I am about to adopt a yorkie next week and have an interview set up with an pet adoption agency and I am extremely excited. I am worried that as much as I want to and have been preparing to adopt a pet, the agency will not approve me. I have heard stories of loving people who's applications were denied. The reason I am concerned about not being approved is because Im a first time dog owner, but have spent months researching what I need to do to properly prepare for and care for a dog (dog training, vet care, housebreaking). Also, I am a full time graduate student, and although I am home in the day time and have a lot of time to dedicate caring for a dog, I am concerned that they will say I will not be able to afford a dog. Money is not a concern for me though. I have really thought this through and understand that this is a lifetime commitment that I am making. My interview is scheduled for Tuesday and Im not sure the type of questions they will ask me. Can someone give me an idea about some of the questions I will be asked? Is there anyone that has ran or volunteered at an animal shelter that can provide me with some insight as to what they are looking for and what to expect in an interview? Also what type of questions should I ask them? Thanks a bunch! I look forward to hearing what others have to say.
Recommended Answer:
Hi Blank,
I don't blame you for being worried. There are times the screening process feels soooo rigid that no one would technically seem qualified to own a dog.
Things that may be asked are:
How much time are you going to be spending with the dog (and not gone to school)
Will you make it an indoor / outdoor pet?
Will you financially be able to provide for the dog on every level (veterinary care and decent food).
How secure is your yard (they may want to inspect your place)
What's your home life like? Children - ages?
Have you ever turned a dog into a pound for any reason
They'll call your vet (if you have one) to verify that you've given your pets acceptable routine care (vaccinations/deworming)
Have you ever had a dog euthanized?
Do you own a crate (for house training or traveling?)
Did you have pets growing up?
Things like that...but... it can be exasperating, and you if you don't get the particular dog try NOT to be too crushed. You need to understand that the agency rehoming the dog is trying to cover EVERY BASE for the dog so that it ends up in a good home FOREVER...and not bounced around anymore.
You sound like a responsible person. Most people were "first time" dog owners at one point and time in their lives, but when ever rehoming a dog with a first time dog owner there is a level or concern. Let them know you're willing to do "what it takes" to get things off on the correct foot. You might sign up for some basic obedience classed with the dog right away so you understand the importance of setting boundaries with the new dog. Some of us were "raised" in multiple dog homes, but still.. I recently picked up a little boxer from a breed specific rescue and I didn't get any special preference given I do rescue myself. I had to go through the process just like everyone else (as they didn't know me from beans). They had no reps in my area so I had to email them photos of my home, and yards. The dog turned out to have some pretty serious bowel issues when I got her home and I immediately had to put out a substantial amount of money getting her straightened out. That's just the risk you assume taking home any animal.
A couple things you may want to have thought about is WHAT IF YOU HAVE TO be gone for a long period? What will you do with the dog? It might be a very good idea to ck out "doggy daycares" in your area, and know what your back up plan will be in the event that that happens. Leaving the dog with your parents or trusted friends...just think the whole process through.
However, I need to warn you that "breed specific" rescues can seem like absolute sticklers going through this process. If they don't place this dog with you I'd suggest getting to know the staff at your local pound. Tell them what you're looking for etc. In this day of so many people financially struggling there are some very sweet pets turned into shelters who desperately NEED a home. As a rule the pound's adoption process is much more lax then some private agencies. Or consider volunteering to be a dog walker for your local pound...and get to know some of the dogs in the shelter before adopting one. Most pounds do have a return policy if the dog is just not working for you, but e-v-e-r-y rehomed dog will require patience and work to get them settled into a new home. Just like people they can be very nervous and unsure about their new life.
Then, you have to prepare yourself for an ADJUSTMENT period because as much as you want a new pup/dog... there is that moment of realization that they are never "turned off" and require care 24/7 no matter how tired you are, or sick you may feel or how much you have on your plate.
Good Luck...
.
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Recommended Answer:
Hi Blank,
I don't blame you for being worried. There are times the screening process feels soooo rigid that no one would technically seem qualified to own a dog.
Things that may be asked are:
How much time are you going to be spending with the dog (and not gone to school)
Will you make it an indoor / outdoor pet?
Will you financially be able to provide for the dog on every level (veterinary care and decent food).
How secure is your yard (they may want to inspect your place)
What's your home life like? Children - ages?
