Irving Animal Care Campus Manual and Reference Guide

Irving Animal Care Campus Manual and Reference Guide

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW .......................................................................... V SECTION 1: KENNEL CARE .............................................. 1 HOW TO CLEAN A KENNEL ................................................. 2 SECTION 2:ANIMAL GROOMING ................................... 3 DOGS ................................................................................... 4 CATS .................................................................................. 5 SECTION 3: SOCIALIZATION WITH ANIMALS .........6-7 SECTION 4 : PHOTOGRAPHING ANIMALS ................ 8-9 TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ..................................... 10-11 INDEX ................................................................................................... 15

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Introduction

Overview
The Irving Animal Care Campus is animal shelter dedicated to helping animals find prospective homes. The purpose of this manual is to aid the animal shelter volunteers and provide them the specific instructions to complete the volunteer tasks offered. To use this manual the volunteer must know what task they will be completing. These opportunities include grooming, kennel care, socialization with the cats and dogs and photography. Before someone can become a volunteer, one must fill an application online. In the application, he or she must pick which volunteer opportunities they are comfortable performing. The applicant must also register for one of the volunteer orientations offered. The orientations discuss the different volunteer opportunities available. Before a volunteer decides to apply for one of the volunteer positions he or she must be comfortable and capable of working with cats and dogs. He or she must also wear clothing that is appropriate for working with animals. This would include clothing that the volunteer does not mid getting dirty. All of the materials needed to complete the tasks offered to the volunteers will be supplied at the Irving Animal Care Campus. The instructions given will provide specific instructions on how to complete the tasks properly so that the safety of the volunteer and the animals is ensured. There are however, no volunteer opportunities that do pose an extreme threat. There will be protective equipment like gloves provided to the volunteers for performing the tasks of grooming and cleaning of the kennels. The animal shelter has cameras but the volunteers who are skilled in photography are encouraged to bring their own to help photograph the animals housed in the shelter. The troubleshoot guide in this manual will provide solutions to some common questions. If the volunteer does have further questions a supervisor should be able to answer them. The supervisor will also inform the volunteers on what tasks need to be performed and in what order.

Introduction

How this manual is organized

This manual is divided into five sections. Each section will contain instructions on how to complete one the volunteer opportunities. Sections 2 and 3 will be subdivided into two sections. One of these sub-sections will pertain to dogs and the other will pertain to cats. There will be an icon image of a cat or dog at the heading of the page to help the reader distinguish if the instructions given relate to dogs or cats. Both icons will appear on the header if the section refers to both animals. The manual includes the following: Section 1 Kennel Care Section 2 Animal Grooming Section 3 Socialization with animals Section 4 Photographing Animals

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Section 1 Kennel Care

Section 1

Kennel Care
How to Clean a Kennel
It is important to properly clean the kennels were the dogs and cats are housed. By doing it correctly, the animals are provided with a healthier and less-stressful stay at the shelter. Cleaning the kennels incorrectly welcomes bacteria and germs that make life hard harder for the animals being housed.

Before You Clean the Kennels

1. Put on protective gloves that are provided to you by the shelter 2.Take the animal and place it in a separate clean kennel or a cage. 3. Remove any toys, water and food bowls, or blankets in the kennel. 4. Soak the bowls and toys in the disinfectant solution provided by the animal shelter, rinse them off with water, and let them air dry before placing them back in the kennel. 5.Clean the blankets by placing them in the washing machine designated for the bedding of animals.

Cleaning the Kennels

1.Use the scooper provided by the shelter and scoop out any animal waste or hair. 2.Dispose of the waste and hair in the designated trash bin. 3.Use the water hose located on the side of the kennel and rinse the kennel thoroughly with hot water. 4. Begin spraying the disinfectant spray labeled kennel on every surface in the kennel; this includes all of the walls, the floor and the metal chain-link fence door. 5. Use the bristled brush provided to scrub every surface of the kennel sprayed with the disinfectant. 6.Let the disinfectant sit for 5 minutes. 7.Rinse the surfaces of the kennel thoroughly with the water hose using warm water. 8. Dry the kennel by using a squeegee to push the excess water in the drain in the center of the kennel. 9. Use a clean mop to dry off any remaining water. 10. After the kennel is completely dry, place the clean bowls, toys, and bedding back and in the kennel and welcome the cat or dog back into its clean temporary home.

