Advisement

Advisement

Meerkatz Animal Haven will be forming an Animal Advisory Board. This will consist of private citizens interested in animals and animal welfare; those who currently own/ manage or work in animal shelters; animal trainers; farmers; veterinarians and vet techs

PURPOSE: the purpose of the Meerkatz Animal Haven Animal Advisory Board is to serve as a citizen advisory board for Animal Services in order to promote and encourage responsible animal ownership through comprehensive strategic planning and other measures as related to animal services. 

These include but are not limited to:

• Advising on Regulations: Advisory Board Consultants can assist public entities in drafting regulations and guidelines related to animal welfare
• Animal Welfare Consulting: Advisory Board Consultants will work with organizations like zoos, shelters, and farms to assess and improve animal welfare standards
• Developing Management Strategies: Advisory Board Consultants will help design and implement strategies for optimal animal care, considering factors like housing, social needs, and environmental enrichment
• Expert Reviews: Advisory Board Consultants will offer unbiased reviews of veterinary care for those who have concerns
• Habitat Management: Advisory Board Consultants will offer expertise in woodland management and stewardship of wildlife habitats; safe and effective management of feral cat colonies; resources for low cost spay/ neuter and veterinary care
• Pet Behavior Consultation: Professionals serving on the Advisory Board like board-certified veterinary behaviorists and certified animal trainers will help pet owners understand and manage a range of behavioral issues in their dogs and cats, such as anxiety, aggression, and house soiling.
• Pet Nutrition Guidance: Advisory Board Consultants working with professionals on the board and pet food companies will work with owners (and potential owners) on:
  • Addressing Specific Needs: Advisory Board Consultants can recommend specialized diets for pets with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other health concerns.
  • Balanced Diet Planning: Veterinarians and pet nutritionists serving on the Advisory Board will provide advice on creating balanced diets for pets, considering factors like age, breed, and activity level.
  • Choosing Quality Food: Advisory Board Consultants will help pet owners understand food labels and choose high-quality, reputable pet food brands.
• Population Management: Advisory Board Consultants working with local veterinarians will work to establish low cost spay/ neuter programs. Advisory Board Consultants can also assist with activities like wildlife surveys and developing plans for managing animal populations. 
• Training and Modification: Many animals are surrendered to shelters or abandoned because owners are unable to properly train their pets. Advisory Board Consultants will provide the following services to help pets learn desired behaviors and modify unwanted ones.
• group training classes
• individual (1:1) training
• individual consultations
• virtual training
• Veterinary Consultation Services: hotlines manned during specific hours by Advisory Board Consultants will offer:
• Online Consultations: Telehealth services connect pet owners with veterinarians/ vet techs for advice on general health and behavior issues.
• Virtual Options: Advisory Board Consultants will offer remote consultations, connecting pet owners with experts from the comfort of their homes.

(NOTE: for veterinary advice and prescribing medication, a veterinarian-client-patient relationship is typically required, meaning a physical examination of the pet must have been conducted)

• Wildlife Management Consulting: Advisory Board Consultants will advise on

Humane Removal and Prevention: Advisory Board Consultants who are professionally trained will advise on safe humane removal of unwanted wildlife from properties and implementing preventative measures so they do not return