WHAT IS A HOME SAFETY VISIT?

A “Home Safety Visit,” is CPCRN’s final step in our three-part adoption process. When the applicant has passed the first two steps (the application review and the reference checks), they have reached the final step towards adoption of one of our dogs. The purpose of the home safety visit is to meet the prospective adopters and to see the environment they will provide for their dog.

Since CPCRN is a national rescue program, much of our adoption process is handled through e-mail and phone calls. The home safety visit is truly the only chance that we have PRIOR to the placement of one of our rescue dogs (IF the home is approved to adopt) to assure that the dog will be in a safe and loving home. This is also the opportunity to verify that the dog which the adopting home is requesting, is the correct dog for the home based on your visit findings.

Please know that we are NOT looking for a spotless home that will pass a “white glove” inspection: far from this, few ever would. We are looking for a home that is free of dangerous clutter, a home that is safe, and a family that is prepared to love a rescue dog and make this dog a member of the family. ALL CPCRN dogs are housedogs, meaning they sleep in the home at night and are not kept outdoors for the majority of the day when the family is at home.

I HAVE NEVER DONE A HOME SAFETY VISIT, WHAT WILL I BE LOOKING FOR?

CPCRN has an on-line Home Safety Visit Worksheet that may be printed out to guide you through the process. This form is broken down into several categories that match the information needed to complete the report after the visit. We also have a Home Safety Visit Hazards Checklist that lists common potential hazards in a home and yard to look for. Both documents can be taken with you for guidance during the visit.

You will be asked to describe the family members’ interaction and attitude. We strongly feel that ALL members of the family must truly want a dog, NOT just one member. Other categories include the applicant’s neighborhood, the exterior of their home (both front and back), and the interior of their home. Questions will also be asked about the condition and temperament of their current pets (if any).

CPCRN essentially wants to know if you would feel comfortable leaving your dog or other family member’s dog with this applicant? Do you feel that this home will be a safe home that provides a loving and caring atmosphere?

DO ALL HOMES PASS THE HOME SAFETY VISIT?

NO, all homes DO NOT pass the home safety visit. We have all had an occasion where once we arrived somewhere, we were quite disappointed in what we found. The same could apply when you go out to do a home safety visit. We depend on our home safety visit volunteers not to make judgments and to only report findings as honestly and accurately as possible. Having a “dog safe” home has nothing to do with how nice an applicant might be, or their desire for a dog. We really count on your gut feelings and your eyes here. We owe it to our rescue dogs to find the best home possible. Not all homes are the “best” homes.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A HOME SAFETY VISIT?

Most home safety visits typically last about 45 minutes. Often, you will really enjoy meeting potential Terrier people, and by mutual agreement you may stay and chat a while longer. However, the “business” part should NOT take any longer than 45 minutes to an hour, and this should be done first.

WILL I NEED TO SCHEDULE THE HOME SAFETY VISIT QUICKLY?

We really appreciate it when you can contact the applicant, introduce yourself and set up your home safety visit almost immediately. Obviously, you may have plans and the applicant may have plans, so that this may take a few days or longer to set up the appointment. REMEMBER that we cannot hold a dog for an applicant. Because of this, long delays could mean that the dog that they are applying for may be placed in the meantime.

Once you agree to do the home safety visit, your Home Safety Visit Coordinator will forward you a copy of the application which includes the contact information to reach out to the applicant. The application includes confidential information, and we trust that this will be treated as such. DO NOT TAKE the application into the applicant’s home. At times, the Board may have a particular concern dealing with an aspect of the application. You may be specifically
asked to look at and report back on that concern.

Setup the home safety visit appointment with the applicant. Because of the importance family members play in the happiness of a rescue dog, we ask that ALL family members be present for at least a portion of the visit, ESPECIALLY if there are children in the household. PLEASE do not schedule a home safety visit after daylight hours as you need to inspect the exterior/yard. If you have been asked to perform an in-person visit, verify with the applicant that driving directions on the internet are accurate. If you have been asked to do a virtual home safety visit, verify applicant understands how the visit will occur (e.g., FaceTime, Messenger, WhatsApp).

Inform your Home Safety Visit Coordinator via e-mail when you have scheduled your home safety visit. Also inform them of any delays you may encounter.

MAY I TAKE A FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER OR MY DOG WITH ME ON THE VISIT?

Feel free to ask a friend or family member to go along with you on the ride but remember the applicant will assume that anyone in their home is ALSO a representative of CPCRN. We understand the necessity of occasionally bringing a child with you. PLEASE ensure that your child is behaved. We suggest that you inform the applicant that you might be bringing a child. Since applicants often have other pets, you will be responsible for ensuring that your child is safe.
A dog is NOT permitted to accompany you on the visit.

