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  • Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards Assessment Planning Tool

    For self, external and new member assessments

  • This tool is for assessments against the Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards effective 01 August 2023

  • This form is the property of ADCH. It may only be used by members or prospective members and must not be copied or forwarded to other individuals or organisations

  • This customisable document is designed to show you which standards apply to your organisation, and to enable you to save or print a copy to view offline. You may find this helpful for sharing with colleagues, to physically walk round premises and make notes, or carry out investigations. This document cannot be used to complete your self-assessment submission. To submit your self-assessment, please return to the original form here:

    https://form.jotform.com/231932140489356.


    You cannot make any entries or submit this form

  • Is this a self assessment or external assessment?*

  • Dear Assessors

    Thank you for carrying out an assessment on behalf of ADCH.

     

    Please ensure you have provided information on any areas of scoring less than full compliance in the comments boxes which appear below, include your reason for scoring and remedial plans. Pictures of areas of non-compliance for buildings related issues can be uploaded at the end of the form. 

     

    Once you have submitted this form, you will be directed to fill in your assessment report and recommendations. Please complete this as soon as possible.

     

    Thank you once again

  • How to complete this form

     

    1. Start by completing details of the assessment below, in section 1 including how the rescue operates. This will ensure you are only given relevant standards to score.

     

    2. The assessment form is divided into topics. Each topic includes a series of requirements. Assess the rescue against each requirement. For more information or guidance on individual standards, you can hover over the standard text and further information will be shown, if applicable.

     

    3. When you come to complete your assessment on the webform you will be given a comments box to give more details if you score a standard as partially compliant, or non-compliant. Please use this to tell us the reason for this score, and plans to develop or improve the level of compliance. If any building or premises related standards are partially or non-compliant, then you are able to provide photographs of this at the end of the assessment.

     

    4. When you complete your submission on the form, you will not be able to submit it until you have entered all of your scores and made any comments on areas of less than full compliance. There is no option to score a standard as 'not applicable' anymore - the initial setup of this form means that you should no longer be asked about standards that cannot apply to your organisation. It also ensures that organisations that carry out the same work are assessed equally.

     

    5. Once you have completed section 1 of this form, you can print it, or save as a PDF, whatever works for your system. 

     

     

    A note on scoring

     

    A score of 2 points will be given when the rescue always and fully meets the requirement. A score of 1 point will be given when the rescue partially meets or is progressing towards full compliance with the requirement. No points are awarded when the requirement is not currently met at all. No points are marked or deducted when selecting instances where a standard cannot apply (e.g. a cat rescue who does not care for feral cats).

     

    A target, maximum, score for the rescue will be generated at the bottom of the form once all the standards have been scored. This maximum score is calculated based on scoring 2 points for all standards which apply. When completing the rescue information this form will adapt to only require you to score on standards which apply to your circumstances. Your actual score will be calculated and shown next to the maximum target score.

     

    Standards relating to importation are currently scored separately if they apply. If your rescue does not have any importation activity you will not see this section.

  • 1. About the assessment and the rescue

  • Does the Rescue run across multiple sites which are exclusively owned/leased by the rescue?*
  • What type of assessment is this for:*

  • For a Rescue with two or three owned sites, all sites should be assessed individually and complete their own self-assessment form

  • For a Rescue with four to ten owned sites, the Head Office should be visited initially, followed by individual assessments of three sites. Three different sites should be chosen for each external or self assessment.

  • For a Rescue with 11 to 50 owned sites, the Head Office should be visited initially, followed by individual assessments of three sites or 10% of the total number of sites, whichever is the greater. Three different sites should be chosen for each external or self assessment.

  • For a Rescue with more than 51 owned sites, a number of site visits and assessments will be agreed after an initial visit to Head Office. Different sites should be chosen for each external or self assessment

  • Does the rescue look after dogs:*
  • Are any dogs looked after in premises owned by the rescue (i.e. a rescue centre):*
  • Are any dogs looked after in indoor foster homes:*
  • Are any dogs looked after in outdoor kennels in foster homes:*
  • Are any dogs looked after in commercial boarding premises:*
  • Does the rescue look after cats:*
  • Are any cats looked after in premises owned or exclusively leased by the rescue (i.e. a rescue centre):*
  • Are any cats looked after in indoor foster homes:*
  • Are any cats looked after in outdoor cat pens in foster homes:*
  • Are any cats looked after in commercial boarding premises:*

  • When assessing commercial boarding premises, the rescue should satisfy themselves that the standards below are adhered to by the company/organisation running the premises and score accordingly.

