Home Check - YorkieTalk.com Forums

yorkiegirlz2 · 10-10-2009, 10:16 AM

Hello. I have never been through a rescue organization before and find the process rather bizarre. They want a very lengthy application, high fee, references and a home check. Can someone tell me exactly what a 'home check' would mean? I live in an apartment anyway so I'm not sure I understand. I would like to know what they are looking for I guess, because I'd hate to fill out the application and be denied! Thanks.

livingdustmops · 10-10-2009, 10:23 AM

It is the belief of reputable rescues that these dogs have already lost one or two homes and they do not want to do this to the dog again so they have very high standards on placing these dogs that they have rescued. In many cases they have invested a great deal of $$$ to fix these dogs and they are doing the job a good breeder should have done at the beginning.

A home check is when they come to see if you really are who you say you are and that everything you filled out on your application is true.

If you are only looking at rescue as a means to get a less expensive dog then you will not be happy with the process. Many of us that have rescue dogs understand some of these poor dogs have come from terrible backgrounds and we understand the need to place these dogs in good homse.

DvlshAngel985 · 10-10-2009, 10:48 AM

Good response!
I just wanted to add that they also try to match the pup to the right home. If it's an energetic dog, then an apartment life wouldn't be a good fit, unless the new potential owner leads a very active lifestyle, i.e. morning runs that the dog can go on, lots of hiking, etc. Or if the dog is mellow and doesn't need much outside time, then an apt would be a great fit. Also, since you do live in an apt, they will check your rental agreement/contract to make sure that you are allowed to have a dog.
As for the high fees, it is my understanding that these dogs don't always come in great shape. Some come in with serious medical problems, some just need a good haircut, others need some serious training to help correct unwanted behavior which could make them less desirable to potential adopters. Plus, feeding and boarding them while they are in the shelter, or rescue's care. Either way, that costs money. While the pup you might be looking at might not have such a tragic history, others do, and the donation the rescue receives from your pup will go to the care of another.
Like livingdustmops said, they just really want to minimize the chance of this dog, or any dog in their care, will be sent back to a shelter and the money is to help their continuous efforts.

megansmomma · 10-10-2009, 11:39 AM

I have to say that I love the responses to the OPer!

I would like to add a little more about the "high fees". Here is a link to the YHR website to that breaks down the money that is put into each of the Yorkies that are taken in. It pretty much can be applied to any reputable rescue organization. Basically, it get a lot of bang for your PUP

Yorkie Haven Rescue Adoption Fees

addevo · 10-14-2009, 11:08 AM

Yes, the whole process that shelters and rescues go through to place their animals DOES seem a bit "bizarre" the first time around. I always thought that an animal shelter was sort of like someone who inherited their great aunt's house full of junk who decides to have an estate sale to clear it out - they had alot of stuff that nobody wanted anymore and the felt lucky if anyone came along who was willing to take it off their hands. But then I started volunteering at a shelter and found out how wrong I was! I learned that the dedicated people who work at shelters consider the animals in their care as "Precious Cargo" and will do everything they can think of to make sure they find them a home that is the best possible match.<br>
Our local shelter also does what they call "home visits." There are several reasons, many of which have been covered by other posters. But there is another reason - it's to prevent people from making impulsive decision to adopt an animal. They want to make sure that the person is serious about taking on the responsibility, and that everyone in the household is in agreement with the decision. Scheduling an appointment helps make sure that the person has a "cooling off" period to think through their decision, and allows for every member of the household to be present to hear what the shelter staff has to say about the level of care that the animal they have chosen is going to need. It's amazing how many adopters are surprised to learn that a puppy won't be housebroken in a week, that expenses can exceed several hundred dollars a year even when a pet doesn't get sick or injured, and that a high energy breed needs a couple of HOURS of intense exercise every day to keep them from tearing up the house due to boredom. <br>
Adopting from a shelter isn't easy. It is MUCH easier to just find an ad in the paper or the internet, pay the money and take possession of the animal. That is exactly why so many animals end up in shelters in the first place! <br>
PLEASE bear with the rescue, and try not to be offended when they ask you all sort of probing questions and want to come over to your house. Unlike breeders, they aren't just trying to make a "sale." They don't care if you get a dog, they only care that THEIR dog gets a HOME.

