Home Visit as part of adoption process... Other questions...

[kamilla626]

We've been "browsing" dogs on petfinder.org occasionally, because we will probably get a dog sometime in the fall and it's fun to look at all the pooches - even though we're not ready to adopt yet.

Many of the pet adoption org's or dog rescues require a home visit in addition to filling out an applications.

Question 1 - some of the applications ask: will you let the dog be outside alone? will the dog have access to all parts of the house? will you crate the dog? will you walk the dog daily? etc.

A lot of the questions seem like they're looking for a specific answer - but wouldn't a lot of your answers depend on the breed, temperment and personality of the dog?? How could you know that ahead of time?

Question 2 - for those organizations that require a home visit, what are they looking for? If the place is relatively clean and we have a place indoors that's just for the dog, a place for the dog to run outside without running away... is that it? What kinds of things would they see in someone's home that would result in a "doggy denial"?

[thekimballs]

Home visits are sometimes to rule people out (they say that they have a fenced yard but it's a lie, they're actually apartment-dwellers, etc.) but most are to get a feel for you. People who are relaxed, who are experienced with dogs, who seem to have decently well-behaved kids, etc. are signed off on.

The answers to the questions will help them place the right dog with you. Typically "yes, I crate train, no, I don't put the dog outside alone for any length of time, and no, I don't let dogs in the kitchen or upstairs bedrooms but he'll have the run of the house otherwise when we're at home" would be normal and acceptable answers. If you let dogs in all parts of the house they may place a more submissive dog with you (I personally like to see dogs having to stay out of one or more rooms; it means that you're not likely to just give the dog zero house manners). Daily walks in addition to off-leash outside time is ideal.

[Brown Lioness]

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[shannon0218]

Yeah, what Joanna said. I learned my lesson when I placed a pup with a family who showed me pics of their lovely fenced yard...they lived in a high rise with a broken elevator : I got the dog back, but it took first lying to them and then refusing to give the dog back and then a court case to prove they lied on their contract.
I dont' exclude dogs from any room in my house but I do exclude them from the bed and one couch (we have a dog couch they can sit on but the rest of the furniture is off limits) We have a small and open concept bungalow so excluding dogs from rooms would require way too much work on my part But I do insist on good house manners, for instance, running is NOT allowed in the house, you wanna run, we got 10 acres fenced for you to run, inside we walk. Period.