https://www.massarr.com/isolation-facilities daily 0.75 2021-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616416368579-NMOOMZTEHZXO7X4NRESD/Patricks+place.jpeg Isolation Facilities https://www.massarr.com/contact daily 0.75 2021-03-29 https://www.massarr.com/transports-1 daily 0.75 2021-03-20 https://www.massarr.com/meds daily 0.75 2021-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616443092536-T373QKN264GSQ1T9T330/Happy+Pappis.jpg Tranferring Medications - We all agree that medication must be transferred with the appropriate instructions - dosage, frequency, length, with/without food, what side effects to watch for, follow up, and any special information such as: “needs to be refrigerated” or “do not give with dairy”, etc. “Furthermore, the new owner would need to recognize if the animal was not responding to treatment and when and where to seek veterinary assistance.” This is usually done directly with verbal instructions from the vet to the owner as well as written instructions on the medication. However, in our situation, medications sometimes have to transfer to an adopter or a foster. In the foster case, medication can transfer to a foster since they are an extension of the rescue organization (provided the steps above are followed.) In the adoption case (for instance with an animal on maintenance meds), the prescribing vet must have a discussion with the adopter to ensure complete understanding as well as to maintain the Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCRP) that is required under the Board of Pharmacy. Note: This includes dispensing heartworm prevention. https://www.massarr.com/ocvis daily 0.75 2023-07-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616442676298-ZE56QF0RJXMUQXCHNOU7/Vetandcat.jpeg OCVIs https://www.massarr.com/insuranceandaccountingfirms daily 0.75 2021-05-03 https://www.massarr.com/home daily 1.0 2023-06-28 https://www.massarr.com/mdarregs daily 0.75 2021-04-06 https://www.massarr.com/fostertoadopt daily 0.75 2021-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616443313483-VJCIQ9OS8QPOIISZNUOO/Jax.jpg Foster to Adopt - What to do if a dog/cat is found to have an infectious but not contagious issue at the conclusion of the 48 hour isolation period? Examples of this are ear infections, urinary tract infections, and demodectic mange. One option is for the animal to remain in quarantine until the issue is resolved. Another option is for your veterinarian to call Patricia Cabral and request that the dog/cat be transferred into foster for treatment. Cahill 3/11/21: “If the veterinarian has determined that a particular animal will not respond to treatment while being held in the isolation room, the Department is happy to consider an alternative arrangement if it is in the animal’s best interest. Again, we expect this to be a relatively rare situation.” “If the veterinarian thinks it is warranted, and an arrangement is proposed that will prevent the spread of any contagious pathogen, then I would anticipate it would be approved.” “As for resolution, in accordance with 330 CMR 30.09(1) and (2), once the animal has been treated and recovered, it can get a health certificate. With the health certificate the transfer (or placement) can be completed and that is when the “foster” converts to “adopt”.” Cahill 6/4/20: “As long as it does not allow for the spread of infectious or contagious disease, an animal being treated or recovering from an illness may be the subject of a foster-to-adopt agreement. This would allow a prospective adopter to care for the animal during this time period, but the adoption cannot be finalized until the animal is deemed healthy (or no longer capable of transmitting disease).” If Patricia Cabral agrees to the arrangement, the medication appears to be able to transfer due to a foster being an agent of the rescue. Technically, the person should be set up as a foster by completing your foster contract as well as signing the Best Practices for Fosters from the MDAR. You may want to put a clause in the foster contract that the foster is responsible for any other medical care that they need during this interim period. Once the issue is resolved, it appears that the animal can return to the rescue’s vet for a Health Certificate or can go to a local vet for a Health Certificate, and a copy of that paperwork should be maintained with your records. https://www.massarr.com/transporting-pregnant-animals daily 0.75 2021-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616414312149-MNH1JD2H2SLYZX0WMHL8/nursing+puppies.jpg Transporting Pregnant + Nursing Animals Pregnant animals can be transported, provided they meet the vaccination requirements of Rabies, one DHPP, and a negative Heartworm test. The administration of a DHPP to a pregnant animal goes against veterinary best practices. The MDAR was asked if an exception can be made, and the answer was “no”. Of course, the decision to transport a pregnant animal needs to be weighed against the stress such transport and quarantine will cause. Nursing moms and litters cannot be transported due to MGL chapter 129 section 39g. We received an opinion letter on this and it appears to be difficult to challenge. The only exception might be in an emergency situation such as a natural disaster with special dispensation from the MDAR. https://www.massarr.com/faq daily 0.75 2021-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616446246278-1WKMU9RLX6N7DGDSXZCR/dog+q.jpeg FAQ What should be