By-laws

 

Contents

 

BY-LAWS
of
BUFFALO PUG & SMALL BREED RESCUE INC.
Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. is organized as a non-profit, volunteer corporation. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. is governed by a Board of Directors and voting members.
Adopted January 1, 2004

ARTICLE I: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  1. The Board of Directors is composed of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Committee Coordinator. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of president and secretary. All are voting members.
  2. All officers to the board shall be elected or appointed annually in July, to hold office until the ensuing year’s semi-annual July meeting of the Board. There shall be a verbal nomination and a verbal second. The individual so nominated must also accept the nomination. A show of hands vote will be cast and the majority will rule. Each officer shall hold office for the term for which he or she is elected or appointed and until his or her successor has been elected or appointed and qualified.
  3. The Board of Directors shall consist of not less that three (3) and not more than twelve (12) directors, as determined by the Board from time to time by vote of a majority of the entire Board. The number of directors set forth in the preceding sentence may be increased or decreased to such number not less than three (3) by amendment of the by-laws by a vote of a majority of the entire Board. The entire Board is the total number of directors entitled to vote which the corporation would have if there were no vacancies. No decrease in number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
  4. Newly created directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors and vacancies occurring in the Board for any reason may be filled by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum exists. A director elected to fill a vacancy caused by resignation, death or removal shall be elected to hold office for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor.
  5. A director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board, the president or the secretary of the corporations. The resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Board or such officer, and the acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
  6. The Board is responsible for setting the general policies of the organization and for suggesting additions or deletions to the organization’s by-laws. Any suggested addictions or changes to such by-laws must be vote upon to be set in motion. A change in by-laws is approved by the popular vote of a voting quorum of the Board members.
  7. The Board is responsible for appointing trustees as needed to perform various specific roles as directed by the Board.
  8. The Board, by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board, may designate from among its members and executive committee and other committees, each consisting of three (3) or more directors. Each such committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, and shall have the authority designated by the Board.
  9. A majority of the entire Board shall constitute a quorum for voting and the transaction of business or of any specified item of business. The vote of a majority of the directors present at the time of the vote, if a quorum is present at such time, shall be the act of the Board. Each director present shall have one vote.
  10. Any action require or permitted to be taken by the Board or any committee thereof may be taken of a resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and the written consents thereto by the members of the Board or committee shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or committee.
  11. Board meetings shall be called by the Board of Directors as needed, but at least semi-annually in January and July of every year. Any one or more of the Board or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participation in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
  12. Semi-annual Board meetings shall alternate between Rochester, New York and Buffalo, New York. The Board may determine, as it may from time to time, to hold a meeting of the Board at or in an alternate location. Should an alternate location be determined, all Board members should be notified of said location at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting date in order for arrangements to be made by a member for his or her attendance.
  13. A majority of the directors present, whether or not a quorum is present, may adjourn a meeting to another time and place. Notice of the adjournment shall be given to all directors who were absent at the time of the adjournment and, unless such time and place are announced at the meeting, to the other directors.
  14. At all meetings of the Board the president, or in his or her absence, a chairman chosen by the Board shall preside in conducting the meeting in a formal and expeditious manner.

ARTICLE II: BOARD OFFICERS

  1. Elected Positions
    1. The President: Responsible for providing overall direction to Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. The president chairs board meetings and serves as the official manager of the operations within the organization as seen fit by the entire Board. The President may pay bills if the Treasurer is unable to do so, but may not do so without the express consent of said Treasurer.
    2. The Vice-President: Conducts all business of the organization in the absence of the President. The Vice-President should reside in an alternate city as the President and can conduct business activities in that alternate city as the President would conduct business. The Vice-President should communicate regularly with the President and aid in any operational business activities in which the President needs assistance.
    3. The Secretary: Records minutes of all meetings and distributes them to the members. The Secretary records and maintains log of attendance at meetings.
    4. The Treasurer: Responsible for the finances of the organization. This includes the payment of bills and reimbursement of volunteers for expenses incurred in rescue work. The Treasurer prepares a monthly financial statement, showing income and expenses, which should be presented at each meeting of the Board. The Treasurer also prepares an annual financial report.
    5. The Trustees: Various Trustee duties will be set forth by the Board of Directors. These trustee officer positions are including, but not limited to any combination of the following: Adoption Coordinator, Foster Home Coordinator, Fund Raiser Coordinator, Intake Coordinator, Web Master, and Committee Coordinator.

