Border Collie Rescue - On Line - SOP Fostering
Section 3 - Accommodations Objects Standards
STANDARD OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES FOR BORDER COLLIE RESCUE FOSTER HOMES.
REGULATIONS FOR FOSTERING - Section 3.
Objects Standards of Accommodation classes
The following document sets out the purpose of each accommodation class and the minimum standards that need to be applied to the care of a dog that is required to be kept in that class. The suitability of all accommodation is subject to the basic requirements as outlined in S.O.P. Fostering - Section 2, part 3. If any situation falls short of these basic requirements, the accommodation is below standard and improvements need to be made before it is used.
An accommodation 'unit' is living space for one dog. As we keep dogs in a variety of environments and housing types, we do not describe any specific housing facility, we describe a standard of care and environment. The standards described are general and apply to all environments and facilities used to house dogs.
The object of Long Term accommodation is to house the dog in conditions that allow as much freedom of movement, physical exercise and mental stimulation as is possible, under the circumstances of care and simulate a normal lifestyle for the dog as though in a permanent home. The classification of an accommodation unit as Long Term can only be implemented if the following criteria have been considered and are present. Long Term accommodation should be instrumental in improving the general standard of socialisation and well being of the dog with the eventual end of re-homing in mind. Dogs can be kept in such facilities for an indefinite period.
To define suitability as Long Term, proposed accommodation units must provide -
1)
a) A place within a foster home as an integral part of the household where a dog will have reasonable and unrestricted freedom of movement within the household, as a companion dog, and access at all times to its sleeping area and fresh water, with mental stimulation provided by means of appropriate exercise, training and play sessions.
b) A place within a working environment appropriate to the needs of the dog and where the dog will have reasonable and unrestricted freedom of movement within the environment and access at all times to its sleeping area and fresh water, with mental stimulation provided by means of appropriate exercise, training and play sessions.
OR -
2)
A place within a foster home or working environment where the following facilities are provided -
a) Enclosed personal sleeping area, separate from but accessible to and from, an attached exterior private run of adequate size - or - an adequate sized room or building with nature light and ventilation which contains a sheltered sleeping area.
b) Daily freedom of movement and self exercise outside of the personal sleeping area and private run of at least 3 hrs. unrestricted access daily to a communal enclosure or secure area of suitable size and with access to shelter against inclement weather where the dog may be allowed to run free.
c) Dawn to dusk access to natural daylight and fresh air.
d) Constant access to fresh water.
e) Facilities for regular supervised socialisation with other dogs and humans.
f) Mental stimulation by means of regular training sessions, play sessions and line of sight contact with activities and environment outside of the sleeping and run area.
g) Accompanied walks and exercise routines outside of the run or secure area on the lead, at least twice daily.
OR -
3)
A place in a purpose built kennels, centre or sanctuary, suitable to provide the facilities outlined above in part 2) and subject to the basic requirements as outlined in S.O.P. Fostering - Section 2, part 3.
Dogs must never be kept on a chain or chained to exterior kennels, but can be kept outside in a kennel if it is appropriate and within a run or secure enclosure.
All general BCR standards need to be applied as outlined in S.O.P. Fostering - Section 2, part 3.
The sort of dogs that would normally be considered for this type of accommodation class are dogs that come in with a problem or problems that would prevent them from being re-homed within 21 days of acceptance and dogs that have remained un-homed after 21 days in care. Dogs with deep seated behavioural disorders or temperament problems would be best suited to foster homes and personal attention given to each case. ( see Rehabilitation/Re-training )
Dogs requiring medical attention would be kept under separate care criteria ( see Convalescent Care ).
The object of Short Term accommodation is to house the dog in conditions that, although restrictive of movement, provide adequate short term care and attention and improve the circumstances of the dog. Short Term accommodation, like Long Term, should also be instrumental in improving the general standard of socialisation and well being of the dog with the eventual end of re-homing in mind. The sort of dog that would normally be kept in Short Term accommodation are those dogs that would expect to be re-homed within 21 days of acceptance or those that are being housed temporarily for a period in excess of 48hrs. For periods up to 21 days maximum.
To define suitability as Short Term, proposed accommodation units must provide -
1) A place within a foster home as an integral part of the household, but where the dog will have restricted freedom of movement within the household but will have access at all times to its sleeping area and fresh water, with mental stimulation provided by means of appropriate exercise, training and play sessions.