THE HOME SAFETY VISIT: ONCE AT THE HOME, WHAT DO I DO?

PLEASE be on time for your appointment, and if you find that you will be late or unable to make the appointment for ANY reason, contact the applicant.

When you arrive at the home, introduce yourself as a representative of CPCRN and briefly explain the purpose of the home safety visit. Tell them you are visiting to meet them and to evaluate the appropriateness and safety of their home for a dog. It is usually easy to start off a conversation after that by saying “So, you’re thinking about adopting one of our dogs,” then pause for a reaction. Let them talk and volunteer information. Don’t make this a formal interview! Engage the applicants in conversation about the dog they want to adopt and dogs they have had in the past. PLEASE try to let the applicant talk. This is your opportunity to learn about their relationship with their animals. Observe their behavior. Get a sense of how they would be as dog owners. How do they interact with each other? Do they express basic considerations and caring to their spouse, children, and other pets? Do the children seem as if they would be respectful to pets? Will the adults monitor the children’s behavior with the dog? Do the children listen to the parents? Does the applicant have a basic understanding of the dog’s needs and behaviors? Are there other pets in the household? Do you feel that they can be financially responsible in the event of an accident or illness, or do you sense a financial concern on their part? NOTE: If you are not comfortable with the applicant as a dog owner or are in any other way uncomfortable, simply end the interview on a nice note and leave.

You are at the applicant’s home to check out the home, so please don’t be shy here. Generally, you can start out by asking which area of the home the owner would like to start. It is important to look at ALL the rooms or areas of the home a dog will have access to.

Check to see whether the living quarters are dog-friendly. Are there a lot of small objects (children’s toys), exposed cords, houseplants, etc., that a dog might chew on? Are cleaning materials secured in cabinets? Is the house reasonably neat and clean?

In the yard, check the condition of the fence (if any). Is it in good repair? Is the yard totally enclosed? Can the dog get out of it by digging under or jumping over the fence? Are there areas where the dog could injure itself? If the dog has access to the basement and/or garage, are there hazards present?

Generally, we are considering their application for a specific dog, however, you might feel that they would be better suited for another dog. Perhaps they have applied for a young dog but might not be able to handle the exercise requirements or energy level, therefore, they should consider an older dog.

IF I SEE POTENTIAL HAZARDS OR NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS, WHAT DO I DO?

Tell the applicants of any noted hazards or needed improvements. Share comments and suggestions as you walk through the various rooms and the exterior of their home. It is often easier for an applicant to visualize what you are talking about or to see an actual hazard such as chocolate on low tables (chocolate is poisonous to dogs) or medications on nightstands or low tables (could be lethal).

ARE THERE ANY OTHER TOPICS THAT I MIGHT WISH TO DISCUSS WITH THE APPLICANT?

It can never be stressed enough the importance of reminding the applicant that the Board will always be behind them IF they are approved to adopt a dog. We will gladly work with anyone with any problems or questions that they may have. We are a full-support network. You can remind them to visit the website at www.CairnRescue.com and to review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about adoption.

Some applicants have never previously used a crate. A crate is a requirement for placement. They DO NOT have to use the crate once they are comfortable with their dog’s potty habits and training. However, they must have a crate available AT THE TIME OF PLACEMENT, if they are picking up their dog, or arrangements will be made for a crate if the dog is being transported.

THE HOME SAFETY VISIT: CONCLUSION, WHAT DO I DO?

When the visit is over, thank the applicant for their time. If the applicant had any questions that you could not answer, please have them contact their Home Safety Visit Coordinator.

REMEMBER, do not give them any indication that they have been approved or will be. Tell them the information is passed on to a committee of board members who will make the final decision on all adoptions. Not every home is right for every dog — even great people can be wrong for a specific dog, or a dog of any type. Many applicants are so eager to be approved that they may be almost relentless in asking you questions geared towards your saying that they will get a dog. In their eagerness, applicants tend to hear what they want to hear, not necessarily what you are saying, so PLEASE do not give any applicant an indication that they are approved, OR that they “probably will be approved” for a CPCRN rescue dog. We can’t stress enough the importance of not making a commitment or inferring that the applicant is approved or will be approved.

The complete CPCRN Board votes on EVERY placement, and the home safety visit is only ONE phase of the complete process. Generally, the applicant will be informed of the Board’s decision within a week, often sooner.

HOW DO I REPORT MY HOME SAFETY VISIT?

After the home safety visit, please complete the on-line form within 24 hours, if possible. If you are short of time, please let your Home Safety Visit Coordinator know that you did the visit and when we should expect the report.

COL. POTTER CAIRN RESCUE NETWORK SINCERELY APPRECIATES YOUR EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF THE RESCUE DOGS.

Cordially,
The Board of CPCRN