Housecheck basics:

 

Take a "dog's eye view" of the home and yard. Imagine you're placing your own dog there and look for any potential risks. Consider whether you would entrust your dog to these people.

 

Review our application and checklist before the visit.

 

We try to take the desired dog on the visit, or take a demo dog. However, exercise caution if you have another pet - the animals will require a proper introduction.

 

Have the whole family present for the home visit so we can share tips with all.

 

If you have possible plans of doing the adoption at the end of the house check, we will provide the dog's neck measurement in advance so you can get a collar. Remember the two-finger rule so you can buy the right size collar and fit it properly.

 

Particularly for less-experienced dog owners, learn about the utility of a crate for housebreaking and confining when unsupervised. Ask about crate sizes appropriate for the dog (we can bring a dog supply catalog) and we stress the need to have the crate before the dog's homecoming.

 

About safety, some applicants need education. We are here to answer questions and teach you. Others may not be ready to safely care for a dog. This is what this home visit is to reveal. In addition, we advise to avoid dog parks due to the potential for dog fights and other mishaps.

 

We do not have to approve a home visit. We report back to the Adoption Coordinator and you will hear from Royal Pet Rescue within 2 days or less.

 

If you are approved we ask for a contract and get the adoption donation (if applicable).

 

You may ask for a copy of the Home Visit check list after the evaluations is complete

 

Homes with children:

 

Adoptions to homes with children have a higher failure rate.  Our advice can make the difference.

 

We advise you to obtain a crate before bringing a new dog home.

 

We advise you never to leave dog alone with their children or their children's friends.

 

We explain to the whole family: "A dog can't cry or whine when he is unhappy. Instead, he may growl or try to bite." When a dog might be getting tired, leave him alone.

 

We advise you to share the "dog/doorknob" rule: "Don't turn the Doorknob 'til you know where the Dog is, and that she/he can't run out the door. Or else she/he could get hit by a car!"

 

We advise parents not to let young children walk dogs themselves.

 

We advise strongly to do obedience training for the whole family.

 

Especially for first-time dog owners, ask questions:

 

If someone is not really ready to adopt a dog, better to find out now instead of after the adoption.

 

Have you considered how to schedule time to walk and play with the dog each day? At what times will you take the dog out for potty breaks and exercise? (Review a schedule; dogs typically should be taken outside upon waking, after breakfast, mid-day or right after work, after dinner, and before you go to sleep at night.)

 

Can you always get home after work, before going out again? Do you have a reliable pet-walker or neighbor to take your dog out when you can't get home on time?

 

For puppies, who will feed and walk midday so the pup can get housebroken?

 

Are you prepared to clean up after a shedding dog? Can you move things out of the dog's reach? If the dog chews carpets, shoes, table legs, chairs...how will you deal with this? Are you ready to accept an animal who might go through adjustment problems in your home?

 

Dogs are like children - you must educate and guide them. Are you willing to take the time to teach them acceptable behavior with consistent, positive reinforcement?