(PIC) Protocol Manual - Kitsap Public Health District

Kitsap Public Health District
Pollution Source Identification and Correction: Protocol Manual
Handling Dogs
Dogs can be a major threat in the field. Dog treats are an essential tool to make friends with dogs in a
project area, but always carry pepper spray to protect yourself. Contact the field supervisor or program
manager to arrange for the required training to use pepper spray.
When entering a property, look for signs of dogs e.g. barking, doghouses or leashes. Stay in the car when
dogs are present to assess whether the dogs are friendly or aggressive.
If you do not immediately see a dog or dogs, stay near the car with the door open momentarily or rattle
a fence or gate and/or call out your name and affiliation several times to draw attention to yourself and
listen for dog barking. If you feel confident that there is no immediate threat, continue to follow the
main path to the front door.
If there is a dog on the property, use your best professional judgment to decide if the dog is friendly or
not. If the dog is friendly, continue with your approach to the front door. If not, wait a few minutes to
give the resident time to notice the dog barking and come to the door. Note the address of the home,
and if possible, the homeowner's name, and contact the homeowner/occupant by phone to schedule an
appointment. You can also leave your business card or door hanger at the door or gate with the date
and time you were there.
Field Equipment List
A list and description of the standard and specialized equipment necessary to conduct inspections and
investigations is located in Appendix B. Ordering new equipment and making repairs to existing
equipment are handled through the field supervisor program manager. Report all instances of
equipment breakage or loss as soon as possible.
Revised 04/23/2013 12