Home Meeting Policy

1. Purpose of the Home Meeting

RESCUE DOG .ME requires a home meeting or virtual visit prior to finalizing every adoption. The purpose is to:

• Confirm that the living environment is safe and appropriate for the specific dog being adopted.
• Meet all adults and children who will live with the dog.
• Identify and discuss any potential hazards or concerns before the dog arrives.
• Ensure the adopter is fully prepared with appropriate supplies, space, and expectations.
• Assess compatibility between the adopter's lifestyle and the dog's needs.

A home meeting is not intended to disqualify well-meaning adopters — it is a collaborative step to help ensure a lasting, successful placement.

2. Who Is Required to Participate

All of the following individuals must be available during the home meeting:

• All adults (18+) who reside in the household, including spouses, partners, or roommates.
• Children living in the home are encouraged to be present so our coordinator can observe household dynamics.
• The primary adopter listed on the application must be present in all cases.

Existing pets in the household may be observed during the home meeting. In some cases, a separate pet introduction meeting may be required before the adoption is finalized (see Section 7).

3. Meeting Formats

In-Person Meeting (Preferred)

An in-person home visit conducted by a Rescue representative or approved volunteer at the adopter's primary residence. This is the preferred format for local adopters and is required for all adoptions involving dogs with known behavioral sensitivities.

Video Call Option

For adopters located more than 100 miles from our primary service area, a live video call (FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet) may substitute for an in-person visit. During the video call, the adopter is asked to walk through the home and outdoor spaces so the coordinator can assess the environment.

4. What We Evaluate

During the home meeting, our coordinator will assess the following areas:

• Fencing & outdoor safety — fenced yard is preferred for most dogs; we assess fence height, gaps, and gate security relative to the dog's size and energy level.
• Indoor living space — appropriate space for the dog to move freely; no extreme hazards (unsecured chemicals, accessible medications, exposed wiring, etc.).
• Preparedness — crate, food, collar, leash, ID tag, and other essentials ready or in progress.
• Household dynamics — activity level, daily routine, work schedules, and how the dog will fit into the family's lifestyle.
• Knowledge & expectations — the adopter's understanding of the dog's breed characteristics, training needs, and any known behavioral history.

5. Scheduling

Home meetings are scheduled after an adoption application has been reviewed and conditionally approved. The Rescue will contact the applicant within 3–5 business days of application approval to arrange a meeting time.

• Meetings are typically scheduled within 14 days of application approval.
• If the adopter needs to cancel or reschedule, at least 24 hours' notice is required.
• Failure to respond to scheduling attempts within 14 days may result in the application being closed.

6. Renters & Landlord Approval

Adopters who rent their home are required to provide written landlord approval for a dog of the relevant size or breed before the home meeting is confirmed. Acceptable forms of documentation include:

• A copy of the lease agreement showing pets are permitted.
• A signed letter from the landlord or property management company.
• An email from the landlord explicitly approving the specific dog or dog size.

We are unable to finalize adoptions for renters who do not have documented landlord approval, regardless of the adopter's personal assurances.

7. Existing Pets

Homes with existing dogs or other pets may require a separate pet introduction meeting before the adoption is finalized. This is determined by the Rescue on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the temperament of both the resident animals and the dog being adopted.

• All resident pets must have current vaccinations; records may be requested.
• Pet introductions are conducted on neutral ground or in a controlled setting per the Rescue's guidance.
• The Rescue reserves the right to decline a placement if existing pets pose a safety concern for the incoming dog.

8. Outcomes

Following the home meeting, the Rescue will communicate one of the following outcomes:

• Approved — the adoption may proceed to finalization.
• Conditionally Approved — minor concerns were identified; adopter must address specific items (e.g., reinforce a fence, purchase a crate) within a specified timeframe. A 30-day follow-up check-in may be scheduled.
• Not Approved — the Rescue has determined the current environment is not suitable for the specific dog requested. The applicant may be considered for a different dog or reapply after the identified concerns are resolved.

9. Appeals Process

If an adoption is not approved following a home meeting and the applicant believes the decision was made in error, they may submit a written appeal to hello@rescuedog.me within 10 days. The appeal should include any additional context or documentation that was not available at the time of the meeting. Appeals are reviewed by the Rescue's leadership team and a decision is issued within 14 days.

10. Privacy

All information collected during the home meeting — including photographs, notes, and personal observations — is treated as confidential and used solely for the purpose of evaluating the placement. Information is retained in the Rescue's records per the terms of our Privacy Policy and is not shared with third parties except as required by law.