My current foster dog is nippy, yet people with small children insisted on applying for her. I've seen home checks where the applicant says they live in a house with a fenced yard, and in truth it was an apartment that didn't allow dogs (and they wanted a big dog). Just last week I rejected someone because they live out of state, and the applicant said her daughter lived in Maryland, so could we "fudge" the application and let the daughter apply, then she could give the dog to her mother. We try hard to match our dogs with a home that best suits each individual dog. A fearful dog straight from a puppy mill would do best in a quiet home as opposed to a loud, busy family. Rescues are strict because sometimes the applicants are less than honest with us. Our primary concern is always for what is in the best interest of the dog. Sure, there are rescue dogs out there with serious problems, but foster parents work hard on leash, chewing and potty training, fear and trust issues, skin and health problems, socialization, behavior issues and good manners. Many of our dogs have never even experienced living in a house before. Dogs are less likely to be returned to us if their problems are addressed prior to their adoption. Often, people who adopt a rescue dog get the benefit of someone else's hard work. They forget that it's my carpets and furnishings that get ruined.
Will I excessively screen potential adopters? You're darn right I will. I hate rejecting anyone who applies, but I want my foster dog to have the very best new family and a wonderful new life. They deserve nothing less, and I promise them that on the first day they come through my door. I dont want to sound mean, but if you don't like the fees or the application process, then clearly you aren't the right match for this fur baby I've grown to love and been called to protect.