yorkiegirlz2 · 10-14-2009, 09:34 PM

thank you all so much for explaining everything to me in more detail. i have a much better idea what to expect now. the rescue organizer and i have set up a time this weekend for the home check and for my dog to meet this new dog to see if they get along. they also offer a unique foster situation, where i can live with this dog for a few weeks and 'test' whether she'll fit with our household; if not, she goes back with the rescue and if she's a match we finalize her adoption.

DvlshAngel985 · 10-15-2009, 08:10 AM

Good luck! Please keep us posted!!!!

brownminerva · 10-15-2009, 08:47 AM

Hi:
Please look at the rescue site in Orange county CA, especially the Sick Bay part: "www.littledogrescue.com". These angels take in some dogs that need major surgery and keep the dogs in their home until they find the 'right' home for them. The adoption fee does not come close in some cases to paying the costs. If you find a good rescue, all the info and fee you give will be well worth it. Good Luck in your hunt for your little one.

lil fu fu girl · 10-15-2009, 01:47 PM

Went through one about a year ago. The person who came was beyond nice and it was like chatting with a friend over coffee. Don't stress.

You will do just fine!

Nikitta34 · 10-15-2009, 10:41 PM

Just wanted to pop in and say that these were all really good replies.

yorkiezfamily · 10-21-2009, 08:59 AM

"Ditto" We would look and at first look say it is rather bazarre. However, we are normal caring homes with no exposure to what the adoption organizations see on a regular basis. The process is much needed and works well-I would do it again in a heartbeat. It really was pretty stress free I might add. The wait was the hardest part. Take care!

10-10-2009, 10:16 AM	#1
yorkiegirlz2 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA Posts: 44	Home Check Hello. I have never been through a rescue organization before and find the process rather bizarre. They want a very lengthy application, high fee, references and a home check. Can someone tell me exactly what a 'home check' would mean? I live in an apartment anyway so I'm not sure I understand. I would like to know what they are looking for I guess, because I'd hate to fill out the application and be denied! Thanks.

10-10-2009, 10:23 AM	#2
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	It is the belief of reputable rescues that these dogs have already lost one or two homes and they do not want to do this to the dog again so they have very high standards on placing these dogs that they have rescued. In many cases they have invested a great deal of $$$ to fix these dogs and they are doing the job a good breeder should have done at the beginning. A home check is when they come to see if you really are who you say you are and that everything you filled out on your application is true. If you are only looking at rescue as a means to get a less expensive dog then you will not be happy with the process. Many of us that have rescue dogs understand some of these poor dogs have come from terrible backgrounds and we understand the need to place these dogs in good homse. __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

10-10-2009, 10:48 AM	#3
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	Good response! I just wanted to add that they also try to match the pup to the right home. If it's an energetic dog, then an apartment life wouldn't be a good fit, unless the new potential owner leads a very active lifestyle, i.e. morning runs that the dog can go on, lots of hiking, etc. Or if the dog is mellow and doesn't need much outside time, then an apt would be a great fit. Also, since you do live in an apt, they will check your rental agreement/contract to make sure that you are allowed to have a dog. As for the high fees, it is my understanding that these dogs don't always come in great shape. Some come in with serious medical problems, some just need a good haircut, others need some serious training to help correct unwanted behavior which could make them less desirable to potential adopters. Plus, feeding and boarding them while they are in the shelter, or rescue's care. Either way, that costs money. While the pup you might be looking at might not have such a tragic history, others do, and the donation the rescue receives from your pup will go to the care of another. Like livingdustmops said, they just really want to minimize the chance of this dog, or any dog in their care, will be sent back to a shelter and the money is to help their continuous efforts. __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

