Tamsin
10-03-2008, 11:29 PM
Homechecks are an important part of the adoption process. It’s important that you can be as certain as possible that the rabbits being adopted will have the safe and loving home that they deserve.
Below are a selection of methods for vetting potential new homes and owners. You will have to decide which combination are the most effective for your rescue and you have the resources to put in place. It is important you carry out at least basic checks. Adopters may not necessarily deliberately mislead you they may just not realise exactly what sort of home they need to provide.
It will save time and confusion is you provide a written list of requirements for adopters prior to organising a home check or reserving rabbits. This list should include items such as accommodation requirements, costs, and the adopters responsibilities.
Adoption Questionnaire
You will need to take at least basic details of potential adopters including full name, address and contact details. You can verify these by asking for ID such as a driving licence, passport or utility bill. It’s also an opportunity to have written questions which can be a good way to get a basic understanding of what sort of home they have on offer and identify points that may need discussing in more details.
Personal References
If the potential adopter has other pets or has had them in the past they should be able to provide a reference from their vet. This form of reference has limitations, as it’s likely that their vet may not have visited their home but it can confirm whether they vaccinated their animals and sort treatment promptly for ailments.
If they have adopted any animal before they may have previously had a home visit. They may have the record of this or be able to put you in touch with the rescue they adopted from.
Below are a selection of methods for vetting potential new homes and owners. You will have to decide which combination are the most effective for your rescue and you have the resources to put in place. It is important you carry out at least basic checks. Adopters may not necessarily deliberately mislead you they may just not realise exactly what sort of home they need to provide.
It will save time and confusion is you provide a written list of requirements for adopters prior to organising a home check or reserving rabbits. This list should include items such as accommodation requirements, costs, and the adopters responsibilities.
Adoption Questionnaire
You will need to take at least basic details of potential adopters including full name, address and contact details. You can verify these by asking for ID such as a driving licence, passport or utility bill. It’s also an opportunity to have written questions which can be a good way to get a basic understanding of what sort of home they have on offer and identify points that may need discussing in more details.
Personal References
If the potential adopter has other pets or has had them in the past they should be able to provide a reference from their vet. This form of reference has limitations, as it’s likely that their vet may not have visited their home but it can confirm whether they vaccinated their animals and sort treatment promptly for ailments.
If they have adopted any animal before they may have previously had a home visit. They may have the record of this or be able to put you in touch with the rescue they adopted from.