Dog Rescue questionnaire

[Spanglepixie]

Hi

I was about to register for a puppy from a local rescue centre and the questionnaire went further than the usual 'have you considered the cost, how often you are home, holidays' question and actually has a tick box form to be signed wherein you have to confirm whether you have had a recent bereavement, domestic problems, financial difficulty, and finally have you now or ever suffered mental health problems. Whilst these are factors you may wish to reflect upon when considering homing a pet, I think this oversteps. I will not complete this on principle. But am wondering about the legality of this and also whether collecting this information is a data protection issue.

Thoughts ? x

It doesn’t really matter though does it because how will they ever find out if people are putting down a load of lies , they can hardly ask your GP for medical notes or your bank for statements .

True I suppose, I never thought of fibbing!

I should clarify, I wouldn't fib, so it didn't occur to me. But, I suppose some might.

Whilst these are factors you may wish to reflect upon

I think you've hit the nail on the head here - the idea is probably to get you to think about these things, even if you don't answer honestly.

They are all valid points though. And rescues need to do as much as they can to ensure the dog won't be returned at a later date due to financial/domestic/mental problems.

They probably won't be automatic exclusions but will be a point to think about and discuss.

Ah, I agree with all of you. This is information to be taken into account when rehoming but I am surprised at the questionnaire approach. TBH I have visited them previously and I didn't feel it was a welcoming atmosphere for the human visitor. :-) I shall just avoid, but I worry about other applicants.

Thanks for your responses

Sounds like you're maybe not right for a rehoned puppy.

I think that does overstep, yes.
Tbh it would be helpful to know the answers, but they are things which should naturally come up with a good questionnaire and an experienced homechecker, without having to specifically ask!

I think most rescues put the dogs welfare before the appyling adopter

I personally would want this and expect it. Good rescues offer life time support so do need to make sure most dogs are rehomed and stay rehomed.

As you have said you have the choice to walk away from the rescue ...

Homecheckers do not make decisions on suitability of the prospective owners They have a check list to complete of criteria - the rehoming decision is by the rescue.

Interesting most breeders don't do even the basic checks.

Have a look at the long recent thread about rescues. Most of them seem to be ridiculously fussy so this doesn't surprise me.

I think it is valid if they don't think they will notice any mental health problems in their interview (or don't like to ask about it then). A couple of months ago someone found a young dog tied to a tree in the forest near me and some scattered clothing nearby. It was a total mystery. Dog went to dog warden but was much distressed and kept wanting to go back to find its owner. Everyone searched (found the clothing was a full set apart from footwear) but couldn't find an owner. (Owner had been seen on the day with dog so there was a description - the dog was chipped but the owner's phone was switched off). Eventually, after 4-5 days it was discovered the owner had been admitted to a mental health unit (but presumably hadn't remembered or hadn't been well enough to tell them the dog was tied to a tree somewhere). Although I expect the dog was a great companion for that person and I am sorry for their troubles, I do think it would have been better off with someone who was able to give it a bit more security.

I think it's an offputting and cold way to approach three very sensitive matters, tbh.

I am lucky and never suffered from significant bereavement, financial or mental problems. I'd still read that on a form and be put right off continuing because I'd find it a deeply insensitive way to approach the subjects. I can only image just how much it might put off someone who had suffered them. Just lost your husband? Tick here. Struggled with anxiety as a teenager? Tick there.

Now, if using a form means the charity can save enough time to counteract the people it puts off then, like all businesses, they must make a decision on efficiency vs public image. However, I'd suggest that with somewhere around 20% of rehomed dogs returned to shelters and the largest chunk of those being for dog behavioural reasons (vs human circumstances) that more benefit will come from focussing efforts to properly assess dogs to start with and support new owners during the settling in period. Support is not something that can be properly provided via forms. It takes time and relationship building between the charity and new owners - something I have rarely seen any focus at all on in the charities I've volunteered with. Getting off on a wrong foot because of an offputting form is perhaps not the best way to achieve that.

My two cents, anyway.

No way should they be asking about mental health - seriously overstepping the mark there

Thanks all. Interesting perspectives.

I have been looking for a rescue dog for some while now and am getting used to the lingo in the adverts which is somewhat like estate agents! I absolutely am ready for a home check and to be asked if I have thought of all these factors my problem is actually with the way the form is presented per @missbattenburg. I also wonder if they have the proper controls in place to keep such sensitive data.

I am so sorry to hear @missjoyfulprizeforraffiawork 's story so sad for both parties.

As I said, it's a point of principle not to complete this form but I will find my little companion soon. If I just wanted a puppy I could just go to pets 4 homes or breeders but I would like to adopt.

Have a good weekend all and I hope the weather is kind to you.

Whats your location op? And what breed are you looking for? I homecheck for several rescues might be able to suggest one?

Mutts in Distress, Essex are bringing several 12 week old puppies over from Romania at the end of August. Expected to be medium size puppies. mutts-in-distress.org.uk/mutts-dogs/

Good luck with the adoption, best thing I ever did!