Standard Operating Procedures - Flathead County, Montana

of the animal is relinquished to the Flathead County
Animal Shelter. This surrendering clause also attests
to the knowledge of the individual as to whether the
animal has bitten a human or an animal within ten
days of surrender.
Office staff should make certain that individuals
surrendering their pets understand that
relinquishment is final and the animal will not be
returned to them. Office staff should read the
statement aloud to the person relinquishing the
animal.
4. Owner Surrender Fees. A fee is charged to surrender
an owned animal. For a mother and her litter, a
slightly higher fee will be charged. If the surrendering
party is unable to pay the fee, a lesser amount may be
negotiated or the fee may be waived. If the fee is
waived, it is indicated in the animal’s record.
5. Adopt date. Office staff is to note in the animal’s
record the date each animal is available for release.
.
A. Animals with identification. Stray animals
with identification are held for four business (open to
public) days after the date of impoundment before
being made available for adoption.
B. Animals without identification. Stray animals
without identification are held three business (open to
public) days after the date of impoundment before
being made available for adoption.
C. Animals without identification. Stray dogs who
are available for adoption will receive a rabies
vaccination and a micro-chip immediately upon
reaching adoption availability status.
6. Matching. The description of stray animals that have
been brought to the Shelter by citizens or by Animal
Control Officers is immediately cross-checked with lost
animal reports.
If a match has been made, owners should be promptly
called and notified of the process involved for the
release of the animal. The date and time that
telephone calls are made is written on the Impound
Record.
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