Guidelines for Home Visit with New (Potential) Owner
General-before you go
- Make sure your meeting is scheduled when all family members, including children, any family dog(s) and other pets are available. This is non-negotiable.
- Bring your copy of the adoption application to refer to.
- Call ahead to the vet to verify that this family is up-to-date with shots of their current pets. It could save you a trip! We do not want to place a dog with a family that does not take the health care of its pets seriously.
- Are their other pets neutered or spayed? If not, why not? They should be aware that we only place altered animals. .
- Be certain they understand there is a $25 fee for the home visit which must be paid when you arrive. We don’t bill or take credit cards!
Conditions of the home visit
- Confirm that they know there is an adoption fee of $400 for puppies and $300 for adults payable at the time they pickup the dog at the foster home. This information is included in the acknowledgement letter that is sent to them when we receive their application. If there is any added medical cost, any additional donation will be greatly appreciated. We do not take Visa or make payment plans . . . no exceptions without approval of a board member!
- Make it clear that the dog must be returned to us for the lifetime of the dog if they ever need to surrender their pet.
- The family must be willing to return periodic NEPR phone calls or e-mails after the dog is placed when we call to check on the dog. They have to be willing to give us a vet reference (name and phone number) for a current vet, or a veterinary reference from a former vet. If they do not have this information, this is a red flag.
- Be certain they are aware that the entire family will need to go to the foster home when the right dog is available. While in many cases they can take the dog the same day, the purpose of this guideline is to assure this is the right match. Sometimes more than one visit is required.
- As carefully as we try to match families and dogs, sometimes it is determined at the time of the visit that this is not the right match. However, when going to meet a dog, the family should take a leash and collar with an address tag on the visit.
At the home visit
- If possible, take your own Pyr to the visit.
- Observe how the children interact with the dog. Let them walk the dog, etc. Can they handle a large dog?
- How do the adults interact with the dot - - is everyone comfortable around him/her?
- Keep in mind this home is to be the “forever” home to a dog that already has been displaced at least once. Your approval means you fully endorse this family without reluctance.
- The real test question to ask yourself is: “If I had to give up my Pyr tomorrow, would I place it in this home?”
Questions to consider asking on the home visit
- Have you read/researched about the breed?
- Yes - - What have you read?
- No - - Suggest the www.nepyresq.org website with references to NEPR and GPCA. Also suggest any books that might be helpful. Explain about the breed - - the good, the bad and the common problems.
Note: Individuals who have not taken the time to research the breed by the time of the home visit always are cause for concern.
- Does everyone in your family want a Pyr?
- Yes - - Good.
- No - - Explore if this will be a potential problem. Thoroughly discuss the issue with the reluctant party to determine if this is a good placement.
- Where will the dog be living? Have them show you the area(s) and situation.
- Are thy fussy about hair, drool, digging, etc.?
- Where will the dog sleep?
- Ask them to describe what a regular day/night might be for the dog.
- Is there a fenced yard?
- Yes - - Inspect the fence to ensure that it is complete, high and sturdy enough to contain a dog. If it is not, make clear that it will have to be repaired or improved before a dog is placed there.
- No - - What are the exercise plans? How reliable do you think they are to leash walk?
Note: Tie outs are not ever acceptable - - risk of hanging is 15-20% and can result in displays of aggression in a protective breed like Pyrs.