  • Finally, does the rescue import, or intend to import, animals from outside Britain and Ireland?*

  • There is now a glossary available to help explain and expand on some of the common terms in ADCH's Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards. Where this is relevant you'll see a reference in the standard or guidance wording. You can find the full glossary in our Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards booklet, or by clicking on the dropdown below:

     

    • Glossary 

    • 1) ‘Sufficient number of people’ – Numeric ratios are not prescribed in these standards, as the individual animals being cared for can require different levels of care depending on their state of physical health, mental health, history and breeding. In calculating the people to animal ratio at any given time, consideration must be foremost given to ensuring that there is enough capacity between all people to be able to provide the five welfare needs (glossary 4) for every individual animal onsite, and any associated required activities such as cleaning and providing emergency and preventative healthcare within prescribed timescales. In addition to pet care on site there should be enough resource left to adequately support foster carers and the pets in their care as well as any assurance and assessing of pets being directly homed from one home to another. As the animal throughput changes, the organisation must reassess their supervision levels accordingly. 
       
      Sufficient people will take account of all the animals and activities undertaken on the entire site, including the supervision of staff involved with other species owned or kept, boarding, and any other activities on the site. 
       
      2) ‘People’ (associated with the organisation, does not include the public or adopters) – includes paid staff and volunteers 
       
      3) ‘Competent’ – be able to demonstrate, through training records and work or volunteer experience, the ability to discern how to apply the five welfare needs (glossary 4) to all animals under their care 
       
      4) ‘Welfare needs’ – each individual animal cared for by the organisation must have its five welfare needs met. They are: 
      The need for a suitable environment 
      The need for a suitable diet 
      The need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns 
      The need to be housed with, or apart, from other animals 
      The need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease. 
       
      5) ‘Qualification’ – Organisations can check the legitimacy and qualification levels on the:  
      OFQUAL website in England and Northern Ireland - https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/ 
      QW website for Wales - https://qualificationswales.org/ 
      SQCF website in Scotland - https://scqf.org.uk/ 
      Irish Register of Qualifications in the Republic of Ireland - https://irq.ie/ 
       
      6) ‘Veterinary advice’ – this can be over the telephone where appropriate, as well as appointments in a veterinary clinic or a ‘vet round’ in a centre 
       
      7) ‘Virtual’ – the use of video conferencing/calling where the organisation can see in detail and on request, the information required. Examples would be to use Facetime, WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype etc, and supported by Google Earth for satellite imagery. 
       
      8) ‘Routinely’ – as part of the organisation’s standard operating procedures. Excludes emergency, one off boarding, which could not have been planned for (up to 72 hours) 
       
      9) ‘Feral’ – Feral cats are cats that originate from a free-living lifestyle and typically have no or limited interactions with or dependency on humans. Such cats usually present behaviourally as consistently fearful of humans and are unsociable (i.e. consistently avoid or do not seek out human interaction). Adult feral cats are not suitable to be kept as companion animals. In some cases, kittens born from feral adults may be suitable to be kept as companion animals, if they are socialised towards humans for the entirety of their socialisation period (i.e. 2-7/8 weeks of age). It may be possible to begin socialising feral kittens older than 2 weeks of age if they do not appear fearful or distressed in the presence of humans and they are still under the age of 8 weeks.  The welfare of the individual cat (whether adult or kitten) should not be compromised by attempts to socialise them to humans. If socialisation is attempted in a cat that is already fearful of humans and distressed in their presence, this will compromise their welfare (see standards 59-60) 
       
      International Cat Care have produced a guide to providing the right care to match the needs of an individual cat https://icatcare.org/unowned-cats/the-different-needs-of-domestic-cats and the identification of feral cats. 

    • END 

    • 2. The assessment

    • Admissions and Veterinary Checks

    • 1. When animals are received, they shall be thoroughly scanned for a microchip using an ISO-compliant scanner or if the animal has other ID suitable checks shall be carried out. When a microchip, tag or tattoo is found then reasonable attempts shall be made to trace the registered owner or keeper of any lost animal in line with section 149 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

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    • 2. Where no microchip is found, unless against veterinary advice (glossary 6), all domestic animals shall be microchipped and registered with an appropriate UK or Irish database as soon as possible, with the organisation listed as keeper until the point of rehoming, and especially prior to being walked off site or placed on foster.
    • 3. The health and welfare of all animals shall be assessed on intake and monitored at least daily. Animals shall be examined by a veterinary professional or a suitably competent (glossary 3) lay person as soon as possible. Animals with perceived health problems must be seen by a veterinary surgeon as soon as possible and monitored as advised by the veterinary surgeon.
    • 4. Animals shall be vaccinated on or shortly after arrival into the centre (rescue) under the direction of the veterinary surgeon.

