Want to adopt a pet? Then get ready for the Background Check!
Screening potential adoptive pet parents and foster families is important. While most people that want a pet will be caring and loving to their furry friends, that is not always the case. There are those who will end up harming and neglecting them.
"Every 60 seconds, one animal suffers abuse". Source1
For that reason, many shelters and foster programs require all applicants to undergo background checks before placing any animal.
The goal here is to make sure that they will provide their pet with a safe and nurturing home. So before you decide to foster or adopt, it is best that you are first prepared.
Pet Adoption or Fostering background checks will most likely include the following:
- criminal and civil court record checks ~ they will be looking for complaints or past instances of animal cruelty, abuse of animals and/or of people
- employment verification ~ this is checked to determine if the applicant is financially able to take care of their new pet
- questioning references, neighbors, and friends
- determining whether there are children in the home
- asking about other pets and checking their vet records
- asking if any pets have ever died in their care (whether by their hand or not)
- conducting a home visit or asking questions about the home to determine whether it is suitable for a pet
Less commonly, potential fosters or adoptive pet parents may also be screened on social media or even have their driving records checked.
While some may think these requirements go too far, are too intrusive, and may even be discriminatory, the alternative is potentially placing a pet in an unsuitable or even dangerous home. That is unacceptable.
Background Checks are critical in protecting the safety of adopted or fostered pets! “Tweet This”
Sadly, many adopted pets are already being returned, abandoned, or even removed from their owners because they could no longer be taken care of or are being harmed.
"Annually, over 10 million animals in the US are abused to death". Source2
To curb this trend, it is vital that we do everything we can to first assure that no animal is ever placed in a dangerous situation where they end up neglected or abused. That is why these animals depend on those working hard to find them a new home to do their best to make sure they will be safe.
Without a background check, that task is difficult. Foster and adoption agencies have no way of knowing who is taking the animal home unless they first do their due diligence.
That is why it is best to err on the side of caution and, despite privacy issues, to screen all potential adoptive or foster pet parents. Our common goal should always be the safety of our furry friends, and background checks are a great way to achieve that goal!
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Source1: 45 Disturbing Animal Abuse Statistics We should Know in 2021
Source2: 33 Heartbreaking Animal Abuse Statistics to be aware of in 2021