Doing a good home visit takes some time, unless the home is so horrifying that you open the door, turn around, and leave. Even if you've previously interviewed them, expect to spend about an hour talking to the adopters. It's best to budget enough time that you don't have to feel rushed.

Doing a good home visit takes some time, unless the home is so horrifying that you open the door, turn around, and leave. Even if you've previously interviewed them, expect to spend about an hour talking to the adopters. It's best to budget enough time that you don't have to feel rushed.

First, assess the exterior of the home. Does it seem reasonably well maintained, with no obvious hazards littering the ground? If there is a fence, does it look secure enough to contain your foster pup? (Lack of a fenced yard need not be a dealbreaker; indeed, some of the most dedicated adopters are those who must go out of their way to ensure their dog is properly exercised, instead of just tossing him into the backyard to "run around" by himself.) If the home is set near the street, would a door-dashing pup be at immediate risk of being hit by a car? Perhaps a screen door might be a good added safeguard.

First, assess the exterior of the home. Does it seem reasonably well maintained, with no obvious hazards littering the ground? If there is a fence, does it look secure enough to contain your foster pup? (Lack of a fenced yard need not be a dealbreaker; indeed, some of the most dedicated adopters are those who must go out of their way to ensure their dog is properly exercised, instead of just tossing him into the backyard to "run around" by himself.) Is there a swimming pool in the yard that the dog might fall into? Anything near the fence that he might stand on to jump over? If the home is set near the street, would a door-dashing pup be at immediate risk of being hit by a car? Perhaps a screen door might be a good safeguard to add.