Have you ever turned a dog into a pound for any reason
They'll call your vet (if you have one) to verify that you've given your pets acceptable routine care (vaccinations/deworming)
Have you ever had a dog euthanized?
Do you own a crate (for house training or traveling?)
Did you have pets growing up?
Things like that...but... it can be exasperating, and you if you don't get the particular dog try NOT to be too crushed. You need to understand that the agency rehoming the dog is trying to cover EVERY BASE for the dog so that it ends up in a good home FOREVER...and not bounced around anymore.
You sound like a responsible person. Most people were "first time" dog owners at one point and time in their lives, but when ever rehoming a dog with a first time dog owner there is a level or concern. Let them know you're willing to do "what it takes" to get things off on the correct foot. You might sign up for some basic obedience classed with the dog right away so you understand the importance of setting boundaries with the new dog. Some of us were "raised" in multiple dog homes, but still.. I recently picked up a little boxer from a breed specific rescue and I didn't get any special preference given I do rescue myself. I had to go through the process just like everyone else (as they didn't know me from beans). They had no reps in my area so I had to email them photos of my home, and yards. The dog turned out to have some pretty serious bowel issues when I got her home and I immediately had to put out a substantial amount of money getting her straightened out. That's just the risk you assume taking home any animal.
A couple things you may want to have thought about is WHAT IF YOU HAVE TO be gone for a long period? What will you do with the dog? It might be a very good idea to ck out "doggy daycares" in your area, and know what your back up plan will be in the event that that happens. Leaving the dog with your parents or trusted friends...just think the whole process through.
However, I need to warn you that "breed specific" rescues can seem like absolute sticklers going through this process. If they don't place this dog with you I'd suggest getting to know the staff at your local pound. Tell them what you're looking for etc. In this day of so many people financially struggling there are some very sweet pets turned into shelters who desperately NEED a home. As a rule the pound's adoption process is much more lax then some private agencies. Or consider volunteering to be a dog walker for your local pound...and get to know some of the dogs in the shelter before adopting one. Most pounds do have a return policy if the dog is just not working for you, but e-v-e-r-y rehomed dog will require patience and work to get them settled into a new home. Just like people they can be very nervous and unsure about their new life.
Then, you have to prepare yourself for an ADJUSTMENT period because as much as you want a new pup/dog... there is that moment of realization that they are never "turned off" and require care 24/7 no matter how tired you are, or sick you may feel or how much you have on your plate.
Good Luck...
.
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- They want to know that you are settled in a home and will not be moving anytime soon. I have adopted three dogs over the years. They like you to know about and understand the breed some what. That the home is suitable and safe for the dog. That you are not a hoarder or collector Dogie doors and yards are good. Electric cords and dangerous thing are up out of the way that you are not careless with chocolate and things that might be dangerous. Basically that the dog will be in a good forever home. Young people that move or have room mates can not be certain where they may be in a year or two and wage reversal might mean moving and sometimes places for dogs are hard to find..
- Whenever I have been checked for adoption (from the RSPCA) they basically just check your yard, fences etc. Because it is from an adoption agency they will probably just go nto more detail. Just answer all their questions honestly. If you can afford it they can't tell you that you can't. Just know the truth and you should be fine, If you are 100% honest and they don't approve you, contact them and ask for their specific reasons - there may be an area you slightly overlooked that you can improve on.
Goodluck :) - If you've already filled out an adoption application, they may have already asked all their questions there. How many dogs have you had and what happened to them, what kind of home do you live in, what kind of fence do you have, is anyone allergic, who will be the main caregiver of the dog, how many people in the home, kids, neighbors, neighbors with dogs, references. If there was no adoption application with such questions they may come up at the interview.
If the interview will take place in your home, the so-called home visit, then the representative just wants to see where the dog will live, where it will stay when you're not there, any dangers to the dog out in the open, is the outside area secure and that sort of thing.
There main concern might be where you will go after graduate school and what will happen to the dog when you move, if you do. It's not uncommon for a person to get a job across the country after school and they will want to be sure you can take the dog with you.
Ask them any questions that come up during the interview, and lots will. Also make sure you understand everything in the adoption contract. And ask them anything you want to know about the dog you want to adopt. Any behavioral issues that stand out, what's the energy level of the dog, any health issues that have come up, any fears, likes, dislikes, etc.
Now, this is from experience working in a rescue group. If you're adopting from a shelter there may be slight differences. So hopefully some of this helps some.
Good luck.