10-10-2009, 11:39 AM	#4
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	I have to say that I love the responses to the OPer! I would like to add a little more about the "high fees". Here is a link to the YHR website to that breaks down the money that is put into each of the Yorkies that are taken in. It pretty much can be applied to any reputable rescue organization. Basically, it get a lot of bang for your PUP Yorkie Haven Rescue Adoption Fees __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain

10-15-2009, 08:10 AM	#7
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	Good luck! Please keep us posted!!!! __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

10-14-2009, 11:08 AM	#5
addevo Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Alexandria, VA, USA (near Washington, DC) Posts: 312	Yes, the whole process that shelters and rescues go through to place their animals DOES seem a bit "bizarre" the first time around. I always thought that an animal shelter was sort of like someone who inherited their great aunt's house full of junk who decides to have an estate sale to clear it out - they had alot of stuff that nobody wanted anymore and the felt lucky if anyone came along who was willing to take it off their hands. But then I started volunteering at a shelter and found out how wrong I was! I learned that the dedicated people who work at shelters consider the animals in their care as "Precious Cargo" and will do everything they can think of to make sure they find them a home that is the best possible match.<br> Our local shelter also does what they call "home visits." There are several reasons, many of which have been covered by other posters. But there is another reason - it's to prevent people from making impulsive decision to adopt an animal. They want to make sure that the person is serious about taking on the responsibility, and that everyone in the household is in agreement with the decision. Scheduling an appointment helps make sure that the person has a "cooling off" period to think through their decision, and allows for every member of the household to be present to hear what the shelter staff has to say about the level of care that the animal they have chosen is going to need. It's amazing how many adopters are surprised to learn that a puppy won't be housebroken in a week, that expenses can exceed several hundred dollars a year even when a pet doesn't get sick or injured, and that a high energy breed needs a couple of HOURS of intense exercise every day to keep them from tearing up the house due to boredom. <br> Adopting from a shelter isn't easy. It is MUCH easier to just find an ad in the paper or the internet, pay the money and take possession of the animal. That is exactly why so many animals end up in shelters in the first place! <br> PLEASE bear with the rescue, and try not to be offended when they ask you all sort of probing questions and want to come over to your house. Unlike breeders, they aren't just trying to make a "sale." They don't care if you get a dog, they only care that THEIR dog gets a HOME.

10-14-2009, 09:34 PM	#6
yorkiegirlz2 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA Posts: 44	thank you all so much for explaining everything to me in more detail. i have a much better idea what to expect now. the rescue organizer and i have set up a time this weekend for the home check and for my dog to meet this new dog to see if they get along. they also offer a unique foster situation, where i can live with this dog for a few weeks and 'test' whether she'll fit with our household; if not, she goes back with the rescue and if she's a match we finalize her adoption.

10-15-2009, 08:47 AM	#8
brownminerva Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: california Posts: 110	Dog rescue Hi: Please look at the rescue site in Orange county CA, especially the Sick Bay part: "www.littledogrescue.com". These angels take in some dogs that need major surgery and keep the dogs in their home until they find the 'right' home for them. The adoption fee does not come close in some cases to paying the costs. If you find a good rescue, all the info and fee you give will be well worth it. Good Luck in your hunt for your little one.

10-15-2009, 01:47 PM	#9
lil fu fu girl No Longer a Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,410	Went through one about a year ago. The person who came was beyond nice and it was like chatting with a friend over coffee. Don't stress. You will do just fine!

10-15-2009, 10:41 PM	#10
Nikitta34 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 764 Blog Entries: 1	Just wanted to pop in and say that these were all really good replies. __________________ - Nicole, Megatron, and T-Bone Check out our blog! http://nicoleandtim.blogspot.com

10-21-2009, 08:59 AM	#11
yorkiezfamily Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: great lakes state Posts: 154	Great posts "Ditto" We would look and at first look say it is rather bazarre. However, we are normal caring homes with no exposure to what the adoption organizations see on a regular basis. The process is much needed and works well-I would do it again in a heartbeat. It really was pretty stress free I might add. The wait was the hardest part. Take care! __________________ Addsion & JessicaAdopted 10/17/08 Consider a rescue! I always love to talk Yorkies!