ARTICLE III: APPOINTED VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

  1. Intake Coordinator (IC): May be nominated and elected to serve on the Board of Directors as a Trustee; contacts individuals who wish to surrender or place a pug or small breed mixed or purebred dog into the Rescue program; shall continually interface with shelters (including city pounds, Humane Societies and SPCAs) and other rescue groups in an effort to save dogs in overpopulated shelter environments from potential euthanasia due to lack of space; shall obtain all medical records and behavior histories of the surrendered dog when appropriate; shall obtain and maintain file of signed Surrender Agreements for each surrendered dog; shall complete an intake form on the website (www.buffalopugs.org) upon acceptance of a dog into the program; shall assign and attach a BPSBR tag number to the collar of the accepted dog; contacts Foster Coordinator to make arrangements for placing a dog in a volunteer foster home.
  2. Adoption Coordinator (AC) (may have multiple ACs for various regions): May be nominated and elected to serve on the Board of Directors as a Trustee; screens adoption applications for suitable matches for any dog within the Rescue program; interfaces with the Foster Coordinator about potential candidates for dogs within the Rescue program; arranges home visits for potential adopters; arranges time and place for adoptions to occur upon approval of a potential adopter’s application; contacts and screens vet and personal references on a potential adopter’s application; stores and maintains all adoption records including adoption agreements that are signed upon the adoption of a dog; archives and marks dog intake profile and adopter’s application as completed and makes appropriate changes to the website or corresponds with the Web Master for the updates to be made.
  3. Foster Home & Volunteer Coordinator (FC) (may have multiple FCs for various regions): May be nominated and elected to serve on the Board of Directors as a Trustee; screens volunteer applications for suitable candidates; interfaces with volunteer fosters and the Adoption Coordinator about dog(s) entering the program to arrange for the foster care of said dog; relays and discusses potential adopter information between the volunteer foster home and the Adoption Coordinator; stores and maintains all volunteer records including Foster Agreements; remains in contact with all foster homes at all times within a defined region; coordinates home visits for potential new foster volunteers; ensure training and foster guideline information is provided to each and every new foster within defined region of responsibility; archives and marks volunteer applications as completed and makes appropriate changes to the website or corresponds with the Web Master for the updates to be made; insures that all incoming dogs are set up for standard vet care which will then be obtained by the foster home.
  4. Web Master (WC): May be nominated and elected to serve on the Board of Directors as a Trustee; maintains the website (www.buffalopugs.org) in every aspect; ensures safety of the privacy information of potential adopters and volunteers; interfaces with all other appointed officers to insure data integrity on the website; provides access to restricted areas (stored applications area, etc) when necessary; maintains volunteer and adoption mailing lists.
  5. Fundraising Coordinator (FRC): May be nominated and elected to serve on the Board of Directors as a Trustee; acts as a liaison to management of establishments that have opted to allow the Rescue program to use their place of business to conduct fundraising or awareness days; solicits volunteers for idea about fundraising and acts as the liaison to any fundraising programs or entities that the Rescue elects to conduct business with.
  6. Committee Coordinator (CC): May be nominated and elected to serve on the Board of Directors as a Trustee; oversees all established committees and reports on committee activities to the Board at the semi-annual Board meetings; insures that each committee has assigned volunteers to perform the committee function.

ARTICLE IV: NO MEMBERS

The corporation shall have no members.

