Brenda R.

Every cat entering the shelter is first vet checked...looking for things like suspicious lesions that could indicate ringworm, fleas, earmites, etc. Next every cat is tested for felv/fiv. If a cat has been exposed to one of these viruses but has tested ne… Read More

Every cat entering the shelter is first vet checked...looking for things like suspicious lesions that could indicate ringworm, fleas, earmites, etc. Next every cat is tested for felv/fiv. If a cat has been exposed to one of these viruses but has tested negative this cat is isolated or sent to foster care until it can be re-tested one month later. Every cat is vaccinated for feline distemper/ calici/ and rabies. Every cat is treated with flea control & is de-wormed. The chances of contagious disease is minimal. Occasionally there will be a few outbreaks of upper resp. virus but it is usually minor & treated quickly. FIV cats are housed in a seperate are of the shelter, isolated from negative cats. FELV cats are currently not housed in this shelter. There is a seperate room for any medical issues & volunteers have been trained appropriate sanitation policies to keep these problems from transferring. If we feel there is a special case that needs constant attention we have an infirmary or we may choose foster care for individual cases who may need extra care. There are times when isolation is necessary but we try to leave our cage usage limited to pet store shows, fundraisers, and trips in the car. Please remember all of these cats stay here at the shelter until they find a forever home. Some of these cats may be residents of the shelter for a long period of time. We cannot expect them to live in cages when they are here for extended stays. I am fairly new to this concept as well. It was a difficult idea to comprehend but the proof is there. With the right precautions in place this concept works. It may not be the right choice for all shelters but it works well here. A lot of the success of this free roam idea is due to the fact that our volunteers are properly educated on how they can decrease the risks of transferring contagious disease & appropriate cleaning of the facility. The public is always welcome to tour the facilty & see first hand what makes this idea work. Read Less