    • Food and Water

    • 5. All animals shall be supplied with an appropriate diet, suitable for species, age, life stage and condition. Clean, potable (fit for human consumption) water shall be available for both cats and dogs at all times and changed daily. Feed and drinking water provided to the animals must be unspoilt and free from contamination
    • 7. Cats shall be offered at least two separate meals a day approximately 8 hours apart during the daytime.
    • 8. Where animals are being fed together, care shall be taken to ensure that all animals are receiving sufficient food and that no animal is receiving more food than it requires. In communal animal areas, there shall be at least one feeding and water bowl for each animal.
    • 9. Eating vessels, which shall be capable of being easily cleansed and disinfected, shall be cleansed or disposed of after each meal and drinking vessels shall be cleaned at least once a day. Disposable eating dishes may be used.
    • 10. The food preparation area shall be kept clean and vermin free at all times. Suitable precautions shall be taken to minimise risk of contamination by vermin.

    • Disease Control and Vaccination

    • 11. Precautions, as advised by the veterinary surgeon, shall be taken to prevent and control the spread of infectious disease and parasites amongst the animals, staff, volunteers and visitors. Particular care shall be given to the precautions taken to minimise the risk of outbreak of disease in all communal animal areas.
    • 12. Where an animal shows signs of infectious disease or illness advice must be sought from a veterinary surgeon and isolation measures or barrier nursing put in place, as appropriate to the specific disease protocol. Where an animal has suffered an injury veterinary advice (glossary 6) must be sought.   A documented procedure should be held covering the organisation’s plans for infectious and potentially infectious animals
    • 13. Adequate isolation facilities for animals with infectious diseases shall be available. This can be at the organisation’s own centre, or a formal documented arrangement with a local provider such as a veterinary practice. It should be clear to all personnel with overall responsibility for any animals’ welfare how to contact a local external provider.
    • 14. An animal first aid kit shall be available for use at any animal welfare (rescue) centre or premises with more than 5 pens. The degree of first aid is to keep the animal safe and avoid further harm, while veterinary advice (glossary 6) is sought.

    • Cleansing and Disinfecting

    • 15. All units, corridors, common areas, kitchens etc. shall be kept clean and free from accumulations of dirt and dust and shall be kept in a condition which will reduce the risk of disease spread.
    • 16. Each occupied unit shall be cleaned daily. All excreta and soiled material shall be removed from all areas used by the animals at least daily and more often if necessary.
    • 17. All bedding areas shall be kept clean and dry and animals shall have access to a dry area whilst their housing is being cleaned.
    • 18. Each unit shall be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and dried at a change of occupancy
    • 19. Facilities shall be provided for the appropriate storage, treatment and disposal of all classifications of waste including wash down water and particularly ‘controlled wastes’ generated by member organisations including wash-down water contaminated by faecal matter and litter
    • 20. Care shall be taken with cleaning routines to protect animals from disinfectant poisoning or injury e.g. caustic burns to the skin
    • 21. Chemicals shall be used, handled, and stored strictly in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions

    • Cat Litter Trays

    • 22. In cat units, suitably sited and sized litter trays, which are easy to clean and impermeable, shall be provided at all times. They shall be placed as far away as possible from the resting and feeding areas
    • 23. Litter trays shall be large enough to allow the cat to move around, dig and cover faeces and urine without feeling restricted. A suitable absorbent material for litter shall be provided and shall be deep enough to absorb the urine and allow the cat to dig and cover
    • 24. Litter trays shall be scooped at least once a day and at any time during the day if found to be unduly soiled. Cleaning shall take place away from food preparation areas or at least at separate times. In multiple cat units one litter tray shall be provided for each cat

    • Environment and companionship

    • Animals need to be able to exhibit normal behavioural patterns and consideration shall be given as to whether it is appropriate to house with or apart from other animals. This applies whether they are in a kennel environment or fostered

    • 25. All animals shall have the opportunity to exercise daily
    • 26. All cats and dogs shall have toys and/or feeding enrichment to provide opportunities to perform natural behaviour such as hunting or play
    • 27. The items provided shall be the correct size and type for the individual animal and its behaviour
    • 28. Both cats and dogs shall have human contact and interaction on a daily basis
    • 29. All puppies and kittens shall be adequately and appropriately socialised and habituated to prevent fear behaviour towards animals, situations, environments and people. A daily socialisation programme ensuring this shall be followed
    • 30. Animals shall never be forced to interact with people, and shall have the facility to avoid people should they wish, i.e. a hiding place or a high vertical resting place
    • 31. Dogs shall be protected from animal company which causes them fear, frustration or distress, but provided with enjoyable animal company where possible
    • 32. In kennels where dogs are housed separately and in the vicinity of other dogs, each dog shall be able to control their view of other dogs. This may be by temporary or permanent means.
    • 33. Dogs shall be introduced to one another slowly and in a positive way
    • 34. Decisions to pair dogs shall be made by competent (glossary 3) persons. They shall not be housed with each other if either tries to avoid the other or appears fearful of them
    • 35. Pregnant, whelping, nursing bitches and puppies under seven weeks of age shall be accommodated somewhere safe and quiet
    • 36. Puppies shall not be housed away from the bitch or rehomed until they are at least eight weeks of age, unless this is under veterinary guidance. Bitches need to be able to spend time away from the puppies as they wean
    • 37. In addition to toys and feeding enrichment, cats shall be given facilities for scratching
    • 38. Only compatible cats shall be housed together. Decisions to home cats together shall be made by a competent (glossary 3) person.
    • 39. Pair housed or group-housed cats shall have sufficient space and adequate resources to minimise competition and to be able to avoid each other and hide away separately from one another if they choose. This includes provision of a separate bed and hiding place for each cat
    • 40. Cats shall not be housed in the same enclosure as other species even if they have come from the same household
    • 41. Where cats are housed in the vicinity of other cats, each cat shall be able to hide from every other cat. They must not been overseen by, or be able to view, other animals in the care of the organisation.
    • 42. Kittens shall not be housed away from the queen or rehomed until they are at least eight weeks of age, unless this is under veterinary guidance. Queens need to be able to spend time away from kittens as they wean
    • 43. Pregnant, queening or nursing queens and suckling kittens shall be accommodated away from the main cattery units and instead somewhere safe and quiet, ideally in a foster home or a separate maternity unit
    • 44. Weaned kittens shall be housed with their littermates