done if a dog needs to leave isolation to go to the vet? There are times when an animal needs emergency vet care during the 48 isolation period. Examples are spay incisions opening, wounds that need stitching, and parvo (see parvo section). If an animal leaves isolation, the MDAR has stated that the 48 hour “clock” must restart upon re-introduction to quarantine as they could have been exposed to contagious pathogens while at the vets office/hospital. This is not the case if you can isolate them in a separate room. What should be done if an animal appears sick or aggressive upon arrival? Isolation facilities are not required to take an animal that does not meet its standards for health or temperament. However, if the facility does take an animal who appears sick, and the animal subsequently tests positive for a contagious disease, the isolation facility must quarantine the entire transport. What should be done if animals are adopted already and an animal from the transport subsequently tests positive for a contagious disease? This is a tricky question. Since the incubation for some diseases often is longer than 48 hours, this does happen. If notified, consider the incubation period and the method of transmission (airborn, exposure to stool, direct contact). While a shelter/rescue’s responsibility is not defined in the regulations, it is a best practice to notify adopters whose adopted animal may have been exposed. A rule of thumb is to notify adopters if something happens within 14 days from adoption. Certainly any diseases with significant mortality like parvo need to be communicated. Consider the method of transmission when determining notification. Can dogs go outside during the 48 hour isolation period? Yes they can provided they are kept in outside isolation space or walked in an area that is designated for and only used by dogs while in isolation. Are footbaths required outside/inside quarantine or sick rooms? No, footbaths are no longer the best practice. Rather, disposable paper booties or rubber boots that are kept in and used only in the isolation area are recommended. ACPCA: Give Footbaths the Boot What diseases are reportable? See this list. https://www.massarr.com/adopting-intact-animals daily 0.75 2021-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616414519434-GVQQDJ7MIXT1DAR7XB2N/IMG_9798.jpg Adopting Intact Animals The regulations allow for dogs and cats to be imported and adopted prior to being spayed/neutered. While it is often more efficient and less expensive to have this surgery done prior to transport, there are times when it is not feasible. In those cases, you are allowed to collect a refundable spay/neuter deposit of $40 and above from the adopter. By doing so, this ensures that the adopters have some skin in the game to get the surgery done. In addition, rescues should be clear about where and when the surgery should take place as well as who is responsible for scheduling and payment. Many vets have started pushing back on surgery being done prior to six months and want to wait for one or even two years, particularly for large breed dogs. As shelters and rescues, we support the need to prevent procreation and need to do our part to ensure that the surgery takes place. This includes: 1) Educate and agree up front that this must be done by six months of age (sample). Be crystal clear with adopters on what needs to happen by giving them written materials as well as a verbal review. (Share this article with vets who are pushing back.) 2) Follow up. Develop a process to track needed surgeries. Contact the adopter 2 to 3 times and keep a record of the contact and efforts made to schedule the surgery. 3) MDAR has stated that you can require the return of the dog due to breach of contract. Alternatively, you can also pursue legal recourse. While theoretically these suggestions may be remedies, the reality is they would be quite difficult to enforce. MDAR has also stated that shelters and rescues will be financially responsible in the case where a dog does procreate. We believe that this is outside the scope of their authority provided the above steps have been taken. 4) Get a veterinary exception letter. 30.09 (8) If a Veterinarian has examined a Dog or Cat and documented that a specific medical condition would cause spay or neuter surgery to be detrimental to the Animal's health, the Licensee shall take stringent steps to prevent the intentional or negligent breeding of the Animal, in accordance with 330 CMR 30.06(5). Such preventive measures shall remain in effect permanently, or until the Dog or Cat becomes healthy enough for surgery. https://www.massarr.com/med-regs daily 0.75 2021-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616510475450-KHCWU9AZQ5BGJG8C34OO/MARR_medical_v01-01.png Making sense of the medical part of the regs https://www.massarr.com/fip-in-cats daily 0.75 2021-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616460778860-5MFRAN78TDCSK0OOX9XP/Sam.jpg FIP in Cats https://www.massarr.com/during-inspections daily 0.75 2021-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616445224274-1EIUP8CWL5Q8Q1RL4954/inspection.jpeg During Inspections The inspection is usually performed by two inspectors from the MDAR. While the inspection is underway, you should: Review 330 CMR 30.00 section 30.05 Take notes or consider asking to record the visit Ask for things in writing Clarify what is a requirement and what is a suggestion Ensure the inspectors follow