Home Checking

[HoskinsChoice]

I've applied to be a foster carer for a dog charity and they're coming to do a home check tomorrow. Anyone know what they are looking for? I know they'll want to check the garden is secure but will they go in every room in the house? And if so, what are they looking for? I'm an experienced dog owner so don't anticipate any issues but just want to check I'm not missing anything.

Hi, garden security for sure like you said and, internally what floor coverings you have (for dogs with hip / elbow issues or older dogs laminate can be a slip risk for example.

They’ll go over your routine, what areas the dog would have access to, do you have space for a crate incase needed, quiet areas for the dog to retreat to, local walks and vet.

I’ve done loads of home checks and only once checked the bedrooms and it was because all three of the families small daughters had diligently cleaned them for me to check to ensure the best outcome.

Thank you so much. This all makes good sense and saves me diligently tidying! 🤣

I’ve been home checked for fostering and to adopt by different charities and no they don’t want to inspect your whole house, they do check your garden is their definition of secure not just yours.

But other than that it’s just a visit and a chat

I know this is off the thread, but I hate the use of "fostering" and "adopting" for anything to do with cats and dogs.

Admittedly it is a trigger for me, as I was an adopter (of a child) which then broke down.

I'm sure your house will be fine, OP.

I do home checks, essentially it's checking you live where you say you do, that the garden is secure, that you've considered any potential dangers to the dog and done something about it, that you're not living in the middle of a building site and that you've considered where the dog is likely to spend their time and thought about the fact that dogs can and do chew things etc

We were home checked to adopt. They don’t go round the house. They check the garden is secure and then just have a chat. They do notice things, but generally they want to know what you’re routine is, how often you’re home, where the dog sleeps and they will go through their processes. For foster I assume that will be your role, their role etc.
It’s fine very informal

Home check done and I passed! 🥳

Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance.