I understand what everyone is saying but.........
If you want to encourage people to approach rescue centres then I think the centre staff/homecheckers need to go into each situation with a pleasant, open mind and not be judgemental and make assumptions of the person in front of you.
Unfortunatly my experience with one RSPCA staff member was that she was extremely mistrusting and narrow minded and opinionated. I approached then for bunnies and a dog but ended up walking away.
I was told the RSPCA will not let you have a dog 'if you have young children' and 'you can't have a puppy if you have an old dog'. I tried to explain my circumstances but she wasn't interested. I think she made a snap judgement on me.
I live in 3/4 acre, right by woods/countryside, I have a separate area for the dogs, both in the garden and house , when I work (I childmind part time from a separate area of the house so am at home), I already had 2 dogs and my old dog was a complete loony and loved puppies, I have 20 years experience of having dogs and training and competing in trials so was offering a place for a working dog. I went to a breeder and my dogs have a great life.
My older dog is 14 this year and I will be looking for a youngster next year. I'm also thinking about another bunny. Will I approach a rescue? I'm really not sure.
I just get really annoyed when people are so judgemental. Perhaps that is why people prefer breeders/pet shops which is a shame bearing in mind how many rescues are out there.
(This isn't just my opinion but others who have approached the RSPCA)
Linda