your quarantine protocols such as wearing foot coverings It is not uncommon for the inspectors to take pictures. Once completed, the examiners will follow up in writing with a list of things to fix. From there, the standard timeline to resolve the items is 10 days. Once completed, the inspectors will return and reinspect. If needed, you can challenge the violations/remedies with reasonable rationale (such as best practices that state otherwise). https://www.massarr.com/help-for-special-animals daily 0.75 2021-03-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616416898019-FR16JQ7UJVIAS9N9HAZ1/Susie%27s+Senior+Dogs.png Help for Special Animals https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616417224774-JNK708PV18VBSGCURBIC/cuddly+-+NK+%28transparent%29.png Help for Special Animals https://www.massarr.com/parvo daily 0.75 2021-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616413670973-44K3PIN2YBWV51X9Z3ZL/IMG_9788.jpg Parvovirus in Puppies https://www.massarr.com/inspection-prep daily 0.75 2021-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616444377035-9BC41SYRV0D9T4ZKQ75M/empty+kennels.jpeg How to prepare for an inspection - The MDAR is not required to provide notice and can show up at any time during normal business hours. Upon arrival, inspectors can ask to see records going back 2 years. Inspection hot spots OCVIs - no white out, information complete and correct (see OCVI) Health Certificate - examination timing must take place after 48 hours and animals must not be released until that point Facilities are clean and have proper disinfection protocols Floors are impervious (“The characteristics of a nonporous, impermeable surface through which a liquid will not be allowed to pass, but upon which water will bead.”) - no cracked tiles Walls are impervious - no unpainted areas or peeling paint Equipment is in good condition - no rust or mold https://www.massarr.com/fines daily 0.75 2021-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616445392042-2TN5ON3HCQ5BUWPGE95W/violation%3A+compliance.jpeg Fines - After the Inspection: Share the information with us so that we can educate others. Review your protocols to see if any root cause analysis can be done to permanently fix things. Fines - the MDAR generally provides 10 days to fix violations of quarantine facilities. Fines may be levied if the remedies are not done. Fines for paperwork or violations of regulations can be $500 per violation up to a total of $10,000 per MGL. https://www.massarr.com/disclosure-forms daily 0.75 2023-07-04 https://www.massarr.com/freeresources daily 0.75 2021-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616415742629-Y2I7X0DPVY1GL6L8I9V3/max_and_neo_only_transparent_300x110.png Free Resources https://www.massarr.com/mdar-whos-who daily 0.75 2023-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616507416064-R6SG84XUYLODF6CES3UM/Screen+Shot+2021-03-22+at+8.15.55+AM.png MDAR Who's Who https://www.massarr.com/heartworm-best-practices daily 0.75 2021-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616447175987-NH39Z95ZM3H4MVKZFS1M/HWpic.jpg Heartworm Best Practices Transporting Heartworm Positive Dogs We are often asked to rescue HW+ dogs. It is required for the dog to be treated at the source and be Microfilaria Negative (but can be Antigen+) before being transported to MA. What happens if a dog tests positive for Heartworm after adoption? Most rescues will pay for treatment if the Heartworm is diagnosed six months after adoption and there is proof of monthly HW preventative administration. A lot of vets in MA do not administer HW treatment on a regular basis, so finding an experienced vet is important. Treatment usually costs around $1400, including x-rays, doxycycline, and three immiticide injections. Are there any other best practices? Clearly note the next date for HW preventative on adoption paperwork. Ensure adopters know the importance of sticking to the monthly schedule and obtaining a HW preventative for the next date it is due. Encourage the dog to be retested at 6 months. Additional Resources: American Heartworm Society: Frequently Asked Questions on Heartworm Treatment in Shelters 2018 AHS Heartworm Guidelines: Current Canine Guidelines for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Heartworm(Dirofilaria immitis) Infection in Dogs American Heartworm Association: Minimizing Heartworm Transmission in Relocated Dogs https://www.massarr.com/low-cost-spayneuter daily 0.75 2021-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6050e760e58d14480e01a0dc/1616412630741-9WVD4AN19UEASLXNCVNU/Catmobile.jpeg Low Cost Spay/Neuter https://www.massarr.com/application-to-quarantine daily 0.75 2021-08-22 https://www.massarr.com/acos-and-other-laws daily 0.75 2021-04-06 https://www.massarr.com/foster daily 0.75 2021-03-29 https://www.massarr.com/sample-foster-form daily 0.75 2021-03-16 https://www.massarr.com/raffles-and-poker-nights daily 0.75 2023-07-10 https://www.massarr.com/annual-filings daily 0.75 2021-04-04 https://www.massarr.com/joinus daily 0.75 2023-06-30 https://www.massarr.com/calltoaction daily 0.75 2023-07-12 https://www.massarr.com/feline-reporting-form-fillable daily 0.75 2023-07-04 https://www.massarr.com/how-to-set-up-a-rescue daily 0.75 2023-12-18 https://www.massarr.com/approved-shelter-and-rescues daily 0.75 2023-12-18 https://www.massarr.com/shelter-rescue-license-application daily 0.75 2024-03-06 https://www.massarr.com/calltoaction-1 daily 0.75 2025-04-29