ARTICLE V: RESCUE POLICY

  1. Pugs and all breeds in size range of dogs are accepted by Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. It is not necessary that the dog be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) as mixed breeds are also accepted. Older dogs and dogs with medical problems are accepted.
  2. In the event that an owner surrendered dog can not be accepted into Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc.’s program due to restrictions, the Intake Coordinator will provide the contacts and phone numbers for other, more suitable rescue groups.
  3. Priority should be given to dogs as follows: 1.) abuse situation 2.) shelter 3.) owner turn in 4.) stray. Thus, in accepting a dog into Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc., a dog in an abusive situation has a priority over a dog being turned in by owner in the event of a lack of foster home space.
  4. All pugs and all breeds turned over to the organization shall become the property of the organization as specified in the Surrender Agreement.
  5. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. will not accept into the program:
    1. Any dog the Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. Board of Directors feels it cannot place into a new home.
    2. Any dog with medical conditions that the Board of Directors, after consultation with a veterinarian, feels it cannot place into an adoptive home.
    3. A dog with a history of biting a human will NOT BE ACCEPTED by Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. A dog with a history of unprovoked aggression toward other animals or people (other than biting) may be accepted or denied based on the decision of the Board of Directors.
    4. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. reserves the right to reject any pug or any breed of dog for any reason.
  6. The Intake Coordinator must be notified about any dog BEFORE the dog is accepted by Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. This is very important in terms of efficient use of resources.
  7. Foster Coordinator will make arrangements for the foster home to take the dog to a veterinary clinic approved by the board. Veterinary clinic visits should be arranged so that they are convenient for the foster home. The closest Board approved vet clinic to the foster home should be the one utilized for that foster home’s foster dog. The Foster Coordinator may also designate someone else to perform this duty.
  8. Any Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. officer may take a dog in at any time. However, if the Intake Coordinator does not accept the dog into the program, the BPSBR officer assumes all responsibility for the dog. This includes veterinarian bills and eventual placement of the dog.
  9. This article will include the addition of cats and kittens into  BPSBR under the same policies as dogs. 

ARTICLE VI: MANAGEMENT OF ACCEPTED DOGS

  1. Procedures for dogs surrendered by owner: This will also include the addition of cats.
    1. The owner will be asked to provide current medical records if available.
    2. If the dog requires a bath, the owner should be asked to provide this before turning the dog over to BPSBR.
    3. At the time of transfer, a Surrender Agreement must be signed by the owner. This form will be kept in the Intake Coordinator’s intake files.
    4. Once a dog has entered the program, the dog becomes the property of Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. and will NOT be returned to the owner. The owner will not have further contact with the dog.
  2. Procedures for stray dogs or cats.
    1. Verify with the caller the size and possible breed of the dog. In addition, prior to accepting the dog into rescue, a BPSBR volunteer will evaluate the dog to determine health and temperament of the dog. 
    2. Inform the caller that while Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue is very interested in helping this dog, every effort must be made to locate the dog’s legal owner before we can accept the dog into the program.
    3. Suggest they call the local shelter, police department, veterinarians, and place an advertisement in the Lost and Found section of the local newspaper (this is a free service) social media lost and found pages, and hang found posters in the community. The owner is often located this way.
    4. If after six days, the owner has not been found, the caller should contact Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. again. The dog may enter the program if the Intake Coordinator or approved officer accepts it.
    5. After six days, they dog will be the legal property of the finder; therefore a Surrender Application should be completed.
    6. If the finder is absolutely unable to keep the dog, the dog may be accepted into the program immediately at the discretion of the Intake Coordinator.
    7. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue will then start another seven day stray hold and reach out to local entities to try to locate an owner. No medical procedures with the exception of a rabies vaccine will be done during that time. 
  3. Procedures for shelter dogs or cats:
    1. Verify with the shelter worker breed, health, temperament. In addition, prior to accepting the dog into rescue, a BPSBR volunteer will evaluate the dog to determine breed, health and temperament. 
    2. Ask for background information on the dog and their evaluation of the dog’s temperament.
    3. Secure acceptance approval of this dog with the Intake Coordinator.
    4. Upon accepting the dog, contact the Foster Home Coordinator about the situation, including how quickly the shelter would like us to move the dog.
    5. Because we are not in contact with the relinquishing owner, there will NOT be a signed surrender agreement for this dog.
    6. The Intake Coordinator should ask the shelter to provide the inoculation and spay/neuter records, if given.
  4. Post acceptance procedures for all dogs:
    1. They must be taken by the foster home to one of the veterinarians who work with Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc.
    2. Dogs from shelters and strays should be isolated from other dogs for a minimum of three days. If it is not feasible to do this, the foster home understands that there is a risk that the dog may become ill.
      • While at the veterinarian clinic, the following procedures must be completed:
        • a complete physical examination
        • Unless Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. has obtained medical records showing that the dog is current on immunizations, the following will be given:
          • DHLPP- (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus)
          • Rabies immunizations
          • Heartworm test
          • Fecal test
        • If requested by the veterinarian conducting the examination:
          • Bordatella (kennel cough)
    3. Intact dogs must be spayed or neutered as soon as their health and general physical conditions permit.
    4. The dog will be collared and tagged with a BPSBR ID tag, and it should remain on dog’s neck at all times throughout the rescue program process.

