MT S/N Task Force

Clinic Protocol and Procedure

MONTANA SPAY/NEUTER TASK FORCE

Clinic Protocol and Procedure Guidelines

Below is a rough outline of how each event can be addressed, what the Task Force can provide, and what the local communities can provide.

The Task Force will provide all the materials and needs to set up a spay/neuter clinic with up to six surgical tables; will recruit Vets, Vet techs and a few outside volunteers; and will help with publicity and educational material.

The Community will provide a place/building with lights, warm and cold water, tables, chairs, and electrical outlets; and a letterhead from the community organizations with which to invite the vets. Nothing is perfect, if absolutely necessary we can make do with less.

We suggest the event, have at its centerpiece a free spay/neuter clinic and pet care event. It should be educational for the community and a project for all to be involved with including schools, community groups, etc. The event will be a way to focus the community on pet and animal over-populations issues; the problems they face and solutions they may find. We suggest your event have a name that draws the community. (Enclosed are some samples.) Be creative and have fun. Try to include the traditions and uniqueness of your community. Have local school school children come up with a name and ideas to celebrate that day!

The main thing is to have an event where everyone has a good time: pets, owners, vets, volunteers, children, and the whole community. The clinic should be a celebration for all. The Task Force will be a presence and guide for the steps listed below. The first two points are essential.

1.  The Town Council or its equivalent must invite us. Examples of invitation letters are included. Remember this is YOUR community event and we will do what you want – with our guidance.

2.  Send a letter of invitation to the Veterinarians who we know are interested in coming.

a)  Ideally, it should be on your letterhead and from your council as hosts of the event. It can mention the Task Force as a working partner.

b)  Later, a letter can be sent out to all local Veterinarians inviting them to come, observe, share, participate or visit. The goal is to draw them in to see how such a clinic works (we always call them demonstration clinics on how to organize and run a low cost spay/neuter clinic). They may consider helping in the future. The Task Force can send out the letters on your approval and with your letterhead and signature(s).

3.  Find a location for the clinic. We must have a large space. Many communities consider their local fire stations. Ideally we need:

a)  Room to make a surgery area for cats and dogs.

b)  Separate waiting and recovery areas for cats (they remain calmer) and dogs.

c)  Any one willing to lend dog/cat crates for the clinic is strongly encouraged to do so. Mark the owner’s name permanently above the door area.

d)  Space for the autoclave where the surgery instruments will be cleaned and sterilized in big autoclaves that work like pressure cookers. Must have electrical outlets for three autoclaves, a source of warm water and several good-sized tables.

e)  Space for several prep tables with electrical outlets for lights, shaving clippers including space for shop vacs to clean up the hair, etc.

f)  Space for six surgery tables. Must have enough overhead light and natural window light for good surgical vision. MS/NTF may provide some halogen lights. Also, a good-sized trash cans to put at the foot of each surgery table.

g)  Sign-in areas with several table to take-in, weigh, collar, and pre-anesthetize the dogs. This area should be near a door from the outside where clients can come in, sit, and wait for check in.

h)  A check out area where owners will receive aftercare instructions and turn in patient forms, etc.

i)  A meal are, preferably a kitchen, where food may be brought in and prepared and where workers can relax, eat, or drink coffee. With a large clinic there will be a lot of hungry workers. Encourage local businesses to donate food for the event. Potluck lunch for all, supper and breakfast for stay-over volunteers. It is this area that truly gives the whole event a feeling of community.

4.  Locate and organize volunteers to receive calls from those wishing to make clinic appointments. Ideally, there should be 800 numbers so that no one has to make a long distance call to make an appointment.

5.  Create flyers, posters, and public service announcements for the media to announce the event and clinic. These should list phone numbers to call to register and animal or volunteer to help. Those who bring animals are encouraged to stay and help where they can.

6.  Take down names of people bringing animals and plan to call them back a week before the clinic.

7.  Arrange over-night accommodations for volunteers from out of town. Empty tribal housing and donated motel rooms have been used in the past. Volunteers should be prepared to sleep on the floors, but beds should be provided for vets.

8.  Recruit volunteers. A large clinic will need 40 or more volunteers. The more there are the more efficiently the clinic will operate.

9.  An educational component is important for pet care events. The Task Force is prepare to help with the following, with the approval of the community and its leaders:

a)  Research the old traditions, beliefs, legends, myths about dogs and cats and bring them up to modern standards needs to encourage respect for dogs and cats to create an atmosphere in which dogs and cats ownership is a pleasure not a burden, sick or dangerous.

b)  Create educational materials to reach the community through its culture.

c)  Arrange guest speakers and events for the schools and other community organizations.

Schedule of volunteers needed for six surgery tables

At least six vet techs preferably experienced.

Three or four less experienced techs.

Three volunteers to sign in, weigh clients, and manage paper work.

Two volunteers to put on free collars and ID tags.

Two volunteers for the autoclave area.

Two volunteers in charge dog pre-surgery and recovery. Each???

Four volunteers to help with dog pre-surgery and recovery.

Two volunteers in charge cat pre-surgery and recovery. Each???

Two volunteers to help with cat pre-surgery and recovery.

A man to run errands and to fix things if needed

Two volunteers for the laundry room.

Approximately 37 volunteers and six vets.

Ideally 43 total, not including those who will help make/provide food, distribute posters/flyers, etc.