Felinoterapie, NCHK

AAI Methodology -
Feline therapy in institutions and families

Prepared by:
nezávislý chovatelský klub - Independent Breeders Club
Havlíčkova 590/5
293 01 Mladá Boleslav

Content:
The importance of the presence of pets for human health
Division of zootherapy
Pet therapy
Visiting service

The importance of the presence of pets for human health
Man, a creature however unique in the evolution of all animal species, has never ceased to be a part of nature. Animals have an important place in our lives. The role of prey or food has been replaced by the urgent need for a friend who listens and does not judge.
The positive influence of being in the presence of and in contact with an animal is being used therapeutically with proven results. Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) has a tradition of more than forty years in the USA (in the Czech Republic it has existed for more than twenty years). AAI has been at the forefront of the interest of professionals, especially those working in health care, education and social service settings where patients or residents are seniors, people with disabilities, children with combined disabilities or learning problems, as well as healthy children who are at risk of emotional problems or for whom it is important to establish a healthy relationship with animals and nature.

A live animal is often a person's most trusted and sometimes only friend. The relationship between animal and human is always open, honest and without ulterior motives. The need to care for an animal friend creates a necessary sense of neediness for humans and contributes to the creation of motivation for a better quality of life. It enriches the emotional life through the experience of a reciprocal relationship of love. It replaces the often missing family relationships, either in the case of a lack of emotional warmth in families or in the case of real loneliness, for example after the death of a partner.

From the point of view of the Polyvagal Theory of Dr. Steven W. Porges, the relationship between man and animal can induce the neuroception of safety and activation of the ventral vagal pathway and its optimal interaction with the sympathetic, parasympathetic and dorsal vagal pathways depending on the activities performed, which positively affects the function of the brain, heart, lungs and other organs and supports the processes of establishing social relationships and learning. The induction of these positive emotions contributes significantly to the success of other therapies. Zootherapy thus becomes part of a comprehensive treatment.
The importance of tactile stimulation during contact with a live animal in the form of stroking, cuddling or even behavioural stimulation is not negligible. Even the mere sight of happy animals playing or resting peacefully has a calming effect on the one hand, and on the other hand it awakens a person's interest in his surroundings and breaks him out of his usual apathy and disinterest. It has been found that in the presence of friendly animals, blood pressure is lowered and the heart rate slows down. Contact with animals helps to regenerate strength, psychological relaxation and the expression of feelings and induces positive emotions. Animals often revive positive memories of life for the sick or elderly, thus preserving the temporal continuity between past and present. It gives the disabled or ill the opportunity to exercise their skills in caring for the animals, for example by feeding them, providing them with a drink, or just by giving them advice and emotional involvement and interest in the animals' lives.
Scientific studies confirm the fact that the presence of animals has a positive effect on the staff of facilities for the elderly, the long-term sick or cancer patients. The presence of animals helps to prevent the emotional exhaustion of healthcare workers ('burnout syndrome') when constantly confronted with illness and death. The animal has the role of a catalyst for interpersonal relationships.

AAI distribution
Zootherapy can be divided into two basic areas of activity - animal-assisted therapy and animal-assisted therapy:

AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy) - therapy in the presence of an animal, where the animal is an integral part of the therapeutic process. The therapy is carried out by professional staff with the help of a selected animal. The result is objectively observable (e.g. provoking movement, increasing vocabulary, etc.). The activity is documented and continuously evaluated, recorded in the patient/client chart.

AAA (Animal Assistend Activites) -activity in the presence of an animal
Passive form: for example, placing an aquarium or a cage with a bird in a common room where this presence creates a pleasant environment. The positive role is already in the presence of the animal.

The interactive form, which can be further divided into:
Permanent placement of the animal in the facility. However, it raises problems with the care of the animal, with the animal having one owner, one relational person with whom it establishes a strong relationship of trust, etc.
Visiting, where the animal comes to the facility on a specific day and time. Here, there is a strong emphasis on good cooperation and communication between the staff, the visiting team and the clients.