    • Grooming

    • 45. All animals shall be groomed when necessary and steps taken to ensure dogs and cats coats are free of mats

    • Supervision, Including Staff and Volunteer Training

    • 46. Whilst animals are at the establishment there must be a contactable keyholder within reasonable distance to the premises.
    • 47. The animals must not be left unattended, other than their housing facilities, in any situation or for any period likely to cause them distress
    • 48. Sufficient (glossary 1) numbers of people (glossary 2) who are competent (glossary 3) for the purpose must be available to provide a level of care that ensures that the welfare needs (glossary 4) of all the animals in the organisation are met.  In foster homes, the foster carer must be trained and given guidance by the organisation, relevant to the animals they are caring for.

    • Feral Cats

    • 49. Feral (glossary 9) (unsocialised, unowned) cats are not suitable to be kept as companion animals and therefore there shall be no attempt to socialise them to humans.  For socialisation to be most effective, it must occur for the whole duration of a cat’s sensitive period (i.e. starting from the age of 2 weeks, up until at least 7/8 weeks of age). No attempt should be made to socialise an adult cat or kitten that is consistently (i.e. longer than a few days) fearful or distressed in the presence of humans, even if they are under 8 weeks of age.
    • 50. Adult feral (glossary 9) cats must not be kept in confinement any longer than necessary. They must be provided with any necessary immediate care, neutered and ear-tipped, and then released into a suitable environment as soon as possible. A suitable environment means ideally back to original site where the animal was caught, where possible. An animal that has been under the care of the organisation must only be released, neutered and ear-tipped, in an area that is suitable for its species. It must only be released if it is able to feed and fend for itself.

    • Veterinary Care

    • 51. Each member organisation shall nominate one or more veterinary practices or veterinary surgeons who can advise on the health of animals entering and resident within the organisation
    • 52. All veterinary products shall be stored, used and disposed of as required by the product datasheet and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) legislation, or relevant local legislation.  If an organisation has a veterinary clinic on site where drugs are stored before being prescribed, the clinic must be legally registered as a Registered Practice Premises with the RCVS.  Unnecessary access to medicines should be prevented by storing medicines in a lockable location.

    • Transportation of Animals

    • Vehicles used to transport animals shall be roadworthy and regularly serviced. The organisation transporting shall ensure compliance with relevant legislation pertaining to the transport of animals. A satisfactory method of ventilation is required, adequate for the size of the vehicle and the number of animals being transported

