Neonates

Opening Neonates

Click Neonates in the left nav (under Programs). You'll see every animal currently on an active neonate protocol, each with a progress indicator showing days in care and latest weight.

Starting a neonate protocol

A neonate protocol isn't a separate litter record -- it attaches to one existing animal record. Create the animal's record first (as you would for any intake), then:

1. 1
   Open the animal's record and click Start neonate protocol.
2. 2
   Search for and confirm the animal -- it's already named and has its own record, so there's no litter detail or animal count to fill in.
3. 3
   Set a feeding schedule and a minimum weight-alert threshold for this animal.
4. 4
   Click Save.

For a litter, repeat this for each kitten or puppy's own animal record -- there's no foster-assignment field or automatic email in this flow; assign a foster the same way you would for any animal.

Logging daily care

From the animal's neonate protocol, log a feed or a weigh-in entry. Each entry records:

• Weight (in grams), for a weigh-in entry
• Number of feedings and formula amount, for a feed entry
• Free-text notes on either entry type

Neonate logging is staff-only today -- it isn't exposed in the foster portal.

Weight tracking

Each protocol shows a weight chart for the animal. Falling under the minimum weight threshold you set when starting the protocol triggers a status badge on the record -- Stable, Watch, or Fading -- so there's no separate email notification to watch for.

Ending the protocol

"Graduating" a neonate doesn't create anything new -- the animal already has its own record. When it's weaned and old enough for standard care (typically 8 weeks for kittens, 8+ weeks for puppies depending on breed), open its record and click End protocol. This stops feed and weight tracking; the animal's record continues as normal with its neonate history attached.

I have a litter of kittens -- do they need to share one protocol?

No -- since a protocol attaches to one animal record, give each kitten its own record and its own neonate protocol. You can end each one individually as that kitten is ready.

What if an animal on a neonate protocol doesn't survive?

Open the animal's record and update its status to 'Deceased', the same as you would for any animal. Its neonate history stays on the record for your reporting.

Can fosters log neonate care from their own portal?

Not yet -- neonate logging is staff-only today. Fosters can let you know feed times and concerns, and you enter the log.