Home Visits

Complete your report in one of the three formats below:

If unable to fill out a Google form, you may upload your DocX, PDF, etc. at the link below:

Thank you for taking the time to conduct a home visit!

Home visits are crucial to KDR’s mission to place dogs in safe forever homes. Without this vital step it wouldn’t be possible.

The purpose of the home visit is to meet the prospective adopters and see the environment that they will provide for a dog.

KDR essentially wants to know: Do you think that the applicant will provide a good and loving home, keep the dog’s needs in mind, and provide for the dog’s safety at all times?

Keep formalities at a minimum, this should be a friendly visit. Engage applicants in conversation about the dog they want to adopt or foster. Observe their behavior. Get a sense of how they would be as dog owners:

• Do the children seem like they would be respectful to pets?

• Will the adults monitor the children’s’ behavior with the dog?

• Do the applicants have a basic understanding of the dog’s needs and behaviors?

• Do they understand that sometimes rescues go through a period of adjustment? How will they handle this?

• 1. Preparing for your Visit

  Home Visits are only conducted when the applicant has PASSED the Reference Check phase, and you have been asked or assigned to provide a visit.

  Your safety is a priority. Do not conduct a Home Visit for an applicant that have not been properly vetted. NOTE: If during your visit, you are not comfortable with the applicant as a dog owner or are in any other way uncomfortable, please end the interview on a nice note and leave immediately.

  Once you’ve been scheduled and assigned a home visit, reach out (promptly) to the applicant to arrange a time and day to visit. If using the KDR console, update your assigned visit cell with the scheduled date and time. Otherwise, let the Director know so they can update the calendar and be aware of visits being conducted.

  Bring something to take notes with! A tablet, a pad, or a print out of the home Visit form - linked on this page.

• 2. When you arrive at the home...

  Introduce yourself and briefly explain the function of the home visit. Tell them that you are visiting to meet them and to evaluate the appropriateness and safety of their home for a dog.

  The family may be a little nervous but do your best to make them feel comfortable. Talk to them like old friends and listen carefully to what they say.

  Try not to ask the questions as questions but work them into the conversation when possible. People are more willing to talk if they do not feel they are being interrogated.

  Engage the applicants in conversation about rescue. Do they know the breed and understand what rescue is about? A big part of the home visit is really listening to what they say and observing the family.

  An easy intro would be “So, you’re thinking about adopting/fostering a dachshund,” - pause for a reaction. Let them talk and volunteer information, you will learn more about the prospective family if you allow them to share more.

  During your (light) discussions, ask to see the various parts of the home, and begin your tour.

• 3. Tour the home.

  Tour the house. This includes the yard, basement, garage and living area, anywhere the dog has access to attended or unattended.

  In the house: Check to see whether the living quarters are dog friendly and dachshund proof.

  In the yard: Check the condition of the fence and areas where the dog could get out. Look for areas that could cause potential harm to the dachshund.

  In the basement and garage: If they have these rooms, check to see if they are dog friendly and dachshund proof.

• 4. Review and discuss next steps.

  Take this time to answer any questions they may have, maybe sit down in the living room, and have a recap there.

  Take this time to also review your Home visit notes and help sheet. Check if there’s anything you missed during your visit, or questions you may still need to ask.

  Go over the procedures for application approval. Make sure applicant understands what will happen next so the visit is not left open ended.

  Applicants should understand their application for a specific dog, may be found after review to be better suited for another type of dog.

  Perhaps they have applied for a young dog but might not be able to handle the exercise requirements and should consider an older dog. Perhaps their home layout does not meet the needs for a dog with a disability, or other challenges.

  In these cases, please note this on the form with a recommendation for a better dachshund match.

• 5. Write up and Submit your Report

  Using your notes from your visit and your observations, complete the fillable form linked on this page.

  Upon completion of your form, sign and check if it has been approved, approved with exception (note the concerns), or denied.

  If doing a downloaded (DocX or PDF) submit your complete and signed report through the link to the left, “Upload Compelted HV Doc”

  That’s it!