medical notes.

   • Information of any parties interested in adopting that animal.

Rescue Responsibilities:

In order to maintain a productive, cohesive partnership, WCRAS has established criteria in which each rescue group is expected to adhere to.  Failure of the rescue group to adhere to these expectations could result in the revocation of the groups transferring privileges.  The following expectations are in place to ensure efficient and effective operation of the rescue program:

1. The rescue group shall work cooperatively and respectfully with all WCRAS staff and volunteers.

2. The rescue group shall spay/neuter any unaltered dog or cat prior to adoption.

3. If the rescue group utilizes a foster care system that group shall provide WCRAS with an annual, updated list of authorized foster care providers for their organization, including names, addresses and phone numbers. WCRAS will perform annual audits in order to maintain accurate records. The rescue group is responsible for self – certification of such foster homes to ensure that all local ordinances and state laws are being adhered to. All authorized foster care providers must be aware that such information is collected by WCRAS.

4. The rescue group will adhere to an inspection of the primary rescue property by a WCRAS Animal Control Officer to ensure that animals will be housed in clean and sanitary conditions and cared for properly. This inspection will only be for the primary residence and not extend to the foster homes. If the rescue does not reside within Washoe County, WCRAS will contact the rescue’s local Animal Services to ensure the rescue is in good standing with that agency.

Program Essentials

• All animals must be 8 weeks or older

• Voucher will reimburse $150.00 toward the neuter and $250 toward the spay of each animal

• The rescue group will be responsible for any fees above the value of the voucher

• All available medical history will be provided to the rescue group before the animal is transferred to the rescue group

• The animal will be microchipped and vaccinated by WCRAS before leaving our facility

• It is the rescue group’s responsibility to ensure the veterinarian will accept the voucher and reimbursements will only be paid to veterinarian clinics, not individual rescue groups

• Vouchers will expire 2 months after they are issued. If the rescue cannot get a spay/neuter appointment within that period, they may send and email to rescue@washoecounty.gov to request an extension.

Services Covered by the Voucher

• Provision of a sterile surgical room and the ability to spay/neuter dogs and cats

• Pre-surgical examination

• Evaluation of the need for pre-surgical screening of bloodwork before surgery

• Pre-operative sedation

• Appropriate pain management medication

• Provision of a certificate of sterilization

• Post-surgical care and follow-up instructions to the animal owner

Services not Covered by the Voucher

• Follow-up care caused by the negligence of the animal owner to follow post-surgical instructions will be the responsibility of the animal owner.

• Follow-up care for animals suffering post-surgical complications resulting from veterinarian negligence, oversight or unforeseen circumstances after a sterilization procedure

• Transportation to and from the veterinarian facility.

Reimbursement for the Vouchers

• The veterinarian will receive a voucher from the rescue group signed by the Director, Assistant Director, Kennel Supervisor or Lead Caretaker

• Washoe County will reimburse the veterinary hospital within 30 days of receipt of the accurate invoice.