Things to Consider when Screening Potential Adopters*:
Did they provide valid contact information?
Verify the name, address, and contact information they provide you on the application. Were they honest?
Is their family or roommates aware they are adopting?
What do they want in a pet?
Let them describe to you their definition of a perfect pet. Does this sound realistic, and can this animal fit the bill?
What must they avoid in a pet? (i.e. Aggression, hyper-activity, etc)
Again, let them describe to you what they cannot deal with. Does this sound realistic, and can this animal fit the bill?
Are they a Renter?
Do they have permission from their landlord and are they able to pay their pet deposit?
If you have doubts about the landlord’s approval, feel free to ask for their contact information and call and verify.
Have they considered this expense every time they relocate apartments?
Do they have a family vet?
Are they aware of the annual medical expenses involved with owning a pet?
Do they realize that cats can live over 20 years and dogs over 15?
Pet History?
Yes? What were those experiences with those pets? What happened to those pets?
If they’ve gone through a lot of animals in a small amount of time consider whether this is a safe and healthy environment.
No? Do they realize that it won’t always be easy? Are they prepared for a life-time of training and commitment to this animal?
Current family pets?
Do any of the pets have aggression issues?
Are all family pets current on vaccinations?
Have other family pets been exposed to this type of pet before? (i.e. cat & dog)
Is this pet a gift?
Owning and purchasing a lifelong companion is a personal experience. Just like purchasing a new home, it’s a big commitment and most people would not want to take on the responsibility of homeownership upon surprise. I personally do not adopt out animals knowing that they are going to be gifts. There is risk involved when adopting animals out as gifts because we never had the ability to interview the receiver of the gift. Every situation is different, and there are always special conditions. Use your best judgment and follow your instinct.
Home Environment?
Do they have adequate space for their pets to live, play, and exercise?
Do they intend for this to be an inside dog, inside/outside dog, or only an outside dog? Remember that most pets are social and want to share their love and affection. As outside only dogs, it may be hard for them to be socialized and easier for them to go untrained and neglected.
Do they have a fenced yard? If not, have they considered how they plan to give regular exercise and routine potty breaks for this animal?
Do they have kids and how many?
Does this pet have the personality and characteristics to feel comfortable and relaxed in this type of setting?
Do we know whether this pet likes kids? If we do not know set up a “meet ‘n’ greet” to see how the animal adapts.
What would they do with this pet under hardship?
Suggest a situation of hypothetical financial hardship, relocating for a job, or bringing children into the family. How would they predict that they would cope with this situation?
Finalizing the adoption:
Express the importance of this adoption. They have not only saved this life, but they have opened up space for one more animal to be rescued from the euthanasia list. Urge the importance of paying the $19.00 fee to have the micro-chip registered to their contact information. Urge the importance of the $6 micro-chip update fee if they ever move homes or switch phone numbers. Should this dog get lost and the micro-chip never registered under the owner; Animal Control has no ability to get in contact with the owner. At most, this animal will have only three days at the shelter before euthanasia.
* These are merely suggestions and not meant to be a comprehensive list of questions to consider during the adoption interview and application process. These suggestions were friendly tips made by your Foster Mentor, and are not enforcements or related to SAPA protocol.