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Originally Posted by dottiesyrky  Yes pet over population is a multifaceted problem where supply exceeds demand ....sorry to be so crude. I am with you that the 'churning' often from home to home is a very sad and serious issue. I know some rescue angels well and in spite of meticulous screenin/ home visits etc, the pets are sometimes returned as 'not suitable' in some way. One reason I heard yesterday was that the (relatively wealthy!) adopter did not understand the cost of keeping a pet and was shocked at the cost of Frontline!! This person had been well screened, but she lied!!
LJ, how do you screen people for adoption of your rescues? Do you find that some adopters lie and then return the pet with some idle excuse? How can one screen to overcome this? I cannot understand how people can adopt these innocents and return them like an ill fitting piece of clothing!! It really hurts and angers me. |
I have never had a pup returned to me. Not saying it could never, ever happen to me...don't want to jinx myself. Anything can happen but if you are extremely careful it really is less likely.
As for your example, the person was not well screened because, if she had been, she would have already known the cost of Frontline and responsible pet ownership including vetting, feeding and grooming. Example: I ask when the dog was last tested for heartworms and what prevention is used/purchased. I ask what date it was purchased and how much was purchased. I figure out for sure that the person is giving prevention monthly. I ask about dental issues and if a vet has recommended a dental and if it was done by the owner. Things like that!
How do I screen? I only adopt to people with a track record. People who have purchased Frontline or other necessary preventions and know the cost. I don't care if a person is wealthy or not....I care that they have shown themselves to be responsible pet owners. They must have done the routine vet care including dentals if recommended by the vet and needed. I don't just ask the receptionist if a person is "good". I ask very detailed questions about vetting.
Does this limit who I will place dogs with? Yes. Is it fair? Yes, in my mind it is fair to the one I owe something to: The pup! There are plenty of pups in shelters that people with no track record can get a pup from...they can prove themselves that way and come back to me later after they have established themselves as responsible pet owners.