    • 53. With regard to transportation of dogs, steps shall be taken to ensure that: - Dogs are suitably restrained (using a seat belt harness, dog cage or dog guard) - Cages are of adequate size, designed to provide good ventilation and firmly secured, out of direct sunlight and away from heating vents. - The dog must be able to stand, move around and lie down with a form of absorbent material in the carrier to prevent urine/faeces/vomit soaking the animal - Not transported when the temperature poses risk to the animal. - On long journeys dogs shall be  offered food at regular intervals of not more than 8 hours and given water at intervals of not more than 4 hours or as frequently as individual needs require and given the opportunity to relieve themselves - Not left unattended in vehicles for unreasonable periods - Not left in a vehicle where the temperature may pose a risk. - No dogs should be moved in a red level heatwave, even with the presence of air-conditioning. - Journeys over 6 hours should not be undertaken unless by exception. A 1 hour stop to enable toileting and water should be taken. - After this a further 6 more hours with an 11-hour rest period before transport can commence again for a maximum of 2 days. - The dog should be assessed as fit to travel for over 6 hours with a vet check being undertaken before the decision to make the journey. Pregnant bitches should not be transported unless for veterinary purposes/advice or to move them to accommodation better suited for their welfare.
    • 54. With regard to transportation of cats, steps shall be taken to ensure that: - Carriers are of adequate size, designed to provide good ventilation and firmly secured, out of direct sunlight and away from heating vents. - The cat must be able to stand, move around and lie down - Not transported when the temperature poses risk to the animal. - On long journeys cats shall be offered food at regular intervals of not more than 8 hours and given water at intervals of not more than 4 hours or as frequently as individual needs require and provided with a litter tray, or absorbent material included - Not left unattended in vehicles for unreasonable periods - Not left in a vehicle where the temperature may pose a risk. - No cat should be moved in a red level heatwave, even with the presence of air-conditioning. - Journeys over 6 hours should not be undertaken unless by exception. A 1 hour stop to enable toileting and water should be taken. After this a further 6 more hours with an 11-hour rest period before transport can commence again for a maximum of 2 days. - The cat should be assessed as fit to travel for over 6 hours with a vet check being undertaken before the decision to make the journey. - Pregnant queens in their last trimester of pregnancy should not be transported unless for veterinary purposes or to move them to accommodation better suited for their welfare - Cats should always be transported singly, unless it is a mother and her kittens or a litter of kittens under 12 weeks. These journeys should be minimal to allow for additional food and toileting. - Litters of kittens aged less than eight weeks should be transported together. - The transport of unweaned litters should only be undertaken when essential for welfare reasons and then must be transported with the mother. - Cats should have their view protected from other cats, e.g. a cover provided.  - Additional vigilance should be given to cleanliness and risk of infection when transporting feral (glossary 9) cats. - All vehicles and equipment must be regularly cleaned and disinfected.

    • Training and Behaviour Modification

    • 55. Each organisation shall be able to seek the assistance of a suitably trained and experienced individual (internally or externally) who can evaluate and recommend appropriate positive behavioural modification programmes for dogs and cats that exhibit unwanted behaviour or rehabilitation requirements.
    • 56. All training and behaviour modification shall be done through positive reinforcement methods without the use of coercive or punitive techniques and/or equipment

    • Animal Assessment

    • 57. The characteristics of each particular animal shall be assessed in order to identify the most suitable type of home. When matching an animal to an adopter, consideration shall be given to the animal’s health and meeting its welfare and behavioural needs
    • 58. Particular care shall be taken when considering rehoming a dog in a new home with young children

    • Home Fostering

    • A number of dog and cat rescue and rehoming organisations use “foster” homes to care for animals on a temporary basis until a  permanent new home can be found. This can be in addition to traditional kennel and cattery units or can be the only way the organisation arranges to home and care for the animals. These foster homes are normally provided by volunteers where rescue animals are cared for in the volunteers’ own homes or in small animal housing units.

    • 59. Where the animals are kept in animal housing units by foster carers these units shall meet the housing conditions specified in Annex 1a for dogs and/or 1b for cats (under sections A and or B, below)
    • 60. Each home which is used to provide foster care shall be visited in person or virtually (glossary 7), assessed and approved by a suitably knowledgeable member of the organisation’s staff or volunteers, or another ADCH member, before it is used for fostering animals. This assessment needs to ensure home environment, including other residents, is suitable and foster carer is competent (glossary 3) and capable of meeting the animals’ needs and required standards. The organisation must be able to stipulate any needs for follow up visits.
    • 61. For dogs, an assessment shall be made, and steps in place to avoid the risk of over-crowding and hoarding and agreement reached with the foster carer. The foster home should provide a suitable environment based on each dog’s assessment and individual needs and should take into consideration the dog’s ability to cope with other animals in the home (owned and fostered). Any resident or foster animals’ welfare should also be taken into consideration.
    • 62. For cats, an assessment shall be made, and steps in place to avoid the risk of over-crowding and hoarding both owned and foster cats, and agreement reached with the foster carer. Extreme care shall be taken when fostering cats together from the same household, as close confinement with each other may be stressful. Cats from different sources shall not be mixed. Cats shall also not be mixed with resident cats, or other foster cats.
    • 63. Dogs shall not be fostered in homes where they are likely to be left on their own long enough for them to become distressed
    • 64. Assurances shall be given that the foster homes will make arrangements for dogs to be given exercise sufficient for the size and breed of the dog and to meet its welfare needs (glossary 4).

    • Neutering

    • 65. The organisation shall have all cats neutered, unless this is against veterinary advice (glossary 6).  Where deemed appropriate but it has not been possible to neuter before it has been rehomed, a system for ensuring the animal is neutered shall be put in place.  For dogs routine neutering should be assessed on a case by case basis which includes physical factors such as breed, size and age, along with behavioural health of the dog.  Where it has not been possible to neuter before rehoming, or it is recommended to delay neutering, a system for ensuring the animal is neutered at a later date shall be put in place, unless this is against a veterinary or competent (glossary 3) Behaviourist’s advice.
    • 66. Healthy kittens shall be neutered before they become sexually mature (by 4 months) where the organisation has access to a vet carrying these out, and shall be neutered before they are rehomed wherever possible.