Section 2 Animal Grooming

Section 2

Animal Grooming
Dogs
Brushing 1. Gather the dog brushes given to you by the supervisor to use. 2. Start brushing near the dogs neck, and work the brush down the dogs body under his stomach and tail. 3. Brush comprehensively throughout the body until all the loose hair is removed. 4. When finished brushing give the dog a treat for cooperating. Nail Clipping 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Gather the nail clippers and emery board provided by the animal shelter. Rub the dogs leg and massage the toes to calm it down. Spread each of the dog feet and inspect for dirt and other debris. If dirt or debris is found use one of the wet wipes provided to clean it. Grab the nail clippers and place the blades on the dogs nail at the point where it just begins to curve. Cut off the tip of the nail. Once all of the tips have been cut off, use the emery board to smooth out any nail edges that may be rough. Repeat this process for all four of the dogs paws. Give treat to the dog for being cooperative.

Bathing 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Gather the dog shampoo, towels, and hair dryer needed to bathe and dry the dog Make sure that the dog has been thoroughly brushed before hand Place the dog in the designated bathing sink Turn the detachable shower spray hanging above the sink on and place it on a lukewarm setting Wet the dog thoroughly by getting its entire coat wet, be sure to avoid getting water in its eyes, nose, and ears. After the dogs coat is wet, begin lathering the shampoo thoroughly getting his whole coat from his head to his tail. Rinse off dog completely; massage the coat while rinsing to make sure to not to miss any spots where shampoo may still be present. Begin drying the dog with a towel for a couple of minutes, if the dog has a thicker coat a hair dryer on a low setting can be used to complete drying the dog. Take the dog out of the sink and give the dog a treat for being cooperative.

Section 2

Animal Grooming
Cats
Brushing 1. Gather the metal comb and bristle brush needed to brush the cats fur. 2. Use the metal comb first; brush the cats fur thoroughly from its head to tail. 3. To remove any remaining dead or loose fur, gently brush the cat with the bristle brush especially around the chest and stomach. 4. Give cat a treat for being cooperative.

Nail Clipping 1. Gather the nail clippers provided by the shelter that are designated for cat nails 2. Make the cat extend its claws by applying soft pressure to the top of the foot and the cushiony bottom. 3. Once claws are extended place the blades of the cat nail clippers on the nail at the point where it begins to curl. 4. Repeat this process for all of the cats claws. 5. Give cat a treat for being cooperative.

Bathing 1. Gather the equipment needed to bathe the cat; this includes the cat shampoo and towels provided by the shelter. 2. Make sure that the cat has been thoroughly brushed before beginning to bathe it. 3. Place the cat in the designated bathing sink. 4. Turn the detachable shower spray hanging above the sink on and place it on a lukewarm setting 5. Wet the cat thoroughly by getting its entire coat wet, be sure to avoid getting water in its eyes, nose, and ears. 6. After the cats fur is wet, begin massaging the shampoo thoroughly getting its whole fur from its head to its tail. 7. Rinse off the cat completely; massage the fur while rinsing to make sure to not to miss any spots where shampoo may still be present. 8. Once cat is completely rinsed, begin drying with a towel till it is completely dry. 9. Take the cat out of the sink and give it a treat for being cooperative.

Section 3 Socialization With Animals

Section 3

Socialization with Animals

How to play with a dog
Gather the rope toys provided by the shelter necessary to play the Tug Game. Go inside the kennel with the dog. Tease the dog with the rope toy by swinging it side to side in front of its face. Encourage the dog to jump at it by saying phrases like get it or take it. Allow the dog to pull on the rope with its mouth once it catches it. Play tug of war with the dog for 30-90 seconds. Reduce your counter pull on the rope and allow the dog to take the rope. Encourage the dog to drop the toy on the ground by saying phrases like drop it Present the dog with treats once it releases the toy from his mouth and drops it on the ground 10. Repeat the process again with other dogs 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

How to play with a cat

1. Gather the cat toys provided by the shelter necessary to play bird games; these can be any toys that dangle or have a long string attached to it. 2. Dangle the toy in front of the cat making sure that you get its attention. 3. Be patient if the cat doesnt immediately go after the toy. 4. The cat will be entertained once it begins leaping in the air in an attempt to catch the toy. 5. Keep dangling the toy but dont let the cat get it until about 5 minutes into the game. 6. Let the cat catch the toy after 5 minutes and encourage the cat to let it go by giving him a treat. 7. Repeat the process one more time and then play this game with another cat.

