foster house visit report ...
basset rescue of old dominion, inc.

 Please PRINT this form and TAKE IT WITH YOU with you for the visit with the prospective foster.
Then COMPLETE THIS FORM ONLINE within two days of performing the Foster House visit.
Provide as much information as you can. Required fields are indicated in bold with *

Foster House Applicant Information

First Name(s):*

 

Last Name:*

Address:*
City:*   

State:*

Zip:*

Home Phone:*

 

Work Phone:

Interviewer to read bold faced questions and remarks to prospective foster parents. Remarks in red italics are guidelines for the interviewer to use in asking the questions and making the evaluation.  Please take note of the general conditions of the home, especially fencing. Note foster's interactions with other dogs in the household, other pets, children, and so forth. Find out how many people live in or regularly visit the home and their approximate ages. You can write down your observations at the end of this questionnaire.

1. Being a foster is probably the most critical job is BROOD. It is very rewarding, but not always easy. Why are you interested in becoming a foster for BROOD?* (We are particularly interested in the answer if the person does not currently own a dog, especially a basset hound.)

2. What do you like about bassets? What are their most interesting qualities?* (We are looking to see if the foster understands and can bring up things like reluctant to obey, tendency to wander, etc.)

3. Have you ever been a foster parent before?*  Yes No 

    If YES:

For whom did you foster? 
How many dogs did you foster? 
Under what circumstances?
For how long?
What did you find most enjoyable about fostering?
Can we get a reference?  Name and email or phone number:

4. Sometimes a foster dog will be poorly socialized, un-housetrained, have medical issues, or have behavior problems. (Interviewer should probe specifically about housetraining, aggression, administering medications and so on. Should find out how the person would deal with each of these issues.)

What kinds of problems would you be willing to deal with? (be as specific as possible)* 
What kinds of problems would you NOT be willing to deal with? (be as specific as possible)*
Are you willing and able to take the dog out to socialize with other dogs, children and the like?*  Yes No

5. If necessary would you be willing to take the dog to a trainer? (BROOD will pay for the classes)*  Yes No

6. Basset hounds are pretty easy to groom, but they are do tend to shed. Are you okay with that? Bassets also need to have regular ear cleaning and nail trimming. If you have not done this before it can be daunting. Can we take some time for me to show you how to clean ears and trim nails? (Suggest interviewer work with prospective foster to see how well they can handle this. Teach them how to do it properly in need be, and explain its importance.)

Does the applicant appear willing and able to perform grooming tasks?* Yes No

7. Basset hounds are healthy dogs as a rule, but they are prone to a couple of serious conditions that require immediate emergency veterinary care. (Make sure the fosters have a vet they can get to easily.) Two of these conditions are bloat and glaucoma. I'd like to talk to you about these conditions if you are not familiar with them. (Interviewer should take the time to discuss the signs of bloat and glaucoma, and why immediate veterinary care is critical.)  We also know that many foods should not be given to dogs, like chocolate, onions, grapes/raisins, and macadamia nuts. Many human medications like cold medicine and Tylenol are also bad. In case your basset does ingest something bad, you would need to make a note of the substance and call your vet right away

Does the applicant have a veterinarian that is easy to get to?*  Yes No
Does the applicant appear able to recognize the signs of serious health conditions?*  Yes No

8. One of the most critical jobs of the foster mom is to evaluate a dog to see what kind of home the dog would be best in. Some ways to do this are to note how the dog behaves around kids, adult males, and cats, and whether the dog seems to enjoy a lot of activity or prefers a more sedate home. You should also note how well the dog responds to car travel. What other things can you think of that might be appropriate?* (Summarize the applicant's response below.) 

9. One of the best ways to "sell" a dog is to take appealing photos that we can put on the web page.

Do you have a camera that you are comfortable with and willing to use?*  Yes No   
If YES, what kind? (digital, 35mm, Polaroid, etc.)

10. It's also really important to fill out the necessary paperwork. We ask all fosters to complete a regular foster report online about their dog, and also to fill out a vet check form if veterinary work is needed. If your vet estimates the work will total over $200.00 you will need prior approval from the foster coordinator or the treasurer. However in an emergency, you would be expected to take the dog to the veterinarian first and notify BROOD afterwards.

Does the applicant understand the paperwork requirements?*  Yes No   

11. The hardest part about being a foster parent is having to surrender your foster dog to the adoptive parents. How can you keep from falling in love with your foster dog? (Give suggestions. Also explain the importance of completing foster dog reports and other paperwork in a timely manner, and the critical role this information plays in matching the dog with its final adoptive home.)

Does the applicant understand their role as a foster parent?*  Yes No   

12. It is important that BROOD be able to communicate with you on a regular basis. What is the best way to contact you and when?

Do you have an email address? Yes No   
If YES, what is your email address?
If YES, how often do you check your email?
Do you have a cell phone?  Yes No   
If YES, what is your cell phone number?
What is the best number to call? (home, work, cell) *
When is the best time to call?*

Interviewer is to use the space below to record an overall impression of the suitability of the potential foster home, the people and their likely success as foster parents.

13. What is the general environment at the prospective foster home? Is there a fenced yard? Are there children, and if so, how old are they? Are there other dogs or pets, and are they likely to welcome strange dogs into their home territory? Are there other considerations that we should be aware of? Finally, what is your overall opinion of this household as a potential foster home for a basset hound?* (Summarize your overall impressions below.)

Interviewer's Name:* (required)

Your Email:* (required)

IMPORTANT:  You must click on the SUBMIT Foster House Visit Report button to complete this form!

                 

 

BROOD thanks you for helping with the Foster House Visit process.
Your input will allow us to determine the suitability of this home for fostering BROOD's dogs.

Questions about the Foster House Visit process or anything on this form? Please