MMPC Learniverse - Animal Intake Requirements and Holding Periods - Legal Considerations with Shelter PALS

Course overview

When it comes to daily shelter activities, the most common questions, and greatest confusion, revolve around intake (if, when, who) of animals, and the applicable holding periods once intake occurs. This course will discuss the laws that shape intake and holding periods for animals in shelters in the state of California (but the basic concepts and discussion points will apply to all states). You'll learn the California-specific state mandates and requirements surrounding intake, exceptions surrounding holding periods, and how to determine holding periods in various situations. If you're not in California let this information guide you in what to research in your own state. Knowing which animals should enter the shelter and how long they must stay is crucial to prioritizing intake of the animals who truly need to be at your shelter and minimizing length of stay in shelters for those animals. The specific information in this course is applicable to and based on considerations of California state law, subject to modifications necessitated by state or local laws. Shelters in other states are encouraged to check their state, county, city, and local laws to determine intake and holding procedures. This course was adapted from a webinar by Bruce Wagman, Lead Counsel for the San Francisco SPCA's Shelter Policy and Legal Services (Shelter PALS) program and hosted by the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals).