Shelter operations resource
Stray intake photo and context checklist
Prevent a stray intake photo from becoming a detached artifact or an automated assessment.
Photos are context, not decisions. A person must confirm what is known, what remains unknown, and which concern needs medical, behavior, or operational review.
01
Photo and finder context
- Attach the intake photo to the record.
- Record location and time found.
- Record finder contact only under the team's handling policy.
- Photo attached
- Location found
02
Known intake facts
- Record observed condition without diagnosing.
- Record behavior at intake with setting and source.
- Record collar and chip status.
- Observed condition
- Collar or chip
03
Open work
- Record known-owner search actions.
- Flag urgent needs for the appropriate person.
- Name foster or rescue support questions.
- Urgent need
- Support needed
04
Human review
- Assign the next reviewer.
- Keep unknowns explicit.
- Do not infer condition, breed, behavior, or placement from the photo.
- Next reviewer
- Unknown
If this worksheet surfaces a specific handoff problem, WhiskerMatch can start with that one workflow while the rest of your tools stay in place.
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