House inspection for a rescued dog - any advice?

Colibri

Hi all,

We've recently been enquiring about adopting a lovely lab from a rescue pound - they said they will do a house check during the week. This worries me - I've never had a house check before.

What do they look for in a house? I live in a terraced house so my house could be a bit bigger. There is a grand sized back garden and behind it, a long amenity walk. We're not dirty people, the house is clean and safe for a dog. I'm not fully confident we'll pass - the agency checked a few other houses previously and those guys failed the inspection ;-S

Any tips or advice guys?:-[

Toulouse

Don't sweat it! As long as your garden is fully secure then that's really the main thing. Even if the homechecker thinks it isn't they should just advise you what needs to be done to make it secure and then come back.

Then they'll just talk to you about what the dogs propsed routine will be, training, feeding, where it'll sleep, etc.

It's really nothing to worry about, best of luck with it!!

Colibri

Thanks for the quick reply :-D

The garden walls are secure enough, our previous next door neighbours had two rottweilers who couldn't jump over the wall - they could only put their paws on the wall and show their head.

Any idea why the previous people failed?:-/

ISDW

Try not to worry, its not a house inspection, its a home visit, the rescue just want to make sure that you and your home are suitable for the dog that you've enquired about.

Unfortunately people aren't always truthful, I've had people tell me that they have 6 foot walls, then a homevisit shows that they are 4 foot at the most, hence the need for someone to go and check.

Its all about making sure that everyone, the family and the dog, are right for each other and will be safe. They aren't judging how you live, just that you know what you're undertaking with a dog, and that you're prepared for it.

There are many reasons why previous people may have 'failed' a homevisit, they may have asked about a dog that the rescue felt wasn't right for them, or they may not have had landlord's permission to have a dog, or the garden may not have been secure, lots of reasons. I am surpried though that they told you about previous failures, a sure way to worry somebody.

Best of luck with it all, I hope that you get the dog that you want, and you have a great life together.

seamus

The vast majority of people fail home checks because they admit that the dog will spend 10/12 hours alone every day and/or the dog will spend all day in the garden in a cheap (read: cold) kennel.

They primarily want to ensure that the dog will be looked after and won't be returned to the rescue. Dogs that spend all day alone are less likely to get adequate exercise and stimulation and therefore will destroy the place and be returned because they're "out of control".

Obviously they want to ensure that the dog will be warm (whether outside or inside) and secure - i.e. not allowed to escape and wander the streets.

Colibri

Thank you for the response guys :-) the dog will get plenty of exercise, stay indoors and will be a happy dog. The only unsecure part of my garden is the small hole in the hedge which goes into my other neighbour's garden (which is fenced up at least 6ft high). I could cover it up though :-)

tommy21

From my experience, these folks see so much pain inflicted on animals that as long as you are treating the dog well, providing food and shelter for it, and stimulation etc., then there will be no problem whatsoever. We had a home inspection when we first got our rescue dog 4-5 years ok - once she saw we fulfilled that criteria and that she already had the run of the house at that stage (my dog, not the inspector ), she was practically out the door again within a few minutes.

Tranceypoo

Ah good luck anyways, hope it works out, keep us posted and show some pics when you get the new addition!

Colibri

Thanks tranceypoo:-) I'll definitely post pictures if I get him. Fingers crossed! The other guys weren't suitable but that doesn't mean we won't be :-)

boomerang

Colibri wrote: »

Thanks tranceypoo:-) I'll definitely post pictures if I get him. Fingers crossed! The other guys weren't suitable but that doesn't mean we won't be :-)

I'd patch up the hole in the hedge before your home visit. What if your new dog doesn't like the neighbours the dogs when he gets in there and they have a row, or what if your neighbours leave their side gate open and your dog goes out? You also don't want your dog pooping in next door's garden and causing aggro with the neighbours. They're the little things a homechecker thinks about. If I were doing the homecheck and there were any weak spots in the fencing I'd be asking you to sort it out first and then I'll come back and check again before you take the dog. Better to save the person two trips!

