Your cart

Home Visit Instructions [Phone]

RESIDENCE CHECK

Perform a residence check before scheduling a phone visit so that concerns or red flags are discovered beforehand and can be discussed.

The purpose of this step is to verify that the information provided on the Adoption Application is truthful and accurate. An aerial view of the property allows you to look for any red flags that might indicate that the home is unsafe for a dog. A well maintained home exterior and yard free from excess clutter, indicates that the home’s interior is likely the same.

1. Visit www.blockshopper.com and enter the address listed on the Adoption Application.

2. Verify that the current owner of the property matches the name on the Adoption Application. This step is only valid for applicants that own vs. rent.

3. Verify that the purchase date of the property matches the information listed on the application with respect to how long they’ve lived at that address. This step is only valid for applicants that own vs. rent.

4. Navigate to the map and click on “View Larger Map”, located in the upper left hand corner.

5. From here, you’ll be able to see the street view of the residence in the upper left hand corner. You can click on the picture if you want to view it full screen. For an aerial view of the home, click on the square thumbnail, labeled Satellite, in the lower left hand corner.

6. You are able to zoom in using the +/- buttons in the lower right hand corner. The aerial view will allow you to confirm a yard and/or fence if indicated on the Adoption Application. Clicking 3D will allow you to tilt the view.

7. Holding down the Shift key + double clicking your mouse then dragging, allows you to rotate the image so you can view the residence at several angles, like shown.

8. Indicate any concerns you have while completing this step on the Home Visit Report.

_____________________________________

PERSONAL REFERENCE CHECKS

Make reference checks before scheduling a phone visit so that concerns or red flags are discovered beforehand and can be discussed.

Give yourself 30-45 minutes to make these phone calls. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how comfortable and insightful the conversations can be. Our experience is that people don’t usually lie and will volunteer a lot of information that you hadn’t anticipated, but that will provide good insight whether the home is a good fit for an MLRR Lab. Trust Your Instincts.

INTRODUCTION

“Hi, my name is (your name) and I am a volunteer with Midwest Lab Rescue. (Applicant’s name) has applied to adopt a dog from our rescue and I am calling to ask you a few questions as a personal reference. Your answers will be kept strictly confidential. Did they let you know that I'd be calling? (Lets them know you are not trying to do anything behind anyone's back). Is this a good time to talk? (You need their full attention)”

QUESTIONS

      1. How long have you known the applicant?
      2. How do you know the applicant…e.g. through work or as a family friend?
      3. What is your opinion of the applicant as a pet owner?
      4. Do you feel the home is a happy and safe environment for a dog?
      5. If there are children in the home, how do you feel they would do with a dog?
      6. To your knowledge, does the applicant have pets currently?
      7. If so, how are the pets treated at home?
      8. Where are they housed…inside, outside, kennel, tied, outside run, or other?
      9. Do you know where their current pets sleep at night (indoors/outdoors)?
      10. Have you ever known them to surrender any of their animals to a shelter?
      11. Do you feel the family has the financial means to provide basic needs for the animal such as food, water, shelter, toys, and any medical needs if they arise?
      12. Would you be comfortable leaving your pet with the applicant for an extended period of time?
      13. Do you have any particular reservations or general comments about the applicant?

      Submit answers via the online Reference Report [Personal]

      _____________________________________

      VET REFERENCE CHECK

      Make reference check before scheduling a phone visit so that concerns or red flags are discovered beforehand and can be discussed.

      INTRODUCTION

      “Hi, my name is (your name) and I am a volunteer with Midwest Lab Rescue. (Applicant’s name) has applied to adopt a dog from our rescue and I am calling to ask you a few questions as a vet reference. Your answers will be kept strictly confidential. Is this a good time to talk? (You need their full attention)”

      QUESTIONS

          1. How long has the applicant been a client of yours?
          2. Are all of the applicant’s animals (dogs and cats) current with all recommended vaccinations?
          3. If the above answer is no, when was the last visit you have on record and which vaccines are not current? (The family may use titer testing rather than annual vaccines. If that is the case, ask when this titer testing was done last.)
          4. Does the applicant always provide the necessary medical attention that the dog requires to keep the dog in proper health?
          5. Does the applicant give heartworm to their dogs every month?
          6. Does the applicant heartworm test their dogs once a year?
          7. Have you ever had concerns about the care that the applicant has given their animals?
          8. Do you have any particular reservations or general comments about the applicant?

          Submit answers via the online Reference Report [Vet]

          _____________________________________

            HOME VISIT REPORT [PHONE]

            The primary objective of a phone home visit is to create an open dialog with the potential adopter. Ask open-ended questions that promote conversation. Ideally, the applicant should be doing 80% of the talking, while the volunteer talks very little.

            Topics of discussion and questions to ask during the phone home visit are found in the online report: Home Visit Report [Phone]