ARTICLE VII: FOSTER HOME RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Volunteers who wish to become foster homes are asked to complete a volunteer application online at www.buffalopugs.org, or fill out a paper copy and return it to the Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. If accepted, the volunteer submits to a home inspection and signs a Foster Home Agreement, which releases the organization from any liability.
  2. The foster home serves as a safe and comfortable environment for the rescue dog or cat . The foster home allows us to get to know something about the rescue dog before it is placed in a permanent home.
  3. The foster home makes an effort to assess the rescue dog in terms of:
    • general health - coat condition, skin problems, weight, energy level.
    • behavior - is the dog housebroken (very important); does it know basic commands, does the dog chew, get along with children, other dogs, cats.
    • temperament - is the dog friendly, withdrawn, or easily frightened; does the dog respond to you and other people; does the dog sulk.
  4. Any medical or behavioral problems in the rescue dog should be reported as soon as possible to the Foster Home Coordinator and the Intake Coordinator.
  5. In the case of a medical emergency, the dog should be taken to the nearest veterinary clinic or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic if after regular hours. Notify the Foster Home Coordinator and the Intake Coordinator as soon as possible.
  6. The foster home should determine when the dog is ready to be adopted and notify the Adoption Coordinator. Potential adopters are referred to the Foster Coordinator and foster home by the Adoption Coordinator.
  7. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. does not pay for dog food while the dog is in foster care. We suggest premium food. Certain extenuating circumstances may be reviewed and approved by the board to provide food to the foster for the foster dog.
  8. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. will not pay for dog toys, chews, or any other supplies.
  9. All dogs placed in foster care should be crated when not supervised until the foster home can make a confident evaluation of the dog’s temperament and behavior while left alone and with people. They should be isolated from any other dogs in the home until a veterinary examination and inoculations have been provided.
  10. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. will not be responsible for any damage caused by a foster dog who is not crated, whether damage is to personal property or any other animal, including the Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. owned dog.
  11. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. will supply the foster home with a crate if needed.
  12. If, upon arrival, the foster home suspects the dog may be aggressive, the foster home is to immediately contact the Intake Coordinator or the Adoption Coordinator, who will confer with members of the Board to determine whether to accept or reject the dog in the program. 
  13. While there is no established time parameter that a dog will be in Foster care, the Foster Home should not plan to foster a dog for at least three weeks prior to any vacation. Foster dogs under sixteen weeks of age must remain in the foster home for a two week minimum. Foster dogs over sixteen weeks of age must remain in a foster home for a minimum of three weeks. 
  14. The foster home should contact the Foster Home Coordinator or a board member if any medical treatment is needed for the dog. This should be done prior to performing the treatment. If treatment is given on an emergency basis, the Foster Home coordinator must be notified as soon as possible. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. will only pay for those treatments authorized by the Foster Home Coordinator or Board Member or those performed in an emergency situation.

ARTICLE VIII: BOARDING KENNEL PROCEDURES

  1. When Foster Homes are not available, dogs can occasionally be boarded. Boarding kennels will be reimbursed at a rate to be approved by the Board of Directors.
  2. Boarding kennels will be asked to set their own limits regarding how many rescue dogs they can accommodate at one time.

