Rescue organizations should have official Intake Procedures to guide volunteers with new rescue pigs joining the rescue. These written procedures will ensure pigs have necessary paperwork, identification, and care. These consistent steps protect the rescue and protect the pig as well as documenting and tracking individual pigs through the rescue process.
Intake Procedures will vary by each rescue depending on status, organization, and individual needs. Large organizations and 501c3 Nonprofit Organizations will have more detailed or formal intake procedures. Small independent rescues may have less detailed and informal intake procedures. Important procedure for all rescues regardless of size are: releases and contracts, unique identifying number, quarantine, and set of requirements before the pig is considered adoptable (spay/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, healthy, behaviorally evaluated for an appropriately matched adoptive home). Click here for sample documents.
SAMPLE INTAKE PROCEDURES:
All pigs must be pre-approved for Sample Rescue Acceptance by Intake Coordinator before Volunteer takes possession of the pig.
All pigs accepted into Sample Rescue require a signed release. No pig will be considered accepted until a release is on file. E-mail or mail signed release to Sample Rescue Secretary within 24 hours. Until a release is signed, Sample Rescue does not own the pig and has no legal rights or jurisdiction.
- In the case of a shelter, the shelter paperwork will serve as official release.
- In case of owner surrender, if there is no shelter paperwork, or other situation, please use Sample Rescue’s Release Form.
Once a signed release is received, the pig will be assigned a unique identifying number to be used on all Sample Rescue forms and contracts.
Check for microchip. If microchip is present, contact previous owner or breeder. Notify them of the situation and discuss the best interest of the pig. If pig is from an AMPA Registered Breeder, the breeder has agreed to take back the pig at any point in its life or assist in care or rehoming. If no microchip is present, insert provided microchip now.
Pig is then moved to Foster Home. Upon arrival at Foster Home:
- Foster Volunteer signs Foster Contract.
- Setup foster pig in quarantine area. See quarantine requirements here. If pregnancy is suspected or confirmed, sow should be separated from any other pigs.
- Treat pig with ivermection provided by Sample Rescue. Repeat dose in 10-14 days. Then, 14 days later, treat with fenbendazole provided by Sample Rescue for 3 days in a row.
- Schedule wellness office visit, vaccinations, and spay/neuter with rescue veterinarian.
- Work to bring pig to a healthy physical condition.
- Work with pig to address any behavioral issues, learn to trust, and prepare for adoption.
- Photograph pig for Same Rescue media and networking.
- Contact Sample Rescue with any questions or concerns.
Sample Rescue will provide the following for the pig:
- Wellness office visit
- Microchip (unless the pig is already chipped)
- Vaccinations
- Erysipelas
- Tetanus
- Lepto
- Rabies
- Spay or neuter at a date appropriate for the health of the pig
- Parasite control with ivermectin and fenbendazole
- Other medical care as determined by the veterinarian and approved by the rescue
When the pig is deemed adoptable, care will be taken to screen potential adoptive homes. A signed adoption application and contract are required to process the adoption.