Why does Your Rescue Complete Home Visits?
Our Home Visits serve a number of purposes. For an adoptive family, we look at the house, yard, and appropriateness of the situation for one of our goldens to be placed there permanently. The Home Visit volunteer is charged with not only making sure that the environment will be a good one for our dogs, but also that the family is aware of goldens as a breed and that they understand our process. For a foster family, we look at what type of dog will be best suited being fostered in that home and make sure it’s an appropriate temporary home for the dog.
What Happens During a Home Visit?
Once we receive an adoption application, an AGaG member contacts the potential adoptive family for a home visit. A home visit allows us to see the environment in which a dog will live, evaluate whether or not other pets in the family will be receptive to a rescued golden, and observe the family’s activity level. The Home Visit volunteer also gathers information about the number and ages of children in and/or regularly visiting the home, other pets in the home, fenced-in yard, etc. Following the home visit, applicants are introduced to dogs that will best fit within the home environment and become a beloved member of the family.
Is Training Provided?
Yes. During your first few home visits, you will be matched up with a mentor and trainer that you can accompany to see a home visit completed first hand. You’ll be able to ask questions and talk to families. Once you are comfortable, you can begin completing home visits on your own.
What Does Transporting of Dogs Entail?
Dog transport includes moving dogs between relinquishing owners or facilities, veterinary offices, or foster homes. A dog crate is not always necessary – a canine seat belt or tying the leash to a secured seat belt or hand bar is sufficient — however, no rescued golden is to be placed in the open bed of a pickup truck. Members can use the time a dog is in their vehicle to get to know the dog’s manners – does the dog pace, lay quietly, or try to climb in the front seat? Protect the inside of your vehicle from dog accidents by giving the dog an opportunity to “take care of business” before placing them in the vehicle – you may also want to cover your seats with a blanket or tarp.
Is Training Provided?
To ensure every transporter has a safe and positive experience, all transport volunteers are required to participate in basic and/or intermediate trainings which may be held in-person or offered online.
How do I become a Home Visit or Transport volunteer?
First, you’ll need to become a member of AGaG by filling out our online membership application or downloading the membership application and sending it in with “Home Visit” and/or “Transport” checked off. One of our members will then contact you to get you started.