ARTICLE IX: APPLICANTS FOR RESCUE DOGS

  1. Persons wishing to adopt a rescue dog from Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. are asked to complete an application form at www.buffalopugs.org or via paper copy.
  2. The Adoption Coordinator or delegate will review each application as it comes in to ensure that it appears to be a suitable home. If it doesn't appear to be a fit for any dog, (abuse situation, neglect, multiple surrenders of past animals) will be brought to the attention to the board to review for permanent denial of an applicant. 
  3. If the initial review does not disqualify the applicant, a volunteer or the foster home will be assigned to review applications for their current foster or an appointed foster. Once an applicant is identified as a match, they should be notified and should they remain interested, should be put in contact with the foster home for a discussion about the dog.
  4. If all goes well and the foster home feels comfortable with the potential applicant, the foster home should let the Foster Coordinator know that they wish to proceed at which time the FC or delegate, will contact the vet and personal references of the applicant and arrange for volunteer to conduct a home visit at the applicant’s home.
  5. The volunteer will meet with the entire family at their home and discuss safety measures, what to expect in a rescue, and what they are looking for in a dog. The volunteer will also verify that they believe the family will commit to a life-long relationship with the adopted dog.
  6. Applicants can be declined for, but not limited to any yes answer to the following reasons:
    • Applicant indicates a plan to breed the dog.
    • Applicant refuses the spay/neuter contract on a younger dog that can not be altered within rescue.
    • Applicant misrepresents information on the application.
    • Applicant indicates the dog will be allowed to run free.
    • Applicant’s veterinarian indicates a history of poor care for other animals.
    • Applicant has a history of relinquishing other pets.
    • Applicant turns down more than three (3) rescue dogs the Adoption Coordinator felt matched their request.
    • Applicant will only accept an age or dog personality the Adoption Coordinator feels is unsuited to them (i.e. elderly person who wants a very young dog).
    • Applicant owns other dogs that are not spayed/neutered.
    • Applicant owns other dogs that are aggressive.
    • Applicant rents a home or apartment and landlord can not be contacted by Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc., for their approval.
    • Applicant has no fence when it appears the dog would be at risk due to lack of fencing (invisible fence is not an adequate safety measure).
    • Applicant’s home is unkempt and potentially unsafe with clutter or items that can be considered harmful to a dog’s health.

ARTICLE X: ADOPTION PROCEDURES

  1. General Procedures
    1. Once a potential adopter has been located for a rescue, dog, the foster home should speak with the prospective adopter and assess whether this would be a good home for the dog.
    2. If the person(s) wish to adopt the dog, they are told there is a potential 24 hour wait period. This allows the adopters time to gather thoughts and supplies and make a permanent, responsible decision. This also allows time for the foster home to contact the Adoption Coordinator with positive or negative thoughts concerning the potential adopter. This may be waived under special circumstances, such as a large distance between the adopter and foster home.
    3. All members of the adopting family household should be present at the home inspection so an informed decision can be reached by the entire household on the acceptance or rejection of a dog. This would preclude the dog from being unnecessarily uprooted due to a household member’s lack of input.
  2. After The 24 Hour Wait Period:
    1. The foster home (or delegated individual handling the adoption) should review the Adoption Agreement with the new owner. Payment must be made through one of the following ways; check made out to Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. must be obtained from the adopter and the dog’s name printed on that check, cash, PayPal or Venmo. One copy of the Adoption Agreement should be kept by the adopter. The other copy of the Adoption Agreement and the check or proof of payment are mailed to the Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. current Treasurer or may be securely locked at the Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Adoption center location. 
    2. Let the new owner know that the dog’s medical records and papers (if available) will be given to them at time of adoption or mailed shortly if additional copies are needed/requested.
    3. Encourage the new owner to call the foster home with questions or problems. Advise the owner that the foster home (or other member) may be contacting them to see how things are progressing.
    4. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. will not give the adopting family the name, address or phone number of families relinquishing dogs, nor will it give the relinquishing families the name, address or phone number of the adopting family.
    5. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. will not release the breeder’s name or the dog’s pedigree to the adopting family, and AKC papers, if any, will not be signed over to the new owner except under special circumstances (such as the new owner plans to compete with the dog in AKC performance events).

