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4. g ADOPTION AND RECLAMATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES <br />Adoption and Reclamation Policies and Procedures (e.g., adoption of puppies, feral cats, specific <br />breeds and/or animals with behavioral management issues.) <br />Adoptions. We propose that the OCAS Adoption Program be restored to its status prior to <br />January 2002. It is important to place animals in homes where they will become family pets. Staff <br />should not urge adoption of inappropriate or potentially dangerous animals such as pit bulls or <br />feral cats. The goal for the HSOC is to place for adoption healthy, well-adjusted animals--to place <br />compatible animals with compatible homes. <br />There is always some interest on the parts of experienced Orange County residents in adopting <br />"project animals." Owners who have had previous experience with guard breeds often wish to <br />adopt these breeds and understand the nature of the dogs. Others may be attracted to them <br />without thoroughly understanding temperaments. These adoptions will be made on a case-by- <br />case basis. Guard breeds may be adopted out using a screening process. This process is to <br />assure that the adopter understands the nature of the breed and his/her responsibilities to protect <br />and care for the animal. <br />Sick and/or injured animals may be adopted out after the potential adopter consults with his/her <br />veterinarian to fully understand the responsibilities and possible costs. <br />Animals with behavior problems will be evaluated before being placed in the adoption wings. If a <br />behavior problem is potentially serious, the animal will not be placed for adoption. If someone <br />wishes to adopt it, a consultation with a certified animal behaviorist may be required at the <br />adopter's expense. This policy helps the adopter to avoid a danger to him/her or neighbors and to <br />assure that the adopter understands the behavior problem and prognosis so if the animal is <br />adopted, the adoption is likely to be for the lifetime of the animal. <br />As the HSUS and Task Force recommendations are reviewed by HSOC, changes will be made to <br />make the program stronger. <br />Spay/Neuter. The goal is to sterilize animals before they are adopted. In cases where this is not <br />recommended (in the case of sick or injured animals), a special file will be kept to monitor <br />spay/neuter dates to assure that all adopted animals are sterilized. Puppies and kittens must be 8 <br />weeks or older before going home, and they will be sterilized before adoption. <br />Previous sterilization programs at the Orange County Animal Shelter have lowered the number of <br />animals in Orange County. According to the HSUS formula based on the population of Orange <br />County, 8,330 animals would be the average annual intake. The prior sterilization program <br />worked efficiently to reduce animal intake to 5,165 in 2002-03. By continuing this strong program, <br />the overpopulation problem can be greatly reduced, thereby producing a more humane society <br />and also lowering animal control costs. <br />Foster Program: This program has long been integral in saving animals' lives. The procedures <br />in place before January 1, 2002, will be re-instated. These require the potential foster parents to <br />28 <br />