BULL TERRIER CLUB OF AMERICA, INC.

                   RESCUE NETWORK

         

BTCA Rescue Overview

 

All local club rescue chairman, individual rescue volunteers, regional rescue liaisons and the National Rescue Chairman will work together in a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and open communications to achieve the following:

 

Fostering, Evaluations and Adoptions:

  • Timely intake of purebred Bull Terriers from area shelters or from owner surrenders.
  • Insure that the Bull Terrier is placed in a calm, quiet environment; preferably in a private foster home. When necessary, quality boarding kennels may be acceptable.
  • Insure that the Bull Terrier is appropriately evaluated and assessed for adoption.
  • Proper evaluations can be considered complete only after the dog has been in residence at least 3 weeks.
  • If the Bull Terrier is considered adoptable, a screening process for an acceptable home is begun. Applicants must have filled out the BTCA application, had a home check done, references checked, read and signed the adoption contract/release.
  • An open line of communication with the new family may be necessary.
  • In the event that a Bull Terrier is not deemed suitable for adoption, euthanasia is recommended.
  • At no time will an incompletely and improperly evaluated animal, or one showing any signs of human aggression, be considered for adoption. Bull Terriers exhibiting severe dog aggression should be placed with extreme care.

 

Veterinary Care:

  • Have the Bull Terrier checked immediately for contagious diseases and immunized. Any immediate emergency (i.e. life threatening) situations should be prudently dealt with. The volunteer is aware that rescue funds, reimbursable by the BTCA, are limited by pre-established guidelines. Special grants, as deemed appropriate by a BTCA BOD designated committee, may be granted.
  • If possible, all elective surgeries should be postponed until the evaluation process is complete.
  • While certainly no one’s first choice, seriously ill, older Bull Terriers are not prime candidates for adoption. Unless a suitable hospice home can be found, euthanasia may be the only option.

 

Other Responsibilities:

  • Bull Terriers available for adoption should have photos and bios on the BTCA Web site.
  • Regional rescue chairs and independent volunteers must keep accurate incoming, care and outgoing records in accord with BTCA guidelines. 
  • Accurate monetary records must be kept of all transactions.
  • Maintain a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie with other rescue personnel and nearby clubs and volunteers.
  • Make regular attempts to build the rescue network by soliciting volunteers for transport, home visits and fundraising.
  • All volunteers must be familiar with the BTCA Rescue Policies.  To be eligible for financial reimbursement, volunteers must sign the declaration attached to the BTCA Rescue Policy

 

Regional Rescue Liaisons (RRL)

 

The Regional Rescue Liaison serves as a resource and backup for Rescue chairs and independent volunteers. The Liaison is totally familiar and comfortable with all BTCA Rescue guidelines. The Liaison maintains open communication with all clubs and volunteers in their areas as well as to the National Rescue Chairman.

 

Responsibilities to include:

  • Serving as a reminder to maintain accurate records and bookwork.
  • Be familiar with all dogs in foster care in the area and their status.
  • Be aware of all applications that are received for the area, alerting volunteers of possible matches.
  • Maintain communications with other Regional Liaison, particularly in regard to matching up dogs and adoptive families in other areas.
  • Help club chairs and volunteers with maintaining web updates.
  • Gather and recap pertinent records for periodic reports to the National Rescue Chair.

 

Web Master

 

The Web Master is responsible for web design and content for the BTCD Rescue Support Committee.Major Responsibilities to include:

  • List and delete dogs from website as requested, or assign a volunteer(s)  to this task.
  • Forward Adoption Application, Surrender forms, etc as needed to appropriate volunteers.
  • Monitor and report web site activity.
  • Advise National Rescue Chair of technological improvements or cost saving opportunities.

 

 

Hotline Coordinator

 

The Hotline’s main function is to provide an emergency service to lost or found Bull Terriers The Hotline Coordinator must be available to frequently monitor hotline calls and to have access to volunteers all over the country who can aid when needed. Callers finding or losing a BT are to be urged to submit photos and a description of the animal for distribution.

 

The Coordinator must be familiar with the common problems with Bull Terriers, hereditary diseases, neurological disorders, training issues, allergies, etc. The coordinator will refer callers to experts on the list for more complex referrals. Bull Terrier surrenders and adoptions should, if at all possible, be done through the forms on the web site or handled through regional volunteers.

 

Other Responsibilities-

  • Report activity monthly, i.e. number of calls, nature of call
  • Build e-mail awareness, being mindful to contain costs.
  • Build referral list for Bull Terriers with problems.

 

National Rescue Chair (NRC)

 

The National Rescue Chair is responsible to the BTCA BOD in all matters regarding financial records, intake/outgoing recaps on dogs in the system.

 

The NRC will maintain close communications with the RRL’s and the assigned Board member for rescue contact.

 

In addition to regular reports on finances and counts, the NRC will also report on the hotline, web status, and any particular concerns and/or recommendations.

 
Please send all corrections and updates to:  Claudia Sharp