Felinotherapy
This is supportive therapy or activation in the presence of carefully selected and trained therapy cats aimed at managing somatic and psychological disorders.

Trial rules for the Visiting (therapy) service with the assistance of cats
It was developed by the Independent Breeders' Club in Mladá Boleslav in 2002 and is still being supplemented on the basis of experience in the Visiting Service and its modifications.

The inclusion of cats, as well as many other species of animals, in assistance and therapy programmes has undergone major changes. Whereas in the 1970s, these programs in the U.S.A.-especially those visiting nursing homes and long-term care facilities-worked with animals from shelters, the 1980s somewhat dampened the initial enthusiasm for the inclusion of these animals. In particular, there were concerns about the safety of the clients, both in terms of possible injuries caused by the animals and the possibility of introducing infections and parasites. On the other hand, shelter workers pointed out that, especially for young animals, these visits can cause such severe trauma that it is then difficult to offer them for adoption. As a result of these concerns, risk management emerged in the targeted facilities and ways were sought to best test the animals worked with in the area.
By the 1990s, this management was also gradually beginning to place more emphasis on animal welfare and health and on the role of the handler - that is, the person who forms an assistive or therapeutic team with the animal.

In 1996, the Delta Society (now Pet Partners) published Standards of Practice for AAT and AAA. These standards already defined the role of the handler and the animal in these activities, but were still primarily focused on mitigating concerns about potential risks to clients.

In the Czech Republic, we first encountered the term "felinotherapy" in 2002. The Independent Kennel Club (NCHK) was the first organisation to work with cats during visits to target facilities. In the same year, the Rules of Practice were developed, followed a year later by the Standards of Practice and Methodology. Organized felinotherapy in NCHK is based on the veterinary conditions given by the exhibition and breeding rules of the organization. The NCHK methodology is based on Child-Centered Play Therapy, Animal Assisted Play Therapy and Polyvagal Theory.

To assess the appropriateness of incorporating a cat into the therapy/assistance team, the model that worked best was one in which a prospective felinotherapy client attended joint meetings with a handler who had been working at the facility for a long time. Then they could consider for themselves whether this was an activity they really wanted to pursue. Then the ability and suitability of the cat to take part in the visits was assessed (excellent socialisation, joy of touch, open body language, fearlessness and curiosity, spontaneity, playfulness, socialising, veterinary requirements, etc.).

We are currently in the process of integrating a new handler/forming a new team and testing the suitability of incorporating cats into the AAI process in this way :
the interested person makes contact with NCHK and a few first information meetings (in person or online) are held to determine the motivation of the interested person to work in AAI, education, age (over 18 years old), communication skills, criminal record (a current criminal record statement must be sent), possible handicaps, other questions directed to the cat, the way it is kept, character traits, etc.

The interested person will attend the course Theory of Felinotherapy I and Felinotherapy - Training
The cat is examined by a veterinarian who issues a certificate of its eligibility to participate in AAI at the institution. Regular annual vaccinations are required according to the vaccination schedule depending on the current veterinary regulations (parvovirus, calicivirus, herpesvirus), possibly chlamydia, rabies (at the time of the revision of the Methodology in 2023, rabies does not occur in the Czech Republic and vaccination is not mandatory) and others. The following is also required:

• regular deworming 2 - 4 times a year depending on the feeding method,

• the use of anti-parasitic products if the cat may encounter other animals in the facility or may move around the facility's garden

• genetic tests for breeds with a higher incidence of hereditary diseases (PKD for all breeds, HCM for ragdolls, Maine Coon), or sonographic examination as recommended by a veterinarian if genetic tests are not available (HCM for other breeds)

• videotaping of the cat's daily life in order to assess the cat's husbandry and care (no inclusion of animals with free, uncontrolled outdoor exercise)

• video recording of basic training elements : handling the cat, touching different parts of the body, clicker training and use of different training elements, enrichment, putting on and taking off the harness, clipping claws, getting in and out of the carrier or stroller, interaction with familiar and unfamiliar people in the home environment, travelling, etc.

