I have been thinking of doing this for sometime.Would like to hear any veiws anyone has on this.It would be for my local rescue center,where i got my crossbreed from,I know from first hand the problems that some rescue dogs can have settling in to a new environment,This i would not have a problem with,What my conceren is ,i dont have any experience with breeds such as Gsd,Staffies and dont feel i would be able to home check for this kind of breeds.
when i rehomed my dog,we were given a list of names with tel numbers to pick the nearest home checker.I picked the name i like the best[hi kat ]
I know some of the staff at the center from when i used to dog walk and have spent a week cleaning the kennels out,did i get blister on my hand to prove it.I feel for theses dog and have the best rescue dog anyone could wish for.I really would like to help them.I also have a pedigree labrador that i hope to breed from.Would this go against the grain rehoming rescue dogs and breeding a litter.Would appreciate any views.
Best wishes linda

I homecheck for two organisations ( one a large well known one and one that isnt). I feel I am doing my bit to help . Due to work commitments, children and my own pets I dont have the time to dog walk or help out in the charity shops so this is my little bit to help out.
If you are unsure of a breed that requires a homecheck the Centre will be able to provide you with lots of information with regard to the breeds needs, past history ( in some cases - obviously not if the animal has been a stray) and things you may need to identify in the potential home.
If you feel uncomfortable with checking for a particular dog you can always ask for another more experienced homechecker to do it. There is no obligation on you.
If you need further info you can PM me and I'll answer any questions you may have.
I have also checked for cats and guinea pigs too so dont be too worried that its just dogs you will be dealing with
Good luck :)

Just wanted to add
I'm a bit concerned they gave you a list of names and telephone numbers for the homecheckers.
We are told to hide our numbers when dialling prospective new owners that way if the homecheck is unsuitable there is no traceability to you.

My homechecker kept her telephone number and personal details confidential.  I remember when she first called me to arrange a visit and it wasn't a convenient time for me to chat - I asked her if I could have her number to call her back and was refused it.

I can understand why.

Hi Linda
(Linda and Meggie? + Crufts qualifying lab?)

You would be an excellent vetter. You would be really unlikely to get a staffie homevet as SK does them all, and occasionally it might be passed on to me. You could always learn about the different breed or breed requirements from the centre, (or some of the walkers/vetters). Sometimes I also ring SK to ask about the character of a particular dog before I vet if I don't know about the dog, or feel there might be some concerns. Alternatively you can specify that you do not wish to vet for these breeds, as you are not comfortable in being able to make adequate judgements/give advice. In a lot of centres, there are vetters who vet for particular breeds, due to experience/interest.

Please do go for it, we are quite short of vetters at the moment.

It's interesting that some other centres don't give out the homevetters numbers. Ours always has (partly to help get the dog out quicky (if one can't do it the other often can), and touch wood (i've been doing it for at least 5 years) I haven't had any problems. In fact, if I am going to fail someone, in 99% of cases I will tell them there and then, and discuss the reasons why. Sometimes its not the home/people that are failing, it's the particular dog they are applying for doesn't suit their circumstances/experience. There have been a few that I can think of when I said we'd let them know and then the centre contacted them, when I felt they should never adopt any dog(!) but they never gave me any trouble. It's a vetters personal preference and reading of the situation which dictates the approach though.

As I said Linda, please go for it, the more of us there are the quicker we can get dogs out of kennels. You meet some really interesting people too (and dogs)!

Kat

Thanks for the replys,All been helpful.
I am going to go up next week and have a chat with the rescue center,I am going to go for it,and help the dogs.

PS.Kat,
You will remember after you rehomed meg to us ,i had trouble with meg, eating and i had your phone number which i called a few times,You were very helpfull.YOu said meg had me trained very well with the custard creams biscuits and that she had a brain.Well you were right,I went on to do obedience classes and agility with her,She also won the heat for best rescue dog of the year with the rspca.The competition was not for looks ,but the best family dog which we are all very proud of. Thank you kat for Meg.
I can send you some pics if you would like.
Best wishes linda

I home check for a smal {ish} charity & they give out just a first name {or whatever you want to be called} & a number. I use my old mobile just for this & switch it off in the evening, I use another one for personal calls, etc.

Hi Linda

Yes of course I remember Meg and the custard creams. She trained you soooo fast! She's a fantastic little dog! You are one of my best 'owners' too, you became so 'into' dogs and have done such great things with them!

I'd love some pics, and so would FOAL. She'd be great for a write up on the happy endings page of the website, with her achievements.

I'll pm you (if I can get it to work)

Kat