Congratulations! A rescue animal has chosen you and you're application was approved. The last step in the adoption process is passing a home-check. What do you need to do to prepare? What are they looking for? Here are a few simple things you can do to make sure you get a green light.
1. Take time to think about where your new pet is going to eat, sleep, exercise and relax. This can be tricky if you have other pets. You will have to take into consideration the possibility of competition for food and favorite hiding spaces. By contemplating these questions beforehand, you'll show your preparedness and dedication to your new family member's success.
2. Baby proof the house. If a toddler would play with it, break it, or put it in its mouth, dogs or kittens will probably contemplate it, too. You may be getting a perfectly trained angel (lucky!) but you will learn that with time. Employees or volunteers performing the home-check will not want to see any potential hazards waiting for the freshly saved pooch. Small loose items on the floor, chemical cleaners or toxic pest products in reach are some good examples of no-nos.
3. Do a walk through of the yard, thoroughly inspecting for escape exits (if you are adopting a dog, cats will be expected to stay indoors). If you have a fenced in yard, the rescue will do a perimeter check to ensure the fence is secure around the entire yard. If you do not have a fenced in yard, it would benefit you to talk about where you plan on taking them for walks, any nearby parks and how you will exercise them. (Bored dog=trouble maker)
A home-check is a simple measure to ensure the heart and soul the organization poured into saving this animal will not be in vain. They will be safe and loved forever in their new home. So long as you are committed to that as well, you will have no problem! Thank you for giving them a chance, thank you for saving a life.