• The owner completes the Fe-BARQ test form for the cat at the University of Pennsylvania Fe-BARQ: Feline Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (upenn.edu) . This test serves as a basic screening test and is repeated annually or whenever necessary (emotional problems, trauma, surgery, illness, etc.).

• The result of the test, the interview with the candidate, the test results from the above courses and, the recordings of the above videos are then discussed in a face-to-face or online meeting attended by already active handlers and those interested in felinotherapy.

If the previous steps are completed and are successful, the candidate has fulfilled all the requirements, a strong relationship of trust between the handler and his/her cat is demonstrated, and the cat's suitability for integration into AAI from a veterinary and behavioural point of view, the candidate chooses the facility where he/she wants to work with his/her cat. In the case of an NCHK contract facility, only a contract between NCHK and the new handler will be signed, and the obligation is to become a member of NCHK. If the applicant is not a member of NCHK, he/she can take the course and supervision, but NCHK does not guarantee his/her work and does not provide additional benefits, such as insurance. If it is a new facility, NCHK will find out the conditions at the facility, enter into a contract with the facility, and then enter into contracts with the new handler.

With the permission of the contracted facilities (anchored in the contract, including the ability to use these recordings), short video recordings are made of each session. These are then evaluated both for the use of the team and collectively in the context of the exchange of experience and supervision, which takes place at least every two months, more frequently if necessary. Supervision is attended by active handlers, or other experts in the field relevant to the work of the particular team or a representative of the facility where the AAI takes place.

These video recordings not only help us to determine the most appropriate type of AAA or AAT for that particular team, but also allow us to adjust the conditions in such a way that they are as suitable as possible for achieving the activation or therapeutic goal and at the same time as least stressful for the feline therapist and his handler. In addition, they also allow us to anticipate a possible future threat - for example, if we can clearly see a hint of it in the video footage (e.g. ears pinned back) or can infer a possible incipient disease from a sudden change in otherwise standard behaviour. This video recording is now an invaluable tool that significantly expands the possibilities of testing.

Since AAI is based, among other things, on emotional coregulation, it is important that AAI activities are conducted in a way that is comfortable for all involved - i.e. the participants, the facility staff, as well as the animal and handler. If the cat is not enjoying the activity, the activity is not beneficial to the clients or participants, but rather potentially dangerous in terms of both the animal's possible unwanted behaviour and risk of injury, and the cat's welfare. If this principle is not followed, the cat may become overloaded due to stress and may become ill, or the cat may stop enjoying the activity and we may lose a promising, talented individual.

Behaviors that prevent successful intervention include the animal's apathy, the stress mobilization response of fight, flight, the stress immobilization response of freeze, resistance to engagement, disrespect for personal boundaries, and generally any behavior that could be associated with stress.

The new approach to testing teams for AAT or AAA gives us the ability to monitor the team over a long period of time. For the handler, who is 100% responsible for the work of their animal and themselves, this new approach gives greater confidence in decision making and in the ability to protect their animal against overwork. It also offers him additional learning opportunities when he encounters a previously unknown problem and has to look for a solution.
Using video footage, the most appropriate activity and environment for the team is then selected over time.

AAI Methodology Supplement - Further information

Selection of cats for AAI
Preference is given to animals with a gentle, calm, friendly disposition, seeking contact. Training from kittenhood or raising kittens from our own breeding stock where we know the character traits of the parents, and possibly grandparents and siblings, is an advantage. However, this is not a requirement and NCHK also supports the inclusion of "second hand" or shelter cats. The cats must be fully socialized, preferably living in an apartment or house with a protected enclosure without limiting their opportunities for human contact. We cannot recommend animals with free, uncontrolled runs, animals from breeding farms with a high turnover of animals, animals permanently living in shelters, animals from poor hygienic and nutritional conditions. In the case of animals taken from shelters, after veterinary examinations, the necessary tests for toxoplasmosis or other diseases (FIP, FeLV, FIV) and six months of quarantine, there is no objection to their inclusion if the results of the tests for FIP, FeLV or FIV are negative, the cat has passed the Fe-BARQ test and meets all the above requirements.

