Basenji Rescue and Transport
Adoption ◦ Placement ◦ Health & Foster Care ◦ Education ◦ Support
www.basenjirescue.org

THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Give a brief description of the applicant's neighborhood. Are they on a busy street? Are there many children around? Dogs being walked? Any dogs running loose?

APPLICANT AND FAMILY

Does the applicant seem to have a realistic idea of what life with a basenji will be like?

Is the applicant aware of any unique needs the BRAT dog he/she is being considered for might have (e.g., is the dog likely to climb fences, bolt out the door, need special medical care)?

How does the family plan to address the special needs of the dog? Discuss specifics of plan.

Is everything already in place to address the special needs or do things still need to be done? If so, when will arrangements be complete? Note: a follow-up home visit may be needed for verification.

Are all members of the household present for you to meet? List those present and specify who they are.

Does everyone appear to be informed about basenjis and in favor of the adoption? Do any family members seem overly concerned? If there are concerns that you do not feel comfortable addressing, please notify the coordinator.

How do the adults interact among themselves and with any children who are present?

If one person will be the primary caregiver responsible for the basenji's routine walks/exercise, what is the back-up plan if that person is out of town or ill? Is everyone in agreement with the back-up plan?

RESIDENT PETS

Ask to meet any pets the applicant already owns. Do they appear healthy and well cared for? (Note grooming, weight, if nails are trimmed, etc.) Are they wearing I.D. tags?

Do the dogs seem well-socialized? Responsive to commands?

How do the pets interact with each other and with family members?

If you've brought your own dog(s) along for the visit, how do the resident pets react?

Do the applicant's cats appear to be dog-savvy? Does the family have a plan to make a "safe" zone for their cat(s) and to keep the basenji away from the cat food and litter box?

Are any other "critters" (birds, hamsters, reptiles, etc.) kept where they will be safe from a basenji who might view them as "prey"? List the other critters owned by the family.

INTERIOR OF HOME

Do furnishings in the home appear reasonably basenji-proof? Describe their condition. Does the family seem comfortable with the "lived in" look that comes from having a dog in the home?

Are there items which a basenji would be likely to destroy? Be sure to point these out to the applicant.

Are there objects, plants, or chemicals which could cause harm to a basenji? Point these out also.

Ask if there are any chemicals used on the lawn, or pesticides in the house. Is the family aware that these substances can sometimes prove harmful to pets? Would the family consider alternative methods of weed- and pest-control?

How is trash handled in the home? Are wastebaskets accessible to pets?

Does the family seem willing to make changes as needed to ensure the safety of both the dog and valuable household items?

Where will the basenji stay when the family is away during the day? Does the area appear warm, clean, and free of dangerous objects? Is there a crate? Fresh water?

Does the applicant understand that many basenjis are destructive and must be closely supervised when they are loose in the house?

Which exterior doors pose a risk, in terms of a basenji's possibly escaping? Do all door latches work properly?

Are all household members aware that basenjis may bolt out through open doors, and is any plan in place to prevent this?

Where will the basenji sleep? Is the area free of drafts? Does the bedding appear clean and warm?

Will the dog have access to the basement, garage, or other storage areas? Are there any hazards in these places that would make such access unwise?

YARD AND FENCE

If there is no fenced yard, how does the applicant plan to exercise his or her basenji? How will this plan work during the different seasons of the year?

If there is a fenced yard, examine it carefully. Is every part of the fence in good condition? Are there any gaps, loose boards, holes, or places where a dog could dig out of the yard? Be sure to point these out.

Can the 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?

Is the applicant willing to make repairs and reinforce the fence as needed?

If the dog being considered for this home has a history of fence-climbing or digging, how is the applicant planning to deal with that?

Where are the utility meters? Will someone have to come into the yard to read them? How will the family ensure their basenji's safety?

Does the yard appear reasonably clean and well-kept?

Is there adequate shade and water? Does the space appear large enough for the number of dogs who will be sharing it?

Has anything been stacked near the fence that a basenji could climb on to get out?

Do you see any signs that dogs have been tied out on a chain or otherwise neglected for long periods of time in the yard?

Are there flower beds, landscaping, or lawn ornaments that a dog might destroy? Make sure the applicant is aware that some basenjis are destructive in the yard.

Are there dogs or livestock in adjacent areas? Do these animals appear to be adequately contained?

Do children play in neighboring yards? If they are likely to tease or harass a dog, the applicant may need to supervise while the basenji is outside.

Are there balconies or decks that a dog could leap off of and get hurt?

Is there a pool, hot tub, fish pond, etc. that could present a drowning hazard? Supervision might be needed if these areas are not separately fenced.

Is there a doggie door? Will the basenji have unsupervised access to the yard while there are no people home?

Do all family members understand that a basenji should NEVER be off-leash in an unfenced area? If they have other dogs that accompany them off-leash on family outings, how will they handle their basenji?

CONCLUSIONS

Do you feel that this applicant can provide a loving home and responsible care for a rescue basenji throughout the remainder of the dog's life?

During your visit, did you notice anything "odd" or for which no adequate explanation was given (e.g., out-of-state license plates on car, "for sale" sign in yard, evasiveness on the part of the applicant)?

Are there any special needs, unusual circumstances or concerns that we should consider when placing a basenji in this home?

Would you entrust the care of your own dog(s) to this applicant?

Does this adoption "feel" right?