Intakes

INTAKE FREEZE IN EFFECT

INTAKE FREEZE IN EFFECT

Important Notice Regarding Intake Freeze

We at SOS Prairie Rescue have implemented an immediate intake freeze, effective until further notice. During this period, we are unable to accept new cats into our rescue, except for previously adopted cats that need to be returned and orphaned kittens in urgent need of care. This decision is a result of current internal changes and a critical lack of foster space. It is necessary to ensure the ongoing sustainability of our operations and our ability to continue supporting the community effectively.

Please note that while we are pausing new intakes, our waitlist remains open. We are committed to resuming normal operations as soon as possible and will keep our community updated through this process. We appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time, and encourage those who can, to consider fostering to help alleviate our current constraints.

Thank you for your patience and for standing with us as we navigate these changes. Your support continues to be essential in our mission to provide care and find forever homes for cats in need.

Updated: April 22, 2024

STRAY CATS:

Cats designated and identified as strays are accepted into SOS as long as there is room and funds.

In the eyes of SOS, a stray cat includes any cat claimed by the finder to be an un-owned domestic cat that appeared or was found outdoor, regardless if the finder provides shelter and care (including veterinary care) while waiting on our wait-list or being promoted.

OWNER SURRENDERS:

Cats surrendered by their owners are accepted only if there is room and funds within SOS. SOS does not perform euthanasia for citizens requesting it for their pets. Callers are referred to their veterinarian. 

OWNER SURRENDER FORM:

Every individual surrendering a cat must sign the owner surrender form that states they are the rightful owner of the cat and that ownership of the cat is relinquished to SOS. Owner surrender forms are available via pandadoc for esignature.

Individuals surrendering their cats must attest, by signing the owner surrender form that they understand relinquishment is final and the cat will not be returned to them. 

SURRENDER DONATION:

A $200 surrender donation request is stated on the owner surrender application and is required to update the cats’ veterinary care.

Intake Policies

  • Immediately secure the cat in a kennel or trap prior to initial inspection, and follow handling procedures specific to dangerous or injured cats when applicable. Place the cat in an appropriate quarantine. Nursing mothers and their young are housed together.

  • Check for any identification, such as license, ID tag, or Rabies tag. Check the cat’s ears for tattoos. Have the cat checked for a microchip. Remove the collar, if applicable, and check for identification information on its underside.

  • Any toys, blankets, collars, etc. that are brought in with the cat become the personal property of the animal, and should be recorded on their file. The cat may feel more comfortable when he has something with him that he recognizes by smell.

  • If the individual surrendering the cat has vaccination and/or health information, that information is made available to SOS at the time of the cat's acceptance and entry to the rescue, and placed in the cat's file. If no health and/or vaccination information is available, the surrendered cat, upon arrival, receives the standard vaccinations and preventative care, as set forth in these policies and deemed appropriate by the consulting veterinarian.

  • Document all information found on the cat, including the date and where found, breed, color, sex, tag and/or microchip number, and color of collar, on the log sheet.

  • Each animal is assigned an intake number. The intake number is recorded on all applicable documentation.

  • The cat is then placed in an appropriate foster home. Nursing mothers and their young are fostered together. Kittens from the same litter may be housed together if there is room in the foster home.

  • An initial observation and evaluation is performed on the cat by qualified trained volunteer to assess for temperament and record all findings on the log sheet.

    Physically inspect the cat, and document the physical description in the appropriate areas on the log sheet. Any injuries or symptoms of illness are to be documented. Additionally, document any behavior problems or observations relayed by any citizens or officials, if applicable. If illness or injury is noted, the animal must be examined by a veterinarian.

    If pregnancy is suspected, the cat will be booked in with a veterinarian as soon as possible to be assessed for safety of spay.