Cat breeds used in the AAI (general overview)
The list of breeds used in the AAI is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a recommendation of which breeds to include in the AAI. Each breed has its own distinctive behaviours which may support the objectives set out in the AAI. More important than breed affiliation, however, is the strong relationship of trust between the handler and their cat and the deep bond that unites them.

Domestic cats
These are cats without a pedigree that do not have their own standard. These cats can be long-haired, semi-long-haired or short-haired. However, they are usually cats that resemble a normal European cat in appearance. They have the advantage of being relatively easy to care for and easy to groom. However, they are somewhat more temperamental than their noble relatives.

Javanese cats
They were bred in the 1960s in California. They are actually full-coloured long-haired Siamese cats. The care of the coat is absolutely unpretentious, because these cats have a medium-length, silky coat, which almost does not require combing and brushing, does not shed. Javanese cats are slender, elegant, on high legs and their head is distinctly triangular with rather large ears. This may be the reason why they are not so much preferred by both breeders and the AAI, as their head has a somewhat "mousey" expression in contrast to the "baby" face of Persian cats. They are, however, cats with a character halfway between a cat and a dog, extremely intelligent, totally devoted to people. It is not a problem to get them to fetch, walk on a leash or play a little wilder games. As a rule, they choose only one person from the family, whom they recognize as an equal partner and love unconditionally. The others they more or less tolerate. Javanese cats have considerable demands on the quality of food (Purina proplain, Hills, Royal Canin, etc.) and also on warmth. These demands are due to the metabolism and the resulting body structure of these cats.

Maine Coon cats
The original American national breed. These cats were the only breed of noble cats shown as working cats at shows. It is a robust breed with a semi-long, water-repellent coat renowned for its unforgivingness towards rodents. The composition of their coat is the same as that of Persian cats, only the hair is not of the same length, growing in tufts, and therefore Maine cats do not give the impression of such a richness of coat as Persian cats. They belong to the natural breeds. They mature at four years of age.
They are very intelligent and friendly to people. Their head is shaped like a broad wedge with a more angular chin. They are more temperamental than Persian cats.

Norwegian Forest
The Norwegian Forest Cat is one of the so-called natural breeds, just like the Maine Coon or Siberian cat. Norwegian Forest Cats, although they are still a rather uncommon breed outside their country of origin, certainly deserve our attention not only for their appearance. It is especially their nature that makes them excellent, unpretentious and modest companions. They are strong but gentle, friendly and very intelligent cats. They love company and therefore it would be a big mistake to get a Norwegian Forest Cat as an only cat. Companionship is a must for her. They get along very well with dogs, for example.

Persian cats
They are famous for their long, thick coat, where the undercoat is as long as the cover coat. The face of the Persian cat resembles that of a child with its round, wide-open eyes. It is an ideal example of the so-called "Child Scheme" of Professor Konrad Lorenz.
Persian cats are extremely friendly to people, they usually like their peace, they are less mobile than, for example, the above-mentioned Siberian cats. Sometimes their demeanour is almost phlegmatic. They reach adulthood in 10 - 12 months.
Cats of the extreme types may have difficulty breathing in enclosed rooms and during high summer temperatures.