I'm never too concerned about the size of the garden, so long as the dog is going to be an indoor dog, gets plenty of attention and most importantly, walks. Unless you're out there playing with the dog, the back garden's just an outdoor kennel and place to pee and poop. Even if you have endless space, they won't make full use of it really unless you're out there doing stuff with them.

You're very good to consider a rescue dog. Hope it all works out for you, all the best!

Colibri

I'm not making excuses as I will definitely patch it up but my neighbour definitely wouldn't mind, sound guy (he is never there anyway). He doesn't have a gate either, it's a very secure garden. I'm cleaning and patching things up now outside so not to worry :-) he'll get plenty of exercise too don't worry.

now I'm worried about the size of the house :-O

Whispered

Ah best of luck op, really the HC is more to do with meeting you and your family and checking the garden is secure.

Some reasons for failed HC's I've done are

• dog will be alone for over 8 hours a day
• dog will sleep in a kennel out the back with no door, no facility for heating it when the weather gets cold and it wasn't raised from the ground
• when asked if they could forsee any reason for returning the dog, they replied if he got too big or was too difficult to train
• the man and woman started fighting over the type of dog, he wanted a staffy, she wanted a "handbag" dog. He said he wanted a dog that wouldn't make him "look gay", she said "well I won't be walking the f*****g thing then" :eek:
• A mother wouldn't answer where her other dog had gone in front of the kids. When pressed the father had brought it "somewhere" because it was barking all the time.
• A family whose last 4 dogs had escaped and were killed on the road.
• One of the standard questions I asked was "is everyone in your home happy to get a dog" mother replied oh yes, 4 year old kid said "noooo mammy, daddy said you couldn't have a dog".

I hope you feel more confident now! The one home I remember still as being a perfect home was a house close to my own, I walked in and it was so warm, there were 2 young kids arguing over the remote in the sittingroom, there was another kid "making cakes" in the kitchen, the mother was friendly and just lovely. The house was in an uproar, but it was friendly, happy and just warm. The HC is about meeting you and making sure you know what you are letting yourself in for and mking sure every member of your family is happy with the idea of getting a dog.

**Vai**

Sorry to go slightly off topic but do the same rules apply when taking in foster dogs?

Toulouse

Pretty much Vai yeah.

boomerang

They do for most rescues, Vai. My own rule of thumb is that I wouldn't ask someone to foster if their set up wasn't suitable should they decide to adopt permanently. Because quite often fosterers get very attached and end up wanting to keep the dog. It's not fair to give someone the message that they're good enough to foster, but can't keep the dog if they want to!

Plus a foster home should be as secure as a permanent home, for the dog's safety.

**Vai**

I can imagine wanting to keep any dog that comes thru the front door alright. Myself and my girlfriend just applied to foster so we're waiting on the inspection. Have 2 happy submissive dogs and a secure back garden so cant imagine them finding any problems.

barbiegirl

That's fantastic info, we applied on Saturday to adopt a little brother for Sindy, so this thread just answered most of my questions :-)

Colibri

I'm feeling much more confident now. Thanks all

EGAR

I don't know how other rescues do it but I have a Home Visit Questionnaire which the home visitor will go through and fill in with you. It covers things such as how long will the dog be alone, how many people in the household, other animals, who is your vet, crate training, feeding etc pp. It is very informal and no one will look in your cupboards or under your couch. It is more to get a feeling how the dog will live with you, where he will sleep. Also, do you have permission from the landlord, if the house is rented. Just stuff like that .

crally

hi, i had one before and because i was at work during the day they would not give me the dog! also i think they insist that the dog sleeps in! good luck,

Whispered

Some rescues insist the dog sleeps in, others might allow an outdoor sleeping dog if the facility is there to comfortably house them outside and you let them know you have no intention of confining the dog outside all day too.

Most rescues will (rightly) not allow a young pup go to a home where he will be sleeping outside.