    • Euthanasia

    • Every animal shall have a life worth living, not purely that its physical needs are met. Euthanasia can be a response to circumstances in which health and/or welfare are irreversibly and severely compromised and when it is not possible to meet an animal’s needs.

      Euthanasia is an extremely controversial topic and there are those who sincerely believe that no apparently healthy animal should ever be euthanised and, where rehoming is not an option, then the animal should be allowed to live its life in the animal welfare establishment. The ADCH fully accepts that there are circumstances where particular animals can enjoy a high standard of welfare and a good quality of life at an establishment over a long period. 

      However, it is important to remember that animal welfare is more than just physical health and freedom from disease. Other factors, particularly the animal’s behavioural needs, which include the expression of social behaviour, have a profound effect on its welfare. The World Health Organisation defines “health” as: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
      Organisations which intend to keep animals on a long term basis need to consider whether the environment is capable of meeting the behavioural and psychological needs of the animal. Animals should be regularly reviewed for signs of deterioration in physical and mental health. Long term confinement of cats, especially feral cats, is not appropriate.

    • 67. Any decision to euthanise an animal shall be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual animal. In most cases, except for feral (glossary 9) cats, this decision shall only be made after rehabilitation has been explored and a full and thorough examination carried out to determine the facts surrounding each individual case.
    • 68. The key factors in deciding whether euthanasia shall be considered are as follows: (a) To prevent pain or suffering (including mental and emotional). (b) If an animal poses an unacceptable risk to people or to other animals. (c) If quality of life for the animal is compromised to an unacceptable degree, with no realistic prospect of improvement. (d) Any other good reason under organisation’s operational procedures (e.g. space and resources) and/or its euthanasia policy.
    • 69. Euthanasia shall only be carried out by or under the direction of a veterinary surgeon using an approved humane method and, where appropriate, using pre-euthanasia sedation
    • 70. Each member organisation shall have a written policy on euthanasia

    • Rehoming

    • The organisation should be committed to a high standard of responsible Rehoming Practices. The following procedures should be followed to ensure the responsible rehoming of a rescue animal

    • 71. Information about the prospective new owner/keeper and their family shall be obtained to ensure their circumstances and facilities fit the requirements of the particular animal they wish to rehome. Proof of address shall always be obtained
    • 72. Prospective adopters and any dogs they have shall meet the dog they are considering adopting. Cats shall also meet their prospective adopters
    • 73. The prospective new owner shall be given specific advice and relevant details about their particular new pet covering its future care, diet, behavioural and welfare needs (glossary 4), veterinary history (physical and mental health) and ongoing requirements.  All animals must be assessed as fit to home, either as part of their health check they should have on admission to the organisation, or following any treatment that delays rehoming. If the health check shows any other medical issues, these must be communicated to the prospective owner.  Where an animal is to be rehomed with an ongoing health issue, then this should be made clear to the new owner and discussion with a suitably qualified person (staff, volunteer or the organisation’s vet), should take place prior to adoption about the implications.
    • 74. On being adopted by their new owner, every animal shall: - Have been vaccinated and treated for parasites (see disease control and vaccination above). Where it has not been possible to complete the second part of the vaccination course, a system should be put in place with the new owner to ensure this is carried out by them - Have a matt free coat and be groomed if appropriate for the breed.   - A transitional feeding schedule should be provided, if required.  - Have been fully examined before departure, if not by a veterinary surgeon then by a suitably skilled and competent (glossary 3) person. - Have a record of the animal’s health, breed (if applicable), believed age, and vaccinations which shall be given to the new owner.  - Any previous or ongoing health issues shall always be disclosed to the new owner, as in Standard 72.  - A supply of any required medication and relevant data sheet should be given to the new owners with a written record of their health record. - Any appropriate equipment and accessories being supplied with an animal must be suitable for the animal. Staff or volunteers must explain how to use it
    • 75. A suitably trained (glossary 3) person should provide details to the new owners of the type of animal, and specific individual, that they wish to adopt. It shall be made clear to the new owner that they are welcome to contact the organisation if they wish advice or information on any issue with their new pet. The organisation should assist in returning any animal at the request of the new owner, either directly back into the original organisation, or by arrangement with another organisation where capacity prevents a return to the original organisation.