Ragdoll and RagaMuffin
Is a cat known as a "rag doll". It is a semi-long-haired cat with Siamese markings, i.e. blue eyes, darker face mask, ears, paws and tail.
Ragdolls and RagaMuffins were bred in the 1960s in Southern California and are known for their calm, completely devoted nature to people, which has led them to be called the children of the cat world. And since they are also - and rightfully - called the clowns of the cat world, they are the perfect cats for AAI. The care of their fur is absolutely easy compared to Persian cats, only requiring occasional brushing during the molt. Ragdolls and RagaMuffins are known to have reduced muscle tone - however, this may not occur in all individuals of the breed. When relaxed and content, their legs, head and tail literally "hang" like the legs and arms of a cloth toy. They mature at 4 years of age.
Ragdolls and RagaMuffins are very attached to their human family. Its loss can have a devastating effect on the animal's character and immune system.

Siberian cats and their variant Nevskaya maskaradnaya ( Siberian colourpoint)
Originating from Russia, they are semi-long-haired and belong to the natural breeds. Males reach 8-10 kg, but female cats weighing around 11 kg are not rare. The care of the coat of these cats is comparable to that of Ragdolls, although it is coarser in consistency and repels water. Their relatives include the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, Turkish Angora and Turkish Van. In character, these cats are completely friendly to humans, even-tempered and undemanding in terms of coat care, food, and breeding conditions. They are very independent. They are quite temperamental and mature at about 10 - 18 months.
Their saliva reportedly does not contain allergens, so flying fur does not cause allergic reactions. However, a serious laboratory examination has not been carried out.

Veterinary aspects
The cats we work with are vaccinated annually against rabies, parvovirus, herpesvirus and calcivirus. Further vaccinations depend on the disease situation and the advice of the veterinarian. Deworming
is carried out regularly every quarter to half a year (depending on the type of feeding and possible infection with external parasites) with different preparations to avoid the development of resistance. If we raise the kitten for NS, we deworm it every three weeks until it is 3 months old and change the preparations.

Raising cats for NS
It is due to the quality of the relationship and building a strong bond between handler and cat. For this reason it is not possible to generalise. However, it must of course be a matter of course that the hygiene habits of the cat are observed.
(defecation in the designated place, feeding in the designated place and from the designated utensils). The cat should be led to trust its human partner completely. Setting behavioural boundaries can only be done by means that provide positive stimulation (rewarding with a treat, petting) or by means that are intimidating at the time (slapping a packet of tissues, slapping the palm of the hand on the table, blowing on the cat).

Whatever happens, we never hit the cat! Cats are very sensitive, they do not forgive inappropriate actions of humans (hitting a cat) and remember them for a long time. It could break the relationship permanently. For this reason, the team leader is responsible for ensuring that the cat does not experience hitting or other inappropriate behavior even with a client.

Humans attach the cat to themselves by an emotional bond that develops gradually. It consists of close contact with the cat, playing and training with it, going for walks, hand feeding, touching it together, and providing protection and security. The handler thus becomes an extension of the initial environment of the mother's womb, then the mother cat's body, the environment of the apartment - it is a safe place. The cat must feel that if it goes with its human partner into a foreign environment, this human partner is part of its original territory. This is an extremely important understanding of the handler's role. The handler must respect the cat's developmental stages and for this reason first contact with a foreign environment is only allowed from 4 months of age, but only for a short period of time and as training. A cat working in an AAI has only one handler - the owner - and may be integrated into the AAI no earlier than 1 year of age.

At the same time it is advisable that at least two cats live in the handler's household, preferably a mother and daughter or two siblings or a breeding pair. Cohabitation with a good dog or other domestic animals is also appropriate. Only in this way can the full development of all the innate abilities of cats be achieved.

Necessary tasks include wearing a harness and walking the cat at least partially on a leash. For safety reasons, the harness is a necessity, although in the protected environment of the Play Activities in the presence of the animal it is possible - while ensuring the safety of all involved - to remove the harness. Wearing the harness has a slightly paralysing effect as the cat is aware that it is being controlled, this can also be frustrating, hence the need to know your cat's behaviour and body language well. Leash guidance and directional correction should always be done gently and patiently. For this reason, it is always advisable for children or adults with combined defects to lead the cat under the supervision of the handler, with the client holding the leash and the handler holding the leash under the client's hand and correcting the cat's direction. Generally, it is preferable to use a pet transport stroller with a solid chassis in this case.