ARTICLE XI: COMMUNICATIONS

  1. Any communication that is placed on Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. letterhead MUST be approved by the acting President, or a majority of the board members, prior to being distributed in any manner (includes mail, fax, internet).
  2. No deviation or re-design of the Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. letterhead or logo may be used, and the Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. letterhead may not be scanned into any computer program to be used in communication without the expressed permission of the Board of Directors.
    • Any communication signed as follows:
      Sincerely,
      Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue, Inc.
      Jane Doe
      (title)
  3. Communication written by the Vice President, President or Secretary does not require Board approval.

ARTICLE XII: PROPERTY

  1. All written communication, plans, manuals, and all related documents are the property of Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. In the event that a volunteer or Board Member resigns or does not seek reelection, the files are to be turned over to the Board Secretary.
  2. Whenever a volunteer obtains an asset (i.e. crate, telephone, fax machine, etc.) the volunteer will sign a form indicating he/she has received the asset. The “Asset Borrowed Form” should be returned to the Treasurer, who will maintain a file of all assets held by Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue volunteers.
  3. If/when a volunteer resigns, the property must be returned to Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. within ten (10) days, unless arrangements have been made in writing. When the property is returned, the Treasurer will make a notation on the “Asset Borrowed Form” stating that said asset was returned. One copy of the form will be sent to the volunteer and one will remain in the Treasurer’s file.
  4. Any property not returned within ten (10) days, or other reasonable time frame (established by the Board of Directors) will result in Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. seeking payment in full for the asset not returned, which may result in legal proceedings if the individual refuses to pay for or return the asset(s).

ARTICLE XIII: RETURN OF PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED DOG

  1. If, through the follow-up process or telephone call from the owner, Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue is made aware that a dog previously adopted should come back into the program, intake procedures should be followed as outlined in the Intake section of these by-laws.
  2. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. will NOT accept a dog back into the program because the owner cannot emotionally deal with euthanasia.
  3. If a dog has been found to have aggressive tendencies, the owner will be counseled as to the steps the owner wishes to take:
    • If possible, Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc., will provide names of qualified animal behaviorists, training facilities or counselors if the owner wishes to attempt to rectify the behavior.
    • If the owner reports that the dog has bitten an individual the owner will be advised we will accept the dog back into the program and if/when the dog is returned, the board will evaluate the dog, and that the dog may be euthanized. Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue will also follow a 10 day rabies quarantine for the dog as per Health Department laws before euthanasia. 
  4. If Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. learns that an owner has violated the terms and conditions of the Adoption Agreement, the Board of Directors will review the data and make a decision regarding reclaiming the dog.

ARTICLE XIV: EUTHANASIA

  1. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. recognizes euthanasia is an option of last resort. It also recognizes that such an option, while difficult, may be necessary for the humane treatment of an animal. The quality of life, as well as the safety of its human companions, must be the determining factor in any decision to euthanize an animal. The decision to euthanize a dog shall be as follows:
    • A serious medical or behavioral problem: the examining veterinarian or the foster home should immediately contact the Foster Home Coordinator.
    • Two board members, shall, working with a licensed veterinarian, determine that the animal is suffering or that it is a threat to the safety of the people around the dog. When the dog has been evaluated by a person or persons judged competent by the Board for Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. to evaluate the temperament and stability of the dog, and if there is no reasonable option of ensuring the safety of the humans around it, a decision shall be made.
  2. If a decision is made to euthanize a dog following these guidelines, the procedure will be carried out by a veterinary professional.

ARTICLE XV: FINANCIAL POLICY

All expenditures require the approval of the Treasurer or officer appointed by the Board, expenditures over $700 require the approval of the board.