    • Legal and Administrative

      Management of the Rescue
    • 76. The organisation shall keep records for all animals for which it is responsible in line with its own policy (and a minimum three years in Scotland) including a description of all animals received into the establishment, noting date of arrival and departure, believed age, vet history, behavioural assessments, the name and address of the new owner/keeper and a record of what details the organisation passed onto the new owner. The organisation shall ensure new keepers’ details are recorded on the microchip database. It is acceptable for details of the organisation to be recorded as well where the database allows for this.
    • 77. Personal data should be held in accordance with GDPR and the organisation’s own data protection and retention policies.
    • 78. The organisation should have written procedures, followed by all who are responsible for animal care and available to all staff and volunteers, for: - Feeding - Cleaning - Transportation - Prevention and control of disease spread - Animal monitoring - Death of an animal - Escape of an animal (on and off premises) - In an emergency
    • 79. Where members of the public can view or come into contact with animals, suitable measures must be taken for the safety and welfare of the animals including staff supervision, signage and locked doors.
    • 80. Where organisations use third party facilities (such as commercial boarding) to routinely (glossary 8) house their animals, they must physically inspect the premises. This must occur prior to the agreement, when self-assessments are requested by ADCH and at any other time they see fit. A formal record of the inspection must be kept. A formal agreement must be held on the care provision given by the premises’ staff, and staff and volunteers from the organisation. Premises must be licenced with the local authority. Including the accommodation used by the rescue, if eligible.  Units housing rescue or private boarding animals must be separated by a solid door or in a different building. Extra precautions must be taken to prevent the spread of disease.  Copies of the organisation’s own procedures and ADCH Minimum Welfare and Operational Standards must be provided to the boarding establishment.

    • Housing Conditions

      Under each jurisdiction’s relevant legislation, all premises (including domestic premises) where accommodation for other people’s dogs and cats is provided as a commercial activity need to be licensed by the local authority

    • Apart from Scotland these acts do not apply to animal rescue or rehoming centres unless they are carrying on a business of providing accommodation for other people's animals.

      In Scotland from 1 September 2021 it will be mandatory for any rescue or rehoming centre to be licensed or for anyone rehoming an animal to be licensed. In all other countries there is currently no statutory requirement for rescue or rehoming centres to be licensed by the local authority. In the Republic of Ireland any establishment, including welfare
      kennels, at which bitches are kept, not less than 6 of which are, a) more than 6 months old, and b) capable of being used for breeding purposes, must be registered with the local authority

    • A) Dog Housing

    • A1. Sleeping areas of units shall be sufficiently insulated and/or heated to prevent extremes of temperature
    • A2. Fences shall be secure and safe and the units constructed in a way which will ensure that all dogs are secured. Where metal bars and frames are used, they shall be of a suitable gauge with spacing adequate to prevent dogs escaping or becoming trapped
    • A3. All kennels shall be secure to prevent escape
    • A4. Ventilation shall be provided to all interior areas
    • A5. Units shall have a sleeping area
    • A6. All dogs shall be provided with a bedding area or bench, large and suitable enough to allow the dog to lie comfortably. Sleeping areas shall be adequate for the size and breed of the dog. The space shall be sufficient for the dog to stand up, sit fully erect, turn around and lie down in a natural position
    • A7. Suitable bedding shall be provided which allows the dog to be comfortable and which is capable of being easily and adequately cleaned and disinfected. Bedding shall be sited out of draughts and shall be checked daily and maintained in a clean, parasite free and dry condition
    • A8. Exercise areas shall not be used as overnight sleeping areas
    • A9. Heating facilities shall be available in the unit (including any isolation facility) and used according to the requirements of the individual animal. The heating system shall avoid any risk of electrocution, fires and burning
    • A10. The sleeping accommodation shall be capable of being maintained at an ambient temperature appropriate for species and breed. There shall be some part of the sleeping area where animals are able to enjoy a temperature of at least 10°C. Normally the maximum temperature should be no more than 26°C. However, the individual needs of dogs must be catered for, e.g. short haired dogs with little body fat, underweight or old dogs
    • A11. Heaters shall not be sited in a manner or location where they present a risk of burning or electrocution, or a risk of fire. Open flame appliances shall not be used
    • A12. Dogs shall always have the option to move to a cooler, shady area in hot weather
    • A13. All beds, sleeping platforms and bedding provided shall be durable, safe, capable of being easily cleaned and disinfected
    • A14. Where raised beds are provided, they shall be appropriate to the age of the dog regards size and height, and materials used shall not be toxic to dogs
    • A15. The type of bedding used shall be safe, soft and easily cleaned or disposed of after use
    • A16. Crating shall not be used to house dogs permanently and shall not be used as a long-term alternative to providing suitable kennel accommodation
    • A17. Crates shall be large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn around normally while standing up, sit erect and lie down in a natural position. The dog shall have regular opportunities to toilet and shall not be left inside so long that he or she becomes distressed, or generally for more than four hours at a time