Walking the cat on the lead should be tried gradually in different environments. The handler must pay attention to the surroundings, for example, approaching dogs, cars, children on bicycles or roller skates and anything that can easily startle the cat and cause it to panic. Only a good knowledge of the animal's own reactions will allow you to know how far to go, when a walk is a pleasure for the animal and when it is too stressful.

Of course, transporting the cat in a carrier, in a carrier, in a car or by other means of public transport is also a good idea. The skills and required behaviour of the cat are described in the text of the Methodology above.

Documentation
A record, video or photo documentation is taken of each AAI session. This is very important for the development of the methodology, as often seemingly small things can move the work forward or slow it down.

Allowed intervention time in the AAI
One visit should not exceed 60 minutes. It is possible to carry out several visits in succession, but a maximum of two visits is recommended - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It depends on the characteristics and temperament of the cat.
Felines spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping. It is therefore important to bear in mind the easy fatigability of the cat, which is not capable of expending as much energy as a dog. A cat that falls asleep in a busy environment may be indicating that the amount of stimuli acting on it is too distracting and it will withdraw into its own world of sleep and security, this may be an inhibitory stress response of freezing. The handler should terminate such NS as soon as possible and allow the cat sufficient time to recover.
The handler is fully responsible for ensuring that the cat is not overexerted.

Visiting service
Is a method referred to as AAA- animal-assisted activity. It consists of a team going to the target facility.

The first, classical method is characterised by contact, a personal experience of the client with the cat, which is placed next to the client on a bed, on his lap covered with a blanket, on a solid mat attached to a wheelchair or in a carrier, etc. Cats prefer a firm and preferably elevated pad so that eye contact can be made with the client. Adequate eye contact is an integral part of non-verbal communication.
It is also possible to walk the cat in the garden, yard and protected park of the target facility. This method is suitable for mobile, quiet clients in suitable weather.

Visiting service in practice

Arrangement of the event with the target facility
A written agreement is drawn up between the target facility and NCHK for the implementation of the Visiting Service. If the Visitation Service is conducted at an individual's home, a contract should also be written. The contract shall specify the terms and conditions of the Visiting Service, the place and time when the service will be provided, its scope, the amount of payment, if any, if it is not carried out as a volunteer activity, the method of resolving disputed issues, the duration of the contract. key persons of the facility and NCHK and other specific points depending on the type of facility and service provided.
If the NS is not carried out under the auspices of the NCHK and is an independent action of a non-NCHK member, the NCHK does not assume guarantee for it.

Place of visits
We meet in a sheltered, preferably well-ventilated yet warm, well-disinfected environment. This is usually determined by the choice of the management of the target facility.

The importance of
For older clients in particular, cats often warm the hands and touching the fur provides tactile stimulation and pleasurable experiences. With disabled children we can also quite easily do hemispheric training and fine motor practice in combing, brushing, stroking, offering treats, and buckling and unbuckling the harness. Generally speaking, working with a cat is particularly suitable for developing fine motor skills and for play and creative activities.
On several occasions we have witnessed the relaxation of limbs stiffened in spasm just after their stimulation by cat hair and the warmth of the cat's body. It always happens that after a while the circle with the clients becomes a friendly circle and soon the conversation about animals starts, because the animals present evoke memories of the clients' own animals that they had to leave behind or died of old age and, as is human nature, people prefer to remember nice and happy experiences rather than sad ones. Especially the elderly, through these memories, again, even if only briefly, establish continuity with their past and somewhat stimulate memory functions.
It should be borne in mind that the relationship between the cat, the handler, the clients, their family members and the staff is interactive. For this reason, a certain freedom of expression for the cat is a necessity. The handler is responsible for the well-being of the cat and everyone involved.

