Our Response to MP Louis Ng's Email from a Veterinarian
Sirius, Tag, Troy, Zap and Boo Boo (L-R) are all available for adoption.
OSCAS, like many other AWGs, place a great deal of effort and time into the adoption process to ensure that our dogs are ready and go to well matched adopters. So it was disturbing to read the recent comments made by a local veterinarian in an email sent to Member of Parliament, Louis Ng, about his public consultation in regard to healthy pets and euthanasia (please see the veterinarian’s email in the image below.)
Our adoption procedures are thorough and sharing of information about the dog of interest is open and clear so adopters know the same as what we know about the dog. We do not carelessly allow individuals to adopt problematic dogs. We screen potential adopters at numerous points along the adoption process for the benefit of all parties. Please read more below on our adoption process.
While our adoption process may be lengthy, we do not simply hand over a dog like one bought in a pet shop. We want to make sure we get to know the potential adopters as well as we can and for them to know the dog, so that both parties are comfortable before any adoption goes forward.
The majority of the dogs in our care are wonderful, happy and healthy personalities that are looking for their right match. We also have several dogs at our shelter that have behavioural issues and are therefore not available for adoption.
In light of the comments made by a local veterinarian, we believe the whole pet industry needs better regulation from breeding, to pet shops, to veterinarian care involved in euthanasia decisions; especially when the dog does come from a known AWG who contractually takes the responsibility to protect their life if for some reason an adopter cannot provide the lifelong care needed for that dog.
We hope that all can work better together for the sake of the lives of all animals, including the beloved dog.
The First Step in the Adoption Process – The Application Form
When someone first contacts us to express interest in adopting a dog, an application form will be emailed to complete. This form helps give us an initial understanding about the potential adopter’s living situation and their experience with dogs. We ask them to share with us as much information about themselves, working hours, etc. to see if we have any suitable match.
We also send a checklist of the lifetime responsibilities of a furry family member as we want to ensure our adopters are fully aware of the commitment.
The Second Step in the Adoption Process – The First Meeting
After we have received the application form to review, we may ask further questions and then, if we believe there is a suitable match, a first meeting is arranged to meet the dog at the shelter.
Upon the first meeting with the potential adopter, we can get a better idea if there is a good match for them and the dog. Should we both mutually agree that there is a good match, the next step is for the potential adopter to spend a period of time visiting the dog at the shelter on a regular basis and as often as is deemed necessary.
The Third Step in the Adoption Process – The Visiting Period
The visiting period at the shelter is important. It helps both the potential adopter and the dog to get to know each other and for us as an AWG to know the adopter too; so when the time does come to start a homestay the dog is not stressed with the transition, as it will at least be familiar with the potential adopter.
This time spent getting to know each other enables the adopter to determine whether the dog has any potential issues that may prevent them from committing to the dog. It also enables our rehoming team to get to know the adopter, answer any questions and to discuss with them the history of the dog including health and what the dog requires when it is adopted and living in a forever home. For example, a dog with anxiety might need someone at home with them at all times; or if a dog is scared of other dogs, it will need professional training when it is adopted to ensure that it overcomes the behaviour etc
The Fourth Step in the Adoption Process – A Home Visit
Having spent enough time getting to know the dog at the shelter and perhaps even an outing together, the next step in the adoption process is to do a home visit with the dog.
This is where our rehoming team conducts a home visit to evaluate the adopter’s living arrangements. This enables us to ensure that our dog(s) are potentially going to live in a home that is secure, safe and appropriate for them. We can see on these home visits how the potential adopter has prepared for welcoming a dog to their home (e.g. have they prepared a comfortable space for the dog to sleep; have they thought about where the dog can play, or where they can be walked in the neighbourhood).
If the adopter has other dogs or animals, this home evaluation is an opportunity for the rehoming team to bring the dog(s) along and to introduce them. The rehoming team and the potential adopter can then supervise as the animals meet one another, and determine if there are going to be any ongoing issues between them.
The Fifth Step in the Adoption Process – Homestay
If there are no issues following the home evaluation, the potential adopter starts a homestay with the dog. The Homestay period should take place when all family members are present (not travelling etc) so the dog becomes familiar with everyone which helps it to adjust to the new routine. Routine is very important in helping a dog to settle into its new environment.
We will also recommend to the adopter the items needed to look after the dog in a positive, safe and healthy manner. This includes food, harnesses, leashes and collars. We personally ensure that all of our dogs are walked in harnesses, as these are proven to offer a more positive and safe experience for the dog and the walker alike. We do not support the use of slip leashes, prong collars or choker collars as these are detrimental to the wellbeing of a dog.
Our rehoming team brings the dog to the home and for two weeks it is the responsibility of the adopter to care for it, provide it with a safe and secure home and update our rehoming on its progress.
Our rehoming team are available to answer any questions during this period. This is a crucial time where the adopter and the dog is getting used to a new home and urban environment, so our rehoming team is always there to help with any teething, training or behavioural issues. We can recommend good positive reinforcement trainers and behaviourists where needed.
The Sixth Step in the Adoption Process – the Contract
If, at the end of the two-week homestay, the adopter is committed to adopt the dog(s) the rehoming team submits a formal adoption request to our management team for approval. The contract is signed between the Adopter and OSCAS.
On-going support
After a dog has been adopted, we are happy to stay in contact and receive updates to ensure the dog is settled, safe and happy with their adopter providing a permanent, loving home.
If, at any point in the adoption, the adopter or ourselves have doubts about the adoption then as under the contract we ask our dogs to be returned, where they will be safe and cared for, rather than put in a life-threatening situation. Thank you to all those people who choose to adopt and provide the dog with the lifetime commitment as a family member! If you would like to adopt please visit our adoption gallery to enquire further.
The email to Member of Parliament Louis Ng from a local veterinarian.