Home visit today for a dog adoption. What to expect?

[MissB]

It’s been 5 years since our dog died, and we had her for 16 years. We are looking to adopt a puppy from a local rescue and a home visit has been scheduled.

Any idea of what we should expect?

[procon]

1. It's been years, but they looked at security

so the dog can't escape, checked fencing, screen doors that couldn't be breached. Shade, water and shelter if the dog is outside. A safe spot where the dog can go to rest undisturbed. Appropriate bed for the breed and age. Type of food. Vet's name and address. Looked at collars and leashes, suggested a basic obedience class. Made suggestions on exercise and important house rules, like no jumping or rushing the door when people visit.

[imaginary girl]

2. When my group does a home visit ...

When the groups I volunteer with do home visits, they are looking to make sure people told the truth on their application, as far as they can tell, that all family members are on board with the new pet, and that the home doesn't present safety concerns for the dog. They may also check how tall or secure your fence is, depending on the dog. Being a foster who puts lots of time and energy into my fosters, I also like to try and get a feel for the family dynamics and what their training approach may be.

[freepotter]

3. Secure & Safe

Your visitors will mainly be looking to see if the pup's environment will be safe and secure. If you have a yard it should be fenced or secured so that the pup can't roam freely about the neighborhood, or have to be chained to a tree, etc. If you have a pool, it should be enclosed away from the pup until it is old enough to use steps to get out. If the pup will be mostly outside, it will need proper shelter from the elements. They will want to verify that there aren't too many other animals, etc., and that you seem able to care properly for a dog. Really, just basic stuff. You'll do fine, and thanks for adopting!

[MichMan]

4. I have performed a couple home visits for a rescue org.

One I had to turn down and the other I approved. The fosters have a huge amount of input into who they let adopt and can sometimes be a little over cautious.

While every rescue group can be different, they generally are looking for a safe secure environment like others have stated.

Most prefer a fenced yard, although it isn't always mandatory. They are also concerned that the dog should be kept inside most of the time and isn't left alone in the yard unsupervised. They have a big concern that the dog will be kept outside away from the rest of the family.

Are there dangerous situations that could arise and how is the dog prevented from escape? Any other pets or children that may not suit that particular dog ?

Many people that adopt animals aren't fully aware of the expenses for vet care,food, heartworm preventative, flea and tick treatments etc.

[Sanity Claws]

5. The rescue will interview you

They want to make sure that what you say in person is consistent with your application.
They will ask you about your late dog, such as the vet, the kind of vet care she got.
They will ask about you will take care of the dog, e.g. who will walk her, how often, where she will sleep, how you will feed her, etc. Basically they want to make sure that you know what you have made the appropriate plans to take care of the dog.
It will be an advantage if you have stories about your late dog that show you really got to know her.

I agree with what the others say about inspecting the house to make sure it is safe for a dog.

[MissB]

6. Thanks all!

In our application we were upfront that our large property wasn’t fenced but we expected that our dog would be with us, not parked in the backyard. I assume that since they know that, it isn’t a deal killer for them.

[customerserviceguy]

9. Sounds to me

like any dog that came to live with you would be one lucky critter. If this particular group is too picky, I'm sure another one will find your home a great place to put a dog.

[MissB]

16. Thanks!

I felt pretty sure that we “passed” the home visit yesterday, but wasn’t sure until I got the email early this evening.

[samnsara]

7. I have inspected homes as well...they really look for a fenced in yard..

...will the dog be home alone all day? Crate training or not? etc. these dogs have been through stressful situations and in my opinion any re-homed dog will have some adjustment problems. They may discuss how you are prepared to deal with behaviors that pop up....especially a puppy who needs LOTS of attention. May not be the best esp if you both work all day.

But I've never not recommended a home.

[samnsara]

8. good luck and tell us how it turns out and what kind of doggie?

[MissB]

15. Chocolate lab

[Karadeniz]

10. Good luck on the audition! I'm sure you'll pass. A friend of a friend flunked the inspection

for adopting a great Dane because she didn't have a doggy door....for a great Dane!!!!

[MissB]

14. Thanks!

Funny about the dog door!! We actually have a cat door that leads to an enclosed porch. It’s whwre the cat box is, and the door will be too small for puppy to squeeze through.

[Fla Dem]

11. Didn't hear from you after the home inspection. Not good news?

If good news....We need pictures of your new pup when he/she arrives.

[MissB]

12. Just heard back

[MissB]

13. So in a bit more than a week, we will be

bringing home a little chocolate lab. Someone abandoned his mom on the side of the road while she was in labor

He isn’t quite old enough yet. But we are very excited to be adopting him!!! We are hoping to visit with him prior to adoption day, but I don’t know what the foster home’s rules are, so that’s still up in the air.

Pics will be posted once he’s home!

[Fla Dem]

17. Congrats!!!

[Duppers]

18. Hope he'll be the love of your life, as ours is.

Most wonderful, intelligent, sweet dogs! But are a handful as pups and teenagers. Be sure to get plenty of chew toys.
💕 🐕

[MissB]

19. Bumping this up

Not sure what he’s mixed with- but he has big paws. He’s super cuddly at times and croco-pup at other times. Totally smitten.

[LoveMyCali]

20. OMG!!!!!!

I'm in love

[Rhiannon12866]

21. Awwww! What an adorable puppy!

He's a lucky little guy - and so are you!