One of my volunteer roles involves conducting home visits for dog adoptions. When I first started doing them back in 2018, I’d physically visit a home… sit down, and talk with potential adopters face to face. Nowadays, they are all done virtually.
IMPORTANT: Each rescue and shelter has its own set of procedures, questions, and qualifications when it comes to adopting a dog. The information here is based on my experience performing home visits for the dog rescue I volunteer for. Your situation may differ depending on where you are adopting your dog.
In this video, I explain what really happens during a dog adoption home visit, what rescues are looking for, and how you can prepare your home. Whether you’re adopting your first rescue dog or adding another pup to your family, these tips will help you feel confident and ready for the process.
Why do rescues require a home visit?
All shelters and rescues want the same thing… for their dogs to find a forever home with a family that will love them unconditionally.
Getting to know the potential adopter and their living conditions is a key part of ensuring a dog ends up in a safe home.
An online application can tell us a little about you, but it can only go so far. Meeting someone face to face, even if it is on FaceTime or Zoom, gives us a better insight into your personality and the home environment the dog will live in.
A home visit allows us to identify any potential hazards in the home. It also gives us a chance to talk about how to best prepare for bringing home a new dog. We can talk about expectations from you and for the dog and set you up for a successful adoption.
All this information helps us match you with the right dog for your family.
How to prepare for a home visit for a dog adoption?
When I do a home visit, I want to see the “real world” you… I don’t care if your home is clean as a whistle. What I do care about is that you can provide a safe and loving home.
To prepare for a home visit, consider dog-proofing your home. This will show that your home is ready for a dog. That’s it… There is no need to go into extreme cleaning mode or buy any supplies ahead of time.
We also ask that everyone in the family be present for the home visit. This helps us gauge the home’s energy level and ensure everyone is on the same page with adopting a new dog.
Dog rescue home visit questions and checklist
Below is a checklist of questions we ask and things we look for during a dog adoption home visit.
QUESTIONS:
- Why do you want a dog?
- What experience do you have with dogs?
- Any plans on moving in the next few months?
- Are you allergic to dogs?
- How will the dog go potty?
- What type of exercise will the dog get?
- Who will be the primary caregiver to the dog?
- Where will the dog eat, sleep, and play?
- How many hours will the dog be left alone each day?
- Where will the dog be when you are not home?
- Who will take care of the dog if you go on vacation or have an extra-long workday?
- Do you plan on taking a dog training class?
- Are you willing to seek help if the dog starts to show undesirable behaviors?
- How do you plan on correcting the dog’s inappropriate behavior?
- What would you do if the dog didn’t get along with your kids or current pets?
- What would you do if you lost your job or had to move?
CHECKLIST:
- Observe the neighborhood. Is the area dog-friendly?
- What type of home, house, duplex, apartment, or mobile home?
- Is the yard free of trash or other hazards?
- Is the yard fenced? If so, is it safe without damage or escape routes?
- Is the inside of the home safe? Looking specifically for exposed electrical cords, trash cans, chemicals, poisonous plants, and items a dog can chew on.
- Are railings and/or balconies up to code and safe for a dog?
- Do windows and doors have screens?
- What is the general activity level in the home?
- Are their children living in the home or have regular contact with the dog?
- Observe current pets and how they interact with the family.
Because every situation is unique, other questions not on my list may arise during a conversation.
Home visit wrapped up, now what?
Ultimately, we often have a gut feeling that you are a good fit for adopting a dog. We consider whether we’d leave our personal dog in your care.
Please, always be honest during your home visit. We are here for you just as much as the dog.
Our goal is to match you with a dog that suits your lifestyle, ensuring both you and the dog are happy.
To help in the process of adopting a dog, Rescue Dogs 101 has created a Dog Adoption Workbook: The Roadmap to Adopting Your Perfect Dog. Find out more about how this workbook can help you find your perfect dog here:
