Foster Home Visit : Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa

Requirement for potential foster homes to submit a home visit form to ensure that any dog or cat placed in the home will have a safe, secure, and loving temporary home.

*Foster Application #

*Your name

*Your email

*Applicant's Phone #

*Applicant's Name:

*Applicant's Address:

*New Foster or Annual Renewal Home Visit

New Renewal

*Date/Time of Home Visit:

*What has inspired you to begin (or to continue) fostering for Hope?

*Do you have previous foster experience? If yes, please explain.

*How would you handle a situation where one dog is exhibiting the tendency to guard their food/toys/bones etc from other dogs, cats, or people? For example, if one dog does not allow other animals on their human's lap when they are there -how would you handle this or a similar situation?

*How would you introduce your new foster animal to your current dogs and cats? For example would you introduce them one by one or as a group?

*How would you handle aggressive behavior toward a person or animal? For example, if your foster dog began immediately nipping/growling at your husband or son what would you do?

*Many new foster animals are shut down or nervous upon arrival in your home. What is your plan to help them adjust and decompress in your home?

*Are all family members in agreement about fostering?

*All family members need to be involved in the care and nurturing of your foster animal, who will be the primary care giver?

*Hope and our rescue partners vet animals prior to transport. However owner surrenders may not yet be vetted when placed in your home. This will be one of the first things you will need to get scheduled. Are you comfortable having a foster in your home that has not yet been fully vetted and then making the intake appointment with the assigned vet and transporting the animal to the vet?

*Dogs and Cats need exercise and socialization through play. What are your plans to help keep your foster healthy and happy? For example, walking dogs, structured playtime, mental stimulation -feathers, laser pointers, etc.

*Fostering requires a commitment to include the animal in your everyday life. Are you committed to including the animal into your everyday routines and not excessively crate/kennel the animal? What are some of the family activities that you see can include your foster?

*There is a difference between a bite and a nip. Puppies do nip while playing and need to be taught appropriate ways to play to avoid nips turning into bites. To avoid biting and/or nipping, what kind of precautions will you take to ensure everyone's safety?

*Residence well kept

Yes No

*Own or Rent?

Own Rent

*Street is:

Busy Quiet

*Type of Neighborhood:

City Town Rural Other

*Neighborhood Safe and well-kept?

Yes No

*Is there a yard?

Yes No

*Is there a fence?

Yes No

*If the yard is fenced, is it secure? For examples, there are no gaps in the fencing through which the dog could get loose, or no holes have been dug under the fence.

Yes No NA- No Fence

*If the yard is fenced, does it enclose the entire yard?

Yes No N/A -No fence

*Is there a balcony or deck?

Yes No

*If balcony/deck, is it safe?

Yes No N/A -No balcony or deck

*Is the interior of the residence in good repair and well maintained? For example are there are any hazards, like a hole in the floor or excess clutter that could result in injury to the foster animal:

Yes No

*If the home is not in good repair or well maintained, please provide an explanation. Please answer N/A is not applicable.

*Is there a basement?

Yes No

*If there is a basement, is it finished and in good repair?

*If there is a basement, will the animal have access to basement?

Yes No N/A - no basement

*Is there a garage?

Yes No

*If there is a garage, is it in good repair?

Yes No N/A -no garage

*If there is a garage, will dog have access?

Yes No N/A -no garage

*Type of Current Pets?

None Cat(s) Dog(s) Other

*Please list the names, breeds and ages of current pets in your home. If you have no pets, please indicate N/A.

*Where do your current pets spend the majority of their day? For example are your animals crated while you are at work or are they allowed to roam free while you are gone?

*What other types of animals have your current pets lived with in the past? (For example, you currently have 2 hamsters and a pet snake and two dogs)

*How did each pet in the home greet you?

*Do the current pets seem generally healthy and well-cared for?

Yes No N/A -no pets Other

*How many family members are in the household?

*What are the names and ages of each member of the family?

*Do the children appear to be respectful of the current animals in the home?

Yes No N/A -No kids or animals

*If the children did not appear to be respectful with the current animals in their home, please explain what you witnessed and how the parents handled the situation. For example, if the child pulled on the dog's tail, did the parent correct the child? Please answer n/a if not observed.

*Will the dog have a designated feeding station? If yes, where? If no, please explain where they plan to feed the animal.

*All foster animals are inside pets and not be to kept outside except for exercise and restroom breaks. Animals are to be supervised by an adult while outside of the home. Where will the animal be allowed to sleep? Crate? With the foster or family member?

*Where will the animal be kept when you are not home?

In a kennel or crate (not more than 8-10 hours at a time) Allowed to roam free in the home Confined in one room Other

*How many hours a day will animal be left alone a day?

*Will the animal be allowed to run freely in the house (once potty trained and trust-worthy):

Yes No Other

*Will animal be allowed on furniture?

Yes No

*How will the animal be let out to potty?

Fence Tie out Walked N/A-only fosters cats

*How will the animal be exercised?

Walked at least Daily Fenced Yard Dog Park (only with approval of Hope trainer) Other

*Does the family understand that rescue animals go through a period of adjustment and will need time to work through that?

Yes No

*Would you feel comfortable leaving an animal there?

Yes No Other

*Do you have any concerns that you feel should be addressed before an animal is allowed to be fostered by this family? Please explain your concerns. (If none - write 'NONE').

*Do you believe that this home should be approved to foster for Hope?

Yes No Other

*Does the applicant have additional questions that require follow up by a Hope Board Member?

Yes No

Additional Comments:

*How was this Home Visit Conducted:

In person at the place of residence Virtual visit via Skype or other web-based program

*This is to acknowledge that you personally conducted the home visit and are submitting this form based on your observation and discussion during the home visit.

Yes No