After you finish screening an adoption application for your pet and want to proceed, click "Contact Adopter" on the top of their application to see their phone number. Call the adopter and speak on the phone.
Suggested phone call questions:
"Tell me about the kind of pet you'd like to adopt"
Open-ended questions like this are good conversation starters. We suggest you ask the applicant tell you fully about their ideal pet first.
"Are all your current pets spayed or neutered?"
If the adopter’s current pets are not, be aware that unaltered pets can be more prone to be territorial aggression, so may need full physical separation in their new home for a safe and slow introduction. Of course, never adopt an unaltered pet to a home with other unaltered pets!
"What pets have you owned in the past? What happened to them?"
Good signs: The applicant’s pets lived a long life. If not, they died of an illness, like cancer. The owner provided veterinary care. The applicant speaks lovingly of their former pets and expresses that they were part of the family.
Red flags: Pets died of something preventable, like heartworm. Pets were killed by cars. More than one pet was lost (as in literally got lost and weren’t recovered), ran away, or was stolen. Applicant describes giving the pet away due to allergies or minor behavior issues.
"How would you discipline the pet and what for?"
You'd be surprised what people think is okay - like swatting a pet with a newspaper, which is terrifying for many pets. Even if your pet has always been super well-behaved with you, or is fully house-trained, there’s a chance new behaviors will surface in a new home. If they answer,"I don't know" ask how they plan to get the guidance they need if a behavior issue comes up. Rehome encourages positive–reinforcement methods, as opposed to punishment-based methods, which can cause trust issues and additional behavior problems.
For cats: "Do you plan to declaw?
If they’re considering it, it could be because they’re not aware of what declawing actually is. Please direct your adopter to this article www.adoptapet.com/blog/declawing-your-cat/ to learn just how cruel it is to declaw a cat and the behavior problems it can cause. Ask if they are open to humane alternatives, such as trimming nails or using soft vinyl nail caps.
"If you rent, have you spoken to your landlord about this type of pet?"
Many renters don’t realize certain breeds, sizes, or types of pets aren't allowed, or that there is pet rent or a pet fee.
"Can we have a video call at your home with your family? Many people have phones or iPads that can easily do a video call with you using Facetime or Zoom. This is a great safe way for an applicant to show you their home, pets, yard and fence.
"Does anyone in your household (or who visits frequently) have allergies to pets?"
Sometimes adopters don't think about how having a pet will affect others in their home.
Bottom line: Ask questions! Don't be shy! Your pet is relying on you to find them a safe loving home.
After the phone call:
After the phone call, you and the adopter decide if you want to set up an in-person "meet and greet" with the potential adopter and your pet. If you have any doubts, trust your instincts. You can use the internet to search for that person. If all signs point to “go”, it’s time to set up a safe in-person meeting! Read: Where should we have a meet and greet?