WORCESTER COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY’S STANDARDS OF CARE
WCHS has been a no kill humane society since its inception in 1978. Our mission is to provide food, shelter, vet care, and unconditional love until we find suitable, loving, and forever homes for all our animals.
Veterinary Care Protocol
All WCHS animals are vetted in the following manner:
Dogs: Spayed/neutered, distemper, rabies & bordetella vaccines, microchipped, tested for heartworm, lymes, erlichea, anaplasmosis; bloodwork, dewormed/fecal testing.
Dogs receive bordetella and distemper vaccines upon entry.
Cats: Spayed/neutered, FVRCP & rabies vaccines, microchipped, tested for FeLv & FIV; bloodwork and dewormed/fecal testing.
Cats receive a FVRCP upon entry.
We address any health issues/conditions our animals have, i.e. broken bones, diseases, wounds, etc.
Animals are evaluated upon entry, by veterinarian technicians. Medical problems are triaged and addressed immediately. As we do not have a veterinarian on staff, and we transport our animals to approved local veterinarian hospitals for immediate care and surgeries.
WCHS does not euthanize animals for space. Animals are euthanized by our licensed veterinarians at animal hospitals when they are sick and suffering, and there is no hope for recovery. Animals may be euthanized for extreme behavioral issues. This is a rare occurrence, and done after consultation with a certified animal behaviorist(s), and one of our contracted veterinarians.
Basic Care – Cleaning – Enrichment
Below is the care our dogs and cats receive on a daily basis.
Dogs: All incoming dogs are quarantined. Strays are held for 10 days. After this 10 day period, the animal belongs to WCHS. We have indoor/outdoor kennels for our dogs. Dogs are walked at least twice daily, and spend the day in outdoor kennels (weather permitting). They are fed (quality dog food or medical diets; canned & dry) twice daily as well. Some basic obedience training is done. Dogs get the opportunity for some one on one time with staff in our large fenced in field, or time with other dogs they get along with for play groups. Playgroups are established by a contractual dog trainer. Dogs are provided toys & treats on a daily basis as well.
Cleaning procedures in all kennel areas involves removing organic matter, pre-washing, rinsing with a soap solution, and disinfecting with Rescue (previously Accel) or Virkon multi-purpose disinfectants/cleaners. Disinfectant is left in contact with the kennels per the manufacturers’ instructions. The area is then rinsed and dried thoroughly. All kennels contain Kuranda beds (cleaned as listed above) and bedding. If visibly soiled, bedding is removed and laundered daily.
Cats: Incoming cats are quarantined in cages. Strays are held for 10 days. After 10 days the animal belongs to WCHS. Cats under medical treatment also are housed in cages. WCHS believes in a cage free environment for our cats, and as such, most of our cats are housed in cage free rooms and cage free sheds, after being fully vetted and deemed healthy. All such areas have porches so the cats may enjoy the outdoors, safely. Toys are provided to all cats, as well as appropriate scratching posts/areas, climbing and hiding areas.
Cat cages/areas are cleaned by removing organic matter, pre-washing, rinsing with a soap solution, and disinfecting with Rescue (previously Accel) or Virkon multi-purpose disinfectants/cleaners. Disinfectant is left in contact with the cage/area per the manufacturers’ instructions. The area is then rinsed and dried thoroughly. Litter boxes are cleaned using Rescue (previously Accel) per manufacturer’s instructions. Cats are removed from the cages when cleaning or straightening is done.
Animal caregivers keep daily logs regarding issues or problems with the animals in their area. They receive formal and proper care training regarding their animal care duties. Any immediate problems/concerns are reported to the Manager/medical staff ASAP. SOPs are established and enforced. All volunteers dealing with animal care are properly trained and approved of by the Manager. Volunteers are supervised by paid staff.
Population Management
WCHS houses approximately 125 cats and 25 dogs. Trained fosters are utilized when our intake/volumes exceeds these amounts.