Colibri

Thanks guys. Any day now :-)

RubyGirl

Colibri wrote: »

Thanks guys. Any day now :-)

Keep us updated, hope everything goes ok. I adopted from DID last year, home visit was lovely, she was just in my hall and kitchen then back yard. You get a vibe from them how things are going and you can just ask before they leave what they honestly think. They have a questionaire they do out with you and meet the rest of your household.

Discodog

Colibri wrote: »

Thanks guys. Any day now :-)

Come back if you get any problems as some here may be able to help.

barbiegirl

We had our house inspection last night and I think it went well. So fingers crossed we'll get approved :-)

barbiegirl

Hi guys we've been approved to adopt Fargo. We're going to meet him on Saturday and can't wait.
http://www.dogsindistressforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6963&sid=014e6f3e213e8428398896980e284454
A new little companion for Sindy and a new little ball of energy for us :-)

portgirl123

barbiegirl wrote: »

Hi guys we've been approved to adopt Fargo. We're going to meet him on Saturday and can't wait.
http://www.dogsindistressforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6963&sid=014e6f3e213e8428398896980e284454
A new little companion for Sindy and a new little ball of energy for us :-)

well done. he looks so cute.

toadfly

Aw he is absolutely gorgeous. Cant wait to see new pics when you have him home

Stella2010

Whispered wrote: »

Ah best of luck op, really the HC is more to do with meeting you and your family and checking the garden is secure.


Some reasons for failed HC's I've done are

• dog will be alone for over 8 hours a day
• dog will sleep in a kennel out the back with no door, no facility for heating it when the weather gets cold and it wasn't raised from the ground
• when asked if they could forsee any reason for returning the dog, they replied if he got too big or was too difficult to train
• the man and woman started fighting over the type of dog, he wanted a staffy, she wanted a "handbag" dog. He said he wanted a dog that wouldn't make him "look gay", she said "well I won't be walking the f*****g thing then" :eek:
• A mother wouldn't answer where her other dog had gone in front of the kids. When pressed the father had brought it "somewhere" because it was barking all the time.
• A family whose last 4 dogs had escaped and were killed on the road.
• One of the standard questions I asked was "is everyone in your home happy to get a dog" mother replied oh yes, 4 year old kid said "noooo mammy, daddy said you couldn't have a dog".

I hope you feel more confident now! The one home I remember still as being a perfect home was a house close to my own, I walked in and it was so warm, there were 2 young kids arguing over the remote in the sittingroom, there was another kid "making cakes" in the kitchen, the mother was friendly and just lovely. The house was in an uproar, but it was friendly, happy and just warm. The HC is about meeting you and making sure you know what you are letting yourself in for and mking sure every member of your family is happy with the idea of getting a dog.

Pretty much sums up what I was going to say !
Having done loads of homechecks I am more interested in the people and the family aside from the secure garden etc.
Failed a few for the previous dog having been gotten shot of when the mrs became preggers , or the dog got " too big "
It's not about the house - it's really only when you sit down for a chat and run through your questionnaire that the mad stuff comes out.

Worst one I had - home check went ok - just as I was leaving they asked me could I recommend a vet to dock the dogs tail. It was a 5 year old jrt !
No reasoning with them at all on the stupidity of that one.

I'm not adverse to dogs sleeping in a nice heated kennell at night-time if necessary but 100% against this if the dog is not allowed into the house all day if someone is home - and against this if the potential owners are working during the day.
I see little point in obtaining a dog under those guises.

