I too have been on both ends, and it can be a little nerve wracking to be on the receiving end. Don't worry, you'll do awesome! If it makes you feel better, here is the general format and types of questions our Great Dane rescue likes us to follow when we do home checks. It's the same for prospective foster and adoptive homes.
THE HOME VISIT
The purpose of the home visit is to meet the prospective adopters and to see the environment that they will provide for the Great Dane. We would like to know:
1.) Would you be comfortable leaving your dog with this applicant?
2.) Do you think that the applicant will provide a good and loving home, will keep the dog's needs
in mind, and will provide for the dog's safety at all times?
When you arrive at the home, introduce yourself and briefly explain the function of the home visit.
Tell them that you are visiting to meet them and to evaluate the appropriateness and safety of their
home for a Great Dane It is usually easy to start off a conversation after that by saying, "So, you're
thinking about adopting a Great Dane, and then pause for a reaction. Let them talk and volunteer information.
NOTE: If you are not comfortable with the applicant as a dog owner or are in any other way
Uncomfortable, simply end the interview on a nice note and leave. Tour the entire house, including the yard, basement, garage and living areas. In the house, check to see whether the living quarters is dog friendly:
1) Are there any small objects, exposed cords, houseplants, etc. that the dog may chew?
2) Are there any power/lamp/stereo cords the dog might trip over?
3) Are the cleaning materials secured in the cabinets?
4) Is the house reasonably neat and clean?
5) Are there any balconies the dog could jump over or squeeze through?
6) Are there screens on the windows?
7) Loose deck railing or loose wooden boards on a privacy fence?
In the basement and garage:
- Will the dog have access to these areas?
- Are there hazards present?
- Talk to the applicants. Don't make this a formal interview! Engage the applicant in conversation
About the dog they want to adopt. Observe their behavior. Get a sense of how they would be as an owner.
- How do they interact with each other?
- Do they express basic considerations and caring to spouses, children and other pets?
- Do the children seem like they would be respectful to pets?
- Will the adults monitor the children's behavior with the dog?
- Do the applicants have a basic understanding of the dog's needs and behaviors?
- Are there other pets in the house?
- How will they introduce the new dog to the other pets?
- Do they understand that sometimes rescues go through a period of adjustment?
- How will they handle this?
- Where will the dog stay when all humans are out of the home?
- Although we may be considering their application for a specific dog, you might find that they would be better suited for another dog. Please let us know if you think this. Perhaps they have applied for a young dog but are better suited for an old dog.
