What to expect from rescue homecheck?

[mysteryfairy]

Just that really...

Do I need to blitz every room? Some rooms probably have unfriendly items at dog height e.g. cables but I would love to have the bank holiday weekend to tackle that.

The grass is slightly untidy but the gardener I have isn't due this week, do I need to get him to do an emergency visit?

Any other advice for what to do/expect. Needless to say I want to be transparent but really hoping to be approved!

They aren't checking to see how tidy you are but more that your home is organised and well run and that it's suited to a dog.

I've no experience with home checks, but I'd be concerned about someone who wanted a dog but was (or appeared to be) incredibly house proud - what happens when the dog moults, brings mud in or leaves toys everywhere?

I've done homechecks and tbh I really wouldn't notice the house unless it was really bad. I would notice if there was loads of stuff on the floor that a dog could steal or chew, or if there was food lying around - both can be potential issues with rescue dogs.
I am more interested in the fencing and possibly access to the road, as well as where the dog would sleep.
As pp said alarm bells for me are more likely to be immaculate flowerbeds and perfectly plumped cushions on a cream sofa ;)

We're looking for a secure garden (if you've said you have one), that there aren't ways for the dog to escape (one of mine went to a home where the whole family normally used the back door and the side gate didn't self close which had to be sorted), that the house is safe for a dog (depends on age and type of dog, but a chewy puppy and lots of cables would be an issue), and that generally you are who you say you are, that there isn't anything undeclared (small children, childminding, small furries). And yes, someone with an immaculate house might be a worry!

For ours they checked that the space was safe and secure (so no chance of escaping from back garden onto a road, for example.) Also checked signs of being ready for the pet to settle in (suitable sleeping basket, bowls, toys etc.) It might not harm to get a good lead, ball and thrower, some chews, a blanket and dog towel etc ready, and have a book on dog behaviour lying around to show you're taking this seriously.

Our check was for a cat but they were incredibly thorough and expected all of these things. They said we didn't have enough toys in!

I do homechecks, cleanliness isn't overly important as long as there's nothing that would cause the dog harm. I also ask to go upstairs so bare that in mind (there's been cases of dog hoarders hiding animals in upstairs rooms).

The most important thing for me is where you plan to keep the dog ie where it's bed and food bowls will go and the garden, I like to make sure it's secure.

I've done home checks for various rescues, garden just needs to be safe, its only really an issue if grass if so high can't see if clear of junk. I also point out to adopters any areas of risk such as escape or injury. Photos are taken & sent to rescue so that adopters can rectify things like unsuitable fencing & just email evidence its been fixed.

I did one at a very cluttered house & just recommended they didn't get a known chewer as would be difficult to manage.

I'd point out anything that may need to puppy proof or consider such as if dog could easily escape out front door onto busy road. Its more the extremes that concern or when going through questionnaire get the impression that the people aren't really aware of the realities of either dog ownership or common breed traits they'd likely deal with.

Its also a good opportunity to ask any questions you may have, don't worry its more informal chat than integration. I've also been home checked when adopting/fostering myself.

Each rescues criteria varies BTW so some maybe stricter on things like fence height where others maybe more flexible to what matches dogs in their care.

Hope to see a post about your new addition soon.

We've had a couple - first one was done by the neighbourhood dog wardens as they were passing and bored and they seemed mostly concerned with fencing and demolishing my biscuit supply.

Second one brought one of their greyhounds to see if I was likely to freak out at a huge dog (even by hound standards) promptly leaping up on the sofa, turning upside down and beginning to fart noxiously. She was lufferly! (the hound... plus the homechecker put us onto a local vet half the price of what we were currently paying as well which is a bonus!)

Thanks for all your messages. Home checker lady was lovely and reassuring on phone. She said my form is very good so she does not expect to be here very long. She has previously checked next door so already has a good idea of our back garden/location/house exterior. We have a 10ft brick wall between us so should pass on the secure garden check. Visit is later in week so will update!

Rainbow I might not have thought of biscuits so appreciate that reminder!

Mine checked the garden, went through my daily routine and how I was planning to fit a dog into it, looked round downstairs, gave me some tips on good places to walk, then we had a chat about the new houses that had just been built opposite and how much they were selling for