ARTICLE XVI: RESCUE ADOPTION FEE

  1. A fee is requested, but not always required (see below for special circumstances), for all mixed and purebred or hybrid dogs. Adoption fee is determined by breed, age and medical needs. The adoption fee can range anywhere from $75 up to $650.
  2. Subjective Fee – A fee may not be requested at all for any dog that has serious medical issues that are non repairable, or for dogs that are over twelve (12) years in age.
  3. In the event that a qualified adopter can not afford to pay a requested fee, that adopter is not to be immediately disregarded. Such an adoption can be discussed with the Board and a decision can be made to allow the adoption to occur without fee payment should the situation be a good one for the dog. Occurrences like this need to be scrutinized in detail because of the fact that a potential adopter may not be able to properly care for an adopted dog throughout its life if they can not afford the requested adoption fee.
  4. Any dog 12 yrs or older qualifies for the Senior 4 Senior program. If the adopter is 65 yrs or older. The adoption donation will be drastically reduced to $150.00 for purebreed/hybrid seniors and $125.00 for mixed bred seniors.

ARTICLE XVII: EXPENDITURE PRIORITIES

  1. Expenses are prioritized as follows:
    • Veterinary care for dogs
    • Adoption center rent/utilities 
    • Boarding
    • Miscellaneous expenses including, but not limited to: grooming, phone calls, postage, equipment purchases, mileage expenses.
  2. All veterinary services above and beyond a complete physical examination and routine inoculations must be authorized before they are incurred.
  3. The Foster Home Coordinator must be made aware of any veterinary bills about to be incurred. It is understood that it is not always possible for the exact dollar amount to be determined in advance, but the general condition of the dog must be noted.
  4. Reimbursement for phone calls, postage, etc., cannot be guaranteed. Every effort will be made to reimburse out-of-pocket expenses as soon as possible.

ARTICLE XVIII: FUNDRAISING

  1. Any expense for fundraising purposes requires the approval of the Board of Directors.
  2. No officer, volunteer or committee member will personally gain from Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. fund raising items by purchasing donated items at a discount. All such individuals will be charged full retail prices plus applicable sales tax for any items purchased. If any items are marked down in price, such individuals will be charged the reduced price.
  3. No officer, volunteer or committee member may keep any item sent to Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. as a sample or a gift. If the sample item has been donated to Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc., the item will be used in a raffle or other fund raising effort. If the item will not be used in a fund raising effort and an officer, volunteer or committee member wishes to purchase it, said individual will purchase the item at full retail value (with permission of the Fundraising Coordinator).
  4. The appointed Fund Raising committee encourages each officer or volunteer to obtain information from a potential vendor about possible fund raising items, however, no purchase on behalf of the Fund Raising committee may be made.
  5. The designated purchasing agent for the appointed Fund Raising committee is the Fund Raising Coordinator.

ARTICLE XIX: CODE OF ETHICS

With full recognition that the best possible motives don’t always produce perfect results, we pledge to:

  • Animal Care:
    • Provide all dogs in our care with adequate quantities of nourishing food and fresh water.
    • Provide safe, secure and clean facilities with adequate shelter.
    • Provide appropriate veterinary care to all dogs, including immunizations and parasite treatments when needed.
    • Provide loving attention to every dog we keep.
  • Placement Practices:
    • Screen all prospective adopters to the best of our ability.
    • Educate potential adopters during the interview process regarding their future responsibilities as dog owners.
    • Be honest about the faults or potential faults of the breed and bloodline being adopted and remain available to the adopter for further support if it is needed.
    • Refuse to deal knowingly with dog retailers, dog wholesalers and unethical dog breeders.
    • Refuse to supply dogs for raffles, “give away” prizes or other such projects.
    • Refuse to adopt to any adopter where we have reason to believe that the puppy or dog will be poorly cared for.
    • Never surrender our own animals to a shelter for adoption.
    • State in contractual terms, that if for any reason the adopter(s) cannot keep the dog/puppy that we, the rescuers, will take the dog back and assume full and total responsibility for the dog’s welfare.
    • Require all puppies placed under pet contracts to be spayed or neutered.
  • Public Contact:
    • Conduct all of our affairs concerning dogs in such a way that our behavior brings credit to the image of dogs and dog ownership in the community. Act professional in public settings including social media and written communication. 
    • Clean up after our dogs when walking or exercising them in public and keep them under control at all times.
  • Business Agreements:
    • Use contracts that are ethically sound as well as legally binding which seek to protect the dog, the adopter and the rescue group.
    • Strive to uphold the intent as well as the letter of such agreements.