Admitting Etiquette 101

In the interest of preserving my sanity (or any other hard working poor soul), just a helpful primer on do's and don'ts on entering the inner sanctum of admitting....

Don't

• go into a long winded story about the history of the incoming animal, how difficult a decision this is, how life has done you wrong, etc etc. Admitting is super busy (especially in the summer time) and if there aren't 2 other cars pulling in the lot behind you, there are 4+ phone lines waiting to be answered. I will treat you fairly, but respect my world...I don't have all day to deal with you. I need to get your animal(s) in and out of admitting as quickly as possible.

Do

• Be prepared. If this is your animal you are surrendering, be prepared with info about the critter (especially if Fido or Fluffy is coming to us for a behavioural/medical issue). Also, in this day and age, you can't really do any sort of "transaction" anywhere without having to fill out some form of paperwork. Be prepared with identification, and payment, if necessary. Going one step further, it's always a good idea to call ahead so that you know what will be needed/expected.

Don't

• Enter the hallway with your animal and turn it loose. There are several doors that access admitting which are often opened by folks passing through to another part of our facility. A loose animal can bolt out said doorways and run amock throughout the shelter, posing a threat to visitors, current animal residents, staff, and the incoming animal itself. I don't really feel like trying to wrangle a feral cat climbing the walls, or corralling a dog gone nuts.

Do

• PAY ATTENTION! There are signs at the end of the driveway, throughout the driveway, and on our doors- they are not there for decoration...they DO serve to relay vital information helpful to your visit to our humble lair. You'll be one step ahead of the game if you pull out of your trance, look for any signage and read it (okay, and following said instructions will help too). Specifically, the signs on admitting will inform you of the need to contain your animal; not to make small children a part of this experience; and our hours.

Don't

• Be rude. I am generally a nice person, and will treat you with the respect and courtesy that I would expect if I was in your shoes. But if you give me attitude and become combative, I WILL turn it on and go from 'sweet' to 'bitch'. If you don't like our policies, you are free to go elsewhere. Don't like that we are not taking animals in later in the evening? Go elsewhere. Don't like that we are not open bright and early? Go elsewhere. Don't like that we charge a fee to take in a surrendered pet? Elsewhere you may go.

Do

• Be humane. Regardless of your feelings or attachment to the animal you have with you, and regardless of your feelings towards myself or our staff...remember that the bottom line is you have a responsibility to extend some semblance of humanity towards this animal. It can not speak, and can not fend for itself on its own.