Section 4 Photographing Animals

Section 4

Photographing Animals
How to photograph the cats and dogs 1. Grab the camera provided by the shelter or use your own 2. Bring the animal out of its kennel and bring it outside in the yard 3. Let animal explore its surroundings 4. Once the animal is comfortable begin shooting pictures, shoot in the shade if it is too sunny 5. Talk in an over the top cheerful voice to comfort the dogs while photographing them / Talk in a calm soothing voice to comfort the cats while photographing them 6. Try to capture images of the animals being active, never use flash as it might frighten them 7. Make sure to get an equal amount of pictures of the small and large dogs and kittens and cats 8. Spend at least 10 minutes on each animal trying to capture a good image that would look great on the website.

Troubleshoot Guide

Troubleshooting Guide
Problem
What if the kennel still has a smell after being cleaned? What if the brush being used isnt getting rid off loose hair on dog? The dog is not cooperating during bath time.

Cause
The kennel has not been cleaned properly or emptied of waste The dogs coat may be too thick and long for the regular brush. The dog may not be comfortable because the water could be too hot or cold. Water may have gotten into its ears or eyes The cat may not be comfortable because the water could be too hot or cold. Water may have gotten into its ears or eyes The small blood vessel part of the nail has been cut

Solution
Check to see if any waste wasnt picked up, if there is go over the are again with the disinfectant and water Use a bristled brush or comb to get rid of the loose hair

Make sure that the water is at a lukewarm temperature Do not spray the shower nozzle on the dogs face

The cat is not cooperating during bath time.

Make sure that the water is at a lukewarm temperature Do not spray the shower nozzle on the dogs face Massage the cat to comfort it as you wet and rinse it

Why is there blood after clipping the cat/dogs nail?

While this does not pose a serious threat to the animal, a supervisor should be contacted immediately. He or she will know how to treat the cut.

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Troubleshoot Guide What if the dog/cat isnt responding when trying to play? It maybe the animals personality Different breeds are more active than others What if the animal is not being active while trying to photograph it? It could be the breed of the animal that causes its relaxed personality The animal may be uncomfortable being outside in the yard The animal may be to busy exploring its surroundings There maybe something broken or wrong with the camera Be patient with the animals and let them become comfortable Encourage the animals to be more active by using treats as rewards Use a different toy to play with the animal Try playing a different game with the animal Be patient and let the animal get comfortable with its surroundings Talk with high energy with dogs and calmly to the cats to comfort them. Use toys to help them become more active Refer to a supervisor or a reference manual if you are using your own camera

What if the camera isnt working?

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Index

Index

A Animal Grooming ...........iii, vi, 5, 7, 8 B Bathing .......................................... 7, 8 brush .................................... 3, 7, 8, 13 Brushing ........................................ 7, 8 C camera ............................................. 12 Cats ............................................... iii, 8 Cause ............................................... 13 Clean ................................................ iii comfortable ..................... v, 12, 13, 14 D disinfectant .................................. 3, 13 Dogs ............................................. iii, 7 G grooming ........................................... v K Kennel Care.........................iii, vi, 7, 3 kennels........................................... v, 3

M Manual ......................................... v, vi N Nail Clipping .................................7, 8 O Overview...................................... iii, v P photograph ...................................v, 12 Photographing ................. iii, vi, 11, 12 photographs......................................14 play ........................................... 10, 14 Problem ............................................13 S Socialization with animals ............... vi Solution ............................................13 supervisor ................................ v, 7, 13 T toys ........................................ 3, 10, 14 troubleshoot .......................................v

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