Colibri

barbiegirl wrote: »

Hi guys we've been approved to adopt Fargo. We're going to meet him on Saturday and can't wait.
http://www.dogsindistressforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6963&sid=014e6f3e213e8428398896980e284454
A new little companion for Sindy and a new little ball of energy for us :-)

Well done :-D

congratulations about the new dog, good luck with Fargo! Fantastic :-)

LucyBliss

barbiegirl wrote: »

Hi guys we've been approved to adopt Fargo. We're going to meet him on Saturday and can't wait.
http://www.dogsindistressforum.org/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=6963&sid=014e6f3e213e8428398896980e284454
A new little companion for Sindy and a new little ball of energy for us :-)

Oh, I am dying from the cuteness! How adorable. I wish you many happy and healthy years together. Yes, you definitely need to post pictures when he arrives!

Colibri

Just had the check. Lovely woman named Lisa! I think it went well but we'll see soon :-D

adser53

Best of luck

barbiegirl

Colibri wrote: »

Just had the check. Lovely woman named Lisa! I think it went well but we'll see soon :-D

Best of luck :-) I'm sure you'll hear soon :-)

Colibri

Just got the word now.






We're collecting him tomorrow morning I'm absolutely over the moon!
Thank you so much everyone for the advice, it came in handy alright










Leon, an 11 month old Labrador mix


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koneko

Be sure to post more pics when you can

You must be so so excited!

RubyGirl

Well done, was it as daunting as you thought. He's fab. Best of luck with him.

LucyBliss

Brilliant news! I'm delighted for you and that Leon gets to have a forever home. Please do post more pictures when he gets settled. He looks lovel.

Colibri

We've had him now since early afternoon now and.I must say he's absolutely brilliant. He was fairly shy alright but it seems as if he has warmed up to us. Very gentle dog, not a hurtful or aggressive bone in his body. Playing with a toy ball today, he wasn't a bit dominant or aggressive. He played with it, let us take it and waited for us to throw it. Bad on the leash but that'll be corrected in due time too, along with the rest of his training! He was neutered last week so his hormones are a little weird. Poor thing tried to hump my baby brother a few times! He should get over it though. He is beautiful too :-) pictures asap!

Colibri

Sprawled across the couch now, fast asleep! What a dog, pure slob:-)

koneko

We should organise a little Boardsie meet up in Marlay Park or something to get him some doggy pals

candy_pants

Hi Colibri, hope your house visit went well if its already happened and good luck if its still yet to take place! Keep us posted!

Hope you don't mind me highjacking this thread but I have some house inspection questions too!

Our very much beloved dog of 14 years was put to sleep in November. Myself and the rest of my family have not discussed the possibility of rehoming another rescue dog, and are not yet ready anyway but for if/when the time comes (I hope it does, I love dogs and miss their company, plus I feel we owe it to my dog to rehome another stray) I have some questions.

We have a good size and secure garden, the dog would sleep inside at night, and we have a little laundry room for shelter during the day.

Obviously basic needs like food/water, vet visits, and lots of love would be catered for.

However, I'm 26 living at home with my parents in their late 50s/early 60s. Being that I should move out soon (when I can afford to...), will this be a problem? My mum has always been at home and my dad is retired so the dog has company, plus other family members (and myself obviously) for when they may be away.

Are older families (i.e. families without young children) discrimated against when rehoming a dog? I recently fell in love with a gorgeous DSPCA puppy but felt he should be in a 'young' home, maybe this is an opinion shared by shelters?

Obviously when/if the time comes, we have to all be completely onboard but would my moving out at some stage plus the lack of children/teenagers in the house put off shelters?

Thanks so much in advance - I love the animal forum on boards, its like vicariously pet-owning through all the posters!

Catherine


PS. I must have missed the last few posts as I didn't realise you were approved and already homed the dog! Congratulations! Hope its all going well for all of you!

katyt

candy_pants wrote: »

Hi Colibri, hope your house visit went well if its already happened and good luck if its still yet to take place! Keep us posted!

Obviously when/if the time comes, we have to all be completely onboard but would my moving out at some stage plus the lack of children/teenagers in the house put off shelters?

