Just wanted to share that if you have ever considered volunteering for a homevisit-please do volunteer!

Sometimes folks ask if they have to be signed up with Ratbone in advance-the answer is no, not for a homevisit volunteer job.

We are looking for dog savvy and rat terrier savvy folks to do the task-that's it.  So if you are a member of this site, I'd say you're ready to go!

We supply a checklist form to complete and instructions on how to.

The whole visit lasts about one hour.

Also, the homevisit is pretty much the last step, so by the time we call for a homevisit the adopter has had an extensive interview, their three references have been interviewed and so has their vet.  The adopter has probably spoken or emailed at length with the foster parent.  If the foster parent is happy with all the communications then all is well.

If you ever have any questions about homevisits-happy to answer either on chat or write to me at:

leveckemas @yahoo.com

Thanks all!

Levecke, Great post home visits are easy peasy, and I really enjoy doing them! I would encourage anyone to do them, it is very rewarding to know you helped a rattie to his/her new life

and I just HAD to say..what a cute photo of Sam on your avatar Give that good boy a huge hug from his foster mom will ya?

Thank you Amy!  We gave Sam a big hug just now!

Sam loves to surf the lawn furniture. 

(Everyone-We adopted Sam from Ratbone in 2007 and he came to us from Amy in AZ-she was his foster mom.  She rescued him his first time and second time around and taught him everything about being a great dog.)

How exciting-wow.

So your volunteer will come with a checklist that they will go through with you, it is about 4 pages long.

The homevisit is never about whether or not you are a "good housekeeper" or not.  They are not there to make sure you have your dished done and a load of wash on.

They just need to go through your home inside and outside, and make sure there is nothing that would be unsafe or harmful for your dog.  Some folks aren;t experienced with ratties and all the mischief they can get into.  A garbage can in the kitchen with the lid off=equals trouble and potential danger.  Exposed power cords under the compute area.  Big or little gaps in the fencing.  That kind of stuff.  Is your home ready for a dog? 

I always listen for anything that makes my "radar" go up -like I was on a HV once, the adopter said " oh when we go out of town we just leave our cat outside and the different neighbors feed him" they were about to leave on a 10 days trip, it was December in Seattle."  "How will you care for your dog when you leave town....."

I have been on Homevisits and seen some odd things but that doesn't mean a "no", it is always about the most suitable home and environment for that particular dog.

Good luck, you already own a rattie and you post here-you're involved and love your dog-all sounds good to me!!!

Thanks for choosing a rescue.  Big hugs

PS Write to me tomorrow and let me know how it went!

oops sorry I made that font so huge!!!!

What a great post!  I think knowing what you are getting into helps!  Thanks for posting this.  I think the majority of people who already have a dog are good HV people.  It can hold up the process since it has to be on site so the quicker the better.

hey how did it all go for you?

Any word yet on your adoption?

Best wishes

CongRats Terri! Bonnie is a little cutie