How a Rescue Animal Becomes Adoptable at MASS CARE

Every animal that comes into our care follows a structured process to ensure their health, safety, and the best possible chance of finding a loving forever home.

1. Intake and Identification

When a stray animal is rescued by MASS CARE or brought to our shelter by a member of the public, bylaw officers, or the original finder, we immediately check for identification, including:

Microchip
Tattoo
Other forms of identification

This helps us determine whether the animal already has an owner.

2. Mandatory 72-Hour Holding Period

Once the animal arrives at our shelter, we publicly post information about the found animal and begin a 72-hour holding period.

During this time, only the original owner may reclaim the animal.

For privacy and security reasons, we do not release animals based on messages from:

Friends
Neighbours
Relatives
Other third parties

3. Owner Verification

To reclaim an animal, the original owner must provide sufficient proof of ownership. We typically require:

Two or three photographs showing the owner with the animal.
The most recent veterinary records, or permission for us to contact the animal's veterinary clinic.
Two references who are not immediate family members.

These requirements help ensure every animal is returned to its rightful owner.

4. Basic Medical Care

While every rescue is in our care, we begin providing essential preventative care, including:

Deworming (using Strongid-T)
Core vaccinations (using Nobivac vaccines)
Permanent microchip identification

If additional medical treatment is required, we arrange veterinary care as soon as possible.

5. Transition to Shelter Care

If no owner comes forward within the 72-hour holding period, the animal officially becomes part of the MASS CARE rescue program.

At this stage we:

Schedule veterinary examinations if needed.
Arrange spay or neuter surgery when the animal is old enough and medically suitable.
Complete all required paperwork with Beaver County Bylaw for stray animals found within Beaver County.

6. Assessment and Training

Before becoming available for adoption, each animal remains in our care for approximately 2–3 weeks.

During this time we:

Observe their personality and temperament.
Assess behaviour around people and other animals.
Begin basic training, such as kennel training, house manners, leash walking, and socialization when appropriate.

This allows us to match each animal with the right family.

7. Ready for Adoption

Once an animal is healthy, behaviourally assessed, and fully prepared for a new beginning, we:

Create an adoption profile.
Share their story on our website and social media.
Begin accepting adoption applications.

Our goal is to find each rescue a safe, loving, and permanent forever home.