    • B) Cat Housing

    • B1. The cattery shall be structurally sound, constructed of materials that are robust and safe and be well maintained.
    • B2. Full length and width sneeze barriers shall be provided where the gap between units is less than 62.5cm
    • B3. Waste water shall not run off into adjacent pens
    • B4. There shall be an escape-proof area (safety corridor/entrance lobby) at the exit of each cat unit
    • B5. There shall be a safe, secure, waterproof roof over all of the cat units (sleeping accommodation and run) and the safety corridor. For the run, materials used shall be capable of filtering UV light and providing adequate shade
    • B6. There shall be adequate lighting in the cat unit
    • B7. Ventilation shall be appropriate all year round (both cool in hot weather and avoiding cold draughts in winter). Localised draughts in the sleeping accommodation shall be avoided
    • B8. Cats shall always have the option to move to a cooler, shady area in hot weather
    • B9. Cats need separate sleeping accommodation which provide somewhere for the cats to hide. All cats shall be provided with a bedding area or bench, large and suitable enough to allow the animal to lie comfortably
    • B10. Shelves or raised areas shall be provided to allow cats to rest high up
    • B11. Heating facilities shall be available in the unit (and any isolation facility) and used according to the requirements of the individual animal
    • B12. The sleeping accommodation shall be capable of being maintained at an ambient temperature appropriate for species and breed
    • B13. Cats shall be able to remove themselves from any additional source of heat
    • B14. Heaters shall not be sited in a manner or location where they present a risk of burning or electrocution, or a risk of fire. Open flame appliances shall not be used
    • B15. Suitable bedding shall be provided which allows the animal to be comfortable and which is capable of being easily and adequately cleaned and disinfected. Bedding shall be sited out of draughts and shall be checked daily and maintained in a clean, parasite free and dry condition
    • B16. A cat shall have space for safe play and exercise
    • B17. Cats shall be provided with a place to hide which shall be large enough to provide concealment.

    • C) Importation of Dogs and Cats from outside of the British Isles

      The following standards relate to transfers outside of the British Isles (i.e. outside UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man)

    • You will see from the importation guidance that some of these standards are of a different nature from the existing standards. In particular the first standard asks Members (including applicants for membership) to alert the ADCH if they are involved in importation so that we can assign an appropriate assessor, and also manage the particular risks involved to assessors and to the ADCH brand

      This standard is of a different nature to other standards. ADCH must manage its risks to assessors and to the brand and must ensure that appropriate assessors are allocated for visits.

      International rehoming is seen as a temporary solution and organisations are working towards the day when moving dogs and cats across borders for rehoming is no longer necessary.

      The standards do not apply where dogs have been handed in by Members of the Public and not imported by the rescue. Assessors will need to exercise care when rescues do not import themselves but act in close contact with another party that does the import. Members considering importation should carefully consider the following: -
      • Long distance transportation is very stressful for the animal
      • Animals may not have been socialised/habituated to life in a UK home. They may not be used to being handled or confined if they were street animals.
      • Many exotic diseases may be imported including rabies and this increases the disease risks to the native UK population

      Compliance with Regulation 576/2013 (non-commercial PETS scheme) is not sufficient when the organisations responsible for the movement are animal welfare organisations or rehoming charities.

      As we don’t know the details of Brexit yet it will be necessary to update this standard once new arrangements are in place for UK relationship with the EU.
      The EU CVBD website covers both cats and dogs.

    • C1. Members and applicants shall notify ADCH if they plan to import dogs and/or cats from outside the British Isles. See guidance above
    • C2. Dog and cat importation from within the EU shall be carried out following the Balai Directive (Directive 92/65/EEC)
    • C3. Members importing dogs and cats from outside of the EU shall seek additional advice from their vet and the ADCH and ensure legal compliance
    • C4. Any imported dog or cat shall have a documented behavioural assessment, carried out by a suitable competent (glossary 3) person, in the country of origin, showing suitability for rehoming in a domestic environment in the British Isles.
    • C5. Dogs and cats shall only be imported after veterinary tests show the animal is disease free.  With veterinary liaison Members shall ascertain which tests are appropriate, bearing in mind the disease profile of the source and destination countries using https://cvbd.elanco.com/ and information on ADCH’s website https://adch.org.uk/importation’sH;sH’s, which also contains an up to date list of diseases that are of the greatest concern
    • C6. Blood tests shall be done using an EU Approved Laboratory
    • C7. If dogs and cats are free from exotic disease they shall be given appropriate preventative veterinary treatment (e.g. vaccination where available) to prevent infection against diseases endemic in the source and destination countries. The diseases we are most concerned about are: Rabies, Babesiosis; Ehrlichiosis; Leishmaniasis and Dirofilaria
    • C8. Upon arrival into the British Isles, following importation, the animal shall move directly into the care of the Member and ADCH Standards shall apply
    • C9. Rescues shall have a plan in place in case the rehoming of an animal is not successful

    • That is the end of the questions you will need to score your organisation against for your ADCH self-assessment. Please do print this page if you wish to use a copy to make notes for your assessment form.

    • This form is the property of ADCH. It may only be used by members or prospective members and must not be copied or forwarded to other individuals or organisations

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