2) A place within a working environment appropriate to the needs of the dog, but where the dog will have restricted freedom of movement within the household but will have access at all times to its sleeping area and fresh water, with mental stimulation provided by means of appropriate exercise, training and play sessions.
3) A space in a licensed commercial Boarding Kennel or Rescue Centre Kennel to commercial standards
All general BCR standards need to be applied as outlined in S.O.P. Fostering - Section 2, part 3.
Dogs must never be kept on a chain or chained to exterior kennels, but can be kept outside in a kennel if it is appropriate and within a run or secure enclosure.
It is expected that any licensed Boarding Kennel will comply with National minimum standards but these are below BCR Short Term standards in some areas, particularly in those of exercise and mental stimulation. It is recommended that the owners and staff of any Boarding kennels or Rescue Centre used by BCR should have an understanding of the breed and its requirements and should be willing to adopt any BCR standards that are felt to be necessary for the care of BCR dogs.
The object of Temporary Accommodation is to provide very short term housing for a dog and as reserve overflow accommodation for unexpected arrivals. This class should only be used if other classes of accommodation are not available. Time limit for this class is 3 days (72 hrs).
To define suitability as Temporary Accommodation, proposed accommodation units must provide -
1) A place within a foster home, but where the dog will have restricted freedom of movement within the household but will have access at all times to its sleeping area and fresh water.
2) A place within a working environment appropriate to the needs of the dog, but where the dog will have restricted freedom of movement within the household but will have access at all times to its sleeping area and fresh water.
3) A space in a licensed commercial Boarding Kennel or Rescue Centre Kennel to commercial standards
All general BCR standards need to be applied but with the following exceptions and modifications to our normal requirements.
a) Exercise periods are limited to twice daily.
b) Supervision is limited to twice daily checks that can correspond with exercise.
But - If the dog is to be kept in a folding kennel ( of suitable size and durability ) and will only have limited access to fresh water and supervised exercise periods the dog should -
a) Be allowed out of its accommodation for at least 3 hrs. in any 24.
b) Be allowed access to fresh water at least 5 times daily.
c) Be exercise outdoors at least 3 times daily.
d) Never be left unsupervised for periods in excess of 4 hrs. ( except at night ).
e) Soiled and damp bedding should be replaced as required but bedding may be reduced during the day if interior temperature allows.
OR -
If an exterior kennel is used and the dog kept on a chain.
All apply as above with the exception that -
a) The dog must be provided with suitable bedding at all times and the interior must be protected against draughts and intrusion of water.
b) Fresh water must be available at all times.
c) The dog must be located so that is not in a position where it can feel threatened or frightened.
In all other respects, all general BCR standards need to be applied as outlined in S.O.P. Fostering - Section 2, part 3.
In times of extreme emergency, where it is impossible to keep the dog to the minimum's required by general BCR standards, is permissible to house the dog for up to 24 hrs. in any available housing. Dogs may be kept under these conditions for up to 24 hrs. in an emergency.
To define suitability as Short Term, proposed accommodation units must provide -
a) Natural or artificial light source is available b) Adequate ventilation is available. c) Temperature extremes are avoided. d) Emergency escape has been considered. e) Water is available at all times. f) Food is available daily. g) Pollutant/toxin guidelines are considered h) Movement guidelines are applied. i) Adequate exercise is given twice daily. j) The unit is cleaned twice daily. k) Supervision is constant. l) Suitable and adequate bedding is provided.If the dog is to be kept in a folding kennel ( of suitable size and durability ) and will only have limited access to fresh water and supervised exercise periods the dog should -
a) Be allowed out of its accommodation for at least 3 hrs. in any 24.
b) Be allowed access to fresh water at least 5 times daily.
c) Be exercise outdoors at least 3 times daily.
d) Never be left unsupervised for periods in excess of 4 hrs. ( except at night ).
e) Soiled and damp bedding should be replaced as required but bedding may be reduced during the day if interior temperature allows.
OR -
If an exterior kennel is used and the dog kept on a chain.
All apply as above with the exception that -
a) The dog must be provided with suitable bedding at all times and the interior must be protected against draughts and intrusion of water.
b) Fresh water must be available at all times.
c) The dog must be located so that is not in a position where it can feel threatened or frightened.
In all other respects, all general BCR standards need to be applied as outlined in S.O.P. Fostering - Section 2, part 3.