Aids
It is quite understandable, if we compare the way of life of a dog and a cat, that the cat is much more afraid of changing position and often reacts instinctively to this change of position by extending its claws and trying to catch itself. Here are just some aids, it always depends on the specific situation:
Wheelchair pads (trays attached to wheelchairs with grips) are an invaluable aid in NTS. The cat feels confident, willing to be stroked. Crossing hemispheres can be worked on with children, fine motor skills can be developed.
Scratching posts - we prefer industrially made, approx. 60 - 80 cm high scratching posts with two platforms and a tunnel or house where the cat can hide from too much intimacy if necessary. The scratching posts are covered with synthetic plush, the column is covered with a layer of sisal rope. The advantages of the scratching posts are quick and easy assembly, easy maintenance and relatively high durability.
Cotton cushions or blankets - we use them when placing animals in a bed or on the client's lap or on a wheelchair pad. They should be comfortable for the cat, easy to maintain and disinfect. The recommended size is: 50x50cm or for larger animals 50x70cm. We do not prefer to place the cat on the lap without a pad. The pad protects against soiling of the cat's fur, but also against the "milk step" - the clasping of claws, which the cat uses to show its delight. This "milk step" can be unpleasant for an unprotected client.
Leashes and harnesses should be safe, but soft and not cause chafing. It is necessary to choose a material that is comfortable for the cat and yet safe for the client and the cat (possibility of panic and subsequent escape of the cat, etc.).

Final provisions

A written contract is concluded between the handler and NCHK stating the name of the target facility (name of the individual) where the NS will be performed, the duration of the visits, if specified, the guarantee of NCHK and the rights and obligations of the handler and the cat. This contract is not a substitute for a work agreement if the activity is performed for remuneration.

Handler's rights
the rights given by the NCHK Statutes
to refuse to participate in the NS without explaining the reasons. However, this refusal must be communicated to the key person of the establishment at least 24 hours before the planned intervention.
refuse to participate in the NS for medical, veterinary or serious personal reasons. However, this refusal must be communicated to the facility key person at least 24 hours before the planned intervention
carry out their own research and observations, the design of which they will submit at least one month in advance to the NCHK herd book (NCHK management) and which they will defend to the herd book staff and which the management of the facility agrees to carry out, if such research is required.
be present at the supervision for the AAI

Duties of the handler
duties as set out in the NCHK Statutes
attend mandatory training and internships as required
To perform AAI conscientiously and, if unable to attend for serious reasons, to notify NCHK management and the key person at the facility well in advance
report any changes to the team to NCHK management without delay
keep video or photographic documentation of the intervention, or a written record if necessary
comply with the Data Protection Act (GDPR)
keep evidence of vaccinations, deworming, microchip implantation (vaccination card, international animal passport) and inform about any veterinary interventions performed on the cat and changes in its health status.
to comply with the applicable veterinary and sanitary regulations and laws in force in the Czech Republic

Penalty fee
There is a penalty fee for violation of handler duties, the amount of which is approved by the NCHK Annual or Special Membership Meeting.

Termination or suspension of the AAI team
Upon the team leader's own request. This request must be made in writing to the NCHK, which will promptly issue a decision on suspension or termination.
due to serious violation of the laws of the Czech Republic, the NCHK Statutes or the AAI Methodology ( unreliability, violation of veterinary and hygiene regulations, animal cruelty, sale of animals for experimental purposes). The decision to terminate an activity is made by an extraordinary NCHK membership meeting at the initiative of the NCHK Studbook. If the majority of the members present vote to prove the reasons for termination, the license for NS Handler in NCHK will not be renewed. The handler's membership in the NCHK is also terminated and will not be renewed.
due to the death of the handler

In Ml. Boleslav 16. 6. 2023