Home Visit

Welcome! You are here because you've volunteered to conduct a home visit for a prospective adopter or foster home, or you ARE a prospective adopter or foster home and have been asked to do a virtual home visit for your own home. Now what?

  1. Watch the video - it's less than 9 minutes long.
  2. Review the Home Visit Guidelines - they match the key points in the form below.
  3. Complete the online NorCal GSP Rescue Home Visit Form below - you can do it during the visit on your mobile device, or return here later to complete it.
  4. We'll want photos, so be sure to have your smartphone or camera ready as you go through the process.

We want to assure you that we are not evaluating your housekeeping skills! The purpose of the home visit is to help ensure the safety of the dog that will be joining your household soon. Thank you!

If the video is not displaying properly, please use this link to watch it directly on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfOn6_vmvlM&t=2s

Home Visit Form

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MM slash DD slash YYYY

Neighborhood

General overview of the neighborhood. Note any of the following: Is the residence on a busy street? Near a major highway? Are there dogs running loose?

Household

Talk with the household about whether they are prepared for life with a GSP.
Now or in the future.
Is everyone in the home on board? Is there any tension between household members?

Resident Pets

Note grooming, weight, if nails are trimmed, are they wearing ID tags, are they well-trained, etc.
Are they well-socialized?
If there are other pets in the home (cats, birds, hamsters, reptiles, etc) does the household have a plan to keep them safe from a GSP who might view them as prey?

Interior of Home

Check the inside of the home. Identify: Items that a GSP could easily destroy or break; Objects, plants, or chemicals including outdoor chemicals and fertilizers that could cause harm; Accessible open wastebaskets
Is that area safe and comfortable? If outside, is it protected from the elements with plenty of shade? Is there fresh water accessible?
Is the area free of drafts? Does the bedding appear clean and warm?
Does the household plan to require that the dog sleep in the garage, basement, or outside?
Test all exterior doors for security. Select all that apply.
Examples: basement, garage, storage area(s).

Yard and Fence

Walk the perimeter and push on the fencing and gates to test. List any issues that require attentions - loose boards, gaps, holes, places a dog could dig out or climb over. We can't stress enough how important this is. GSPs are fast and clever!
For example, wood, cinder block, chain link, etc.
Are there any of the following?
Select all that apply.
Describe: Can any gates be locked (against children and thieves)? If the dog jumps against the gate, would it be possible for the dog to hit the latch and cause the gate to open? Note any special circumstances such as electric gates.
Describe the household's plan for containing the dog during these times.
Is it reasonably clean and well-kept? Is there adequate shade, shelter, and water?
Anything stacked near the fence that a GSP could climb on to get out? Remove/relocate items that could present problems.
Any signs that dogs have been tied out on a chain or otherwise neglected for long periods of time in the yard?
Are there any poisonous plants?
Are there flower beds or other landscaping the dog might destroy?
Are any animals in adjacent yards NOT adequately contained?
Is there any livestock the dog would have access to?
Are there children in neighboring yards that might harass a dog?
Are there any balconies or decks that a dog could leap off of and get hurt?
Are there any drowning hazards, such as a pool, hot tub, fish pond, etc?
If there is a pool or water feature, is it separately covered or fenced?
Do all household members understand that a GSP should not be off-leash in an unfenced yard unless fully trained, eg 100% solid recall?

Conclusions

For in-person visits by a volunteer only: Would you entrust the care of your own dog to this household?
Will this household provide a loving home and responsible care for a rescue GSP?*
Please list any identified recommendations such as fence repairs, items that need to be moved, etc, so that we can follow up. Please also list any concerns you may have, no matter how minor.

Home Visit Photos

We need to see photos of the home and yard! Fencing, gates, possible hazards, anything of concern, and areas where the dog will spend time and sleep.
Drop files here or
Max. file size: 34 MB.

    For Potential ADOPTERS

    These 2 questions are related to adoption applicants only.

    PUPPY Home Visit Info - for puppies under 6 months

    Please also complete this section ONLY if the home visit is for a foster or adoption applicant for a dog under 6 months old. Keep in mind the dog may be as small as 10 pounds. The main focus is on helping the household puppy proof during the home visit.
    PUPPY Review: Any gaps in fencing that a small dog could get through? Under?
    PUPPY Review: Wrought iron or any type of slat fencing with gaps between them?
    A puppy can fit through a 4-inch opening, so this type of fencing is a huge no-no for puppies.
    If the fencing is wrought iron or slat fencing that can not be puppy proofed, please indicate that here.
    PUPPY Review: Is there a pool or any water feature, regardless of how small or shallow, that is not in a separate fenced area that the dog cannot access or is not securely covered in some manner?
    PUPPY Review: Lots of small decorative rocks? Need to be blocked off from puppy or removed.
    PUPPY Review: Bark chips/nuggets? Will be chewed, verify they are not cocoa mulch which is toxic.
    PUPPY Review: Poisonous plants inside or outside?
    PUPPY Review: Any sharp objects, particularly outside?
    PUPPY Review: Any cleaning supplies or chemical anywhere within reach?
    PUPPY Review: Rugs with tassels? Very attractive to chewing puppies!
    PUPPY Review: Electrical cords? Will be chewed so need to be hidden or door to area kept closed
    PUPPY Review: Wooden objects? All are chewable, should be removed
    PUPPY Review: Breakables or valuables within the puppy's reach?
    PUPPY Review: Cat litter boxes within reach?
    PUPPY Review: Cords from curtains or blinds?
    PUPPY Review: Lots of things within reach that puppies might chew?
    Get down at puppy level and consider: books, magazines, newspapers, any wooden or leather objects, shoes, children's toys of all kinds, tissues, tv remotes, throw pillows. and so on

    Please click submit only once.

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