Not at all! Oh the arrogance of youth! The fact that there is someone at home puts your parents way above a younger, out all day working person. Also, there are many dogs who are not good with children of any age.
A good organisation will help match your parents to the right dog when the time is right.
By the way, a good time to think of having the 'are they too old' questions is when your parents are in their mid-eighties!

candy_pants

Oops, bit embarrassed now!
I didn't mean it that way, just wondered if there was bias towards rehoming pets to younger families - especially puppies (not that I have a preference towards puppies over older dogs). Although it would need to be a family decision and something we all agree to, I know I'd be the one to 'push' (for lack of a better word) the issue at home so I wanted to know if I were to move out in the future if this would be a problem!

But that's good to know that this wouldn't be a problem, apologies for my youthful arrogance!!

Thank you!

barbiegirl

Leo looks fantastic :-) Sindy got along great with Fargo, and we're picking him up on Friday. All good news :-)

the_syco

candy_pants wrote: »

Oops, bit embarrassed now!

IMO, I'd say that "stronger" dogs who tend to bring the owners for the walk may be ruled out, but a smaller dog may not. Also, a docile dog may suit them better. What sort of dog did you have, and do you know if your parents want another dog around?

barbiegirl

Meet Fargo, he arrived today and so far Sindy and he are fine. The odd putting in place over toys etc. and a few accidents by Fargo but we'll get there.

candy_pants

Oh my goodness! Both dogs are gorgeous and Fargo is a little cutie! He's so tiny. Looks like they're getting on well - good luck with everything!

the_syco wrote: »

IMO, I'd say that "stronger" dogs who tend to bring the owners for the walk may be ruled out, but a smaller dog may not. Also, a docile dog may suit them better. What sort of dog did you have, and do you know if your parents want another dog around?

Sorry the_syco, I'm only seeing this now. Well, Dad was always the 'walker' and is probably fitter than any of us but our dog was very strong at first alright and pulled quite badly and not sure if Dad would be up for that again. Coco (our dog), was incredibly laid back but would go mad for walks/food.

We rehomed her from a homeless man who had to go into a hospice so we were always unsure of breed/age but we think she was a greyhound/beagle mix. There seem to be a lot of lurcher pups around that are gorgeous and supposedly really chilled/lazy so that could be perfect.

Your last question is the big one. My parents don't want one now (I think they need a break as Coco was very old and dependent towards the end) so obviously its out of the question for now. But secretly hoping they'll come around in time. I desperately miss canine companionship and feel we owe it to Coco to rehome another stray. (Sorry for hijacking the thread!)

seamus

candy_pants, if your parents/family aren't ready to rehome a dog at the moment, it would be worth asking them to look at fostering for one of the rescues.

Able-bodied retired people are the backbone of many shelters' ability to take in rescue animals because they have the time & experience to look after animals before they're rehomed.

The hardest part is probably giving the animals back, the shelter look after all food/treatment for the dog while it's in foster care.

candy_pants

Fostering is something I have thought about and would love to be able to do that for a shelter. I'll definitely broach the subject, but I don't know what the reaction would be. I also gave thought to fostering potential guide dog pups but both I would find really difficult. I know its weak and selfish but I don't know if I'd be able to give up a dog I had bonded with and I'd need to really think about that before committing to fostering. Like you said, it might be a good way to get my parents used to another dog in the house. Thanks for suggesting that.

Barbiegirl, how's Fargo going? Are you taking time off with her?

revileandy

I tried to rescue a dog in 2007 and didn't even get a home visit! I work close enough to home but I'm gone for 10 hrs each day, Mon - Fri.

I was told I'd be out too long, the dog would be lonley, the dog would self-harm(!) etc. and I wasn't suitable.

Ended up getting a lovely collie from a chap who was emigrating and I'll be damned if she's not the happiest dog on the planet. Sure, she's out the back during the day but she gets loads of attention, loads of exercise and has been to more places in Ireland than most of my mates.

I'd hate to think dogs who could be re-homed are being put down when people like me get rejected in such an off the cuff manner.

I'm not home 10 hours a day but still have plenty to offer, I don't see how the alternative is better.