RESCUE - PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES
While the ASCF Rescue Committee does not govern nor dictate policies and procedures of the ASCF
Rescue Volunteers, we do propose the following guidelines for consideration in developing your rescue program.
· Temperament: Carefully evaluate the temperament of any dog coming into or referred through your rescue network. Remember that the cocker spaniel is supposed to be a “merry” dog.
· Health: The ASCF recommends that care be taken before placing a dog with health problems that
will detrimentally affect the quality of the dog’s life. As guardians of our breed, euthanasia is not a
solution that any of us wish to do. When faced with a health problem that compromises the dog's
quality of life, it is our responsibility to humanely help him across the rainbow bridge.
· Age: The ASCF urges rescue affiliates to refer geriatric dogs in good health for placement rather
than foster them. Geriatric dogs are generally more difficult to rehome than the younger dogs. Time
and available space must be taken into consideration as the geriatrics sometimes take up to a year
or more to find an adoptive family. Also consider the health and environment the older dog has been in. Coming from one home and no moves since puppyhood, into a cage at a foster home may not be in the best interest of the dog.
· Spay/Neuter: It is a must that rescue animals be “speutered” before placement.
· Pregnant Bitches: Occasionally a pregnant bitch will come into the rescue arena. While the ASCF
would recommend she be spayed and the litter aborted, there are circumstances where this is not a
feasible solution. If the pregnancy is too advanced, or the bitch’s health would be jeopardized by an
immediate operation, the rescue volunteer must use their best judgment and veterinarian’s advice as to whether or not to spay or whelp the litter. If the decision to allow the bitch go to term with the litter, she should be fostered at a home where she and her puppies will receive quality one-on-one care throughout the remaining gestation and initial weeks of puberty. Ideally, the puppies should be
placed after spay/neuter at 12-14 weeks of age.
· Incorporation: Although not a requirement to participate in the ASCF Rescue Network, we strongly
recommend every rescue group be incorporated.
· Adoption Fees: As veterinary expenses vary from state to state, each group should set placement
fees that will cover the average veterinary and overhead expenses when the dog is placed.
· Limits: Define your limits and stick to them. If you are only able to foster one or two dogs, do not
take the third one. If you can only maintain the website or answer the rescue phone, be happy that
you’re able to contribute that time
© American Spaniel Club Foundation, Inc. 2010 - All Rights Reserved
Improving the health, welfare and general advancement of Flushing Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels in particular
Give Back to the breed that has given so much to you!
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