Animal Welfare Professionals

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

I think finding a well established organization that has gone from strict adoption polices to more relaxed but successful adoption polices that would be willing to tell their story and their success would help enlighten your staff. I know there are some good organizations in MA that have done just that.  I even believe Maddie has a webinar on this?  Oh great moderator, is that true? It's always tough teaching an old dog new tricks for some reason. They spend too much energy digging in v. digging out so we have to work with that deficiency.

Any shelters out there that have gone through this transition and can shed some light out there?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

So here is our adoption process and it's quick:

• Fill out application online
• If they own, I check the county property appraiser site to check if true, if they lied, I decline. If the rent, I call the landlord and make sure its all in order. I also check the national do not adopt list. If I am on the fence, I do a quick background check online but a criminal background history is not always a decline. It depends on how old they were at time of offense, what type of offense. I do a Facebook search and a Google search and check out posts if I can find anything. 
• I call the person same or next day depending on the above. Then we discuss the choice of cat, etc... 
• I ask for a virtual house visit. That means they can do it on their Iphone or a video before I come out or let them come and take a cat. The virtual visit is non-invasive. I just ask them to go to the front outside of their house and walk into their front door so I can see the  house number clearly and compare the house to pictures on zillow or other realtor sites if possible. Then I just ask them to show me general living space and if they have a room set up for the cat the actual room.
• Once we do the visit to make sure it all in order, then either I take the cat to them or they come meet and pick the cat up. 
• They sign the contract ahead of time through Adobe electronically if they have a computer

Most people I have adopted to are fine with that. I also ask for photos of the house if they cannot do the virtual visit only because I dont' want to waste my time driving and getting people's hopes up of adoption when I cannot approve. The house visit is mainly to  make sure I do not have hoarding situation at hand and most serious adopters dont' mind at all. This also allows for me to sometimes adopt to people that are hours away but have a gorgeous home and they are willing to come pick the cat up so it expands our adoption market and it saves me time driving to every adopter to deliver the cat. I build lifelong relationships with my adopters, and many send me pictures years after and I love it!

Hope this is informative. 

Brigitte

------------------------------
[BRIGITTE] [IVORY]
[President]
[DART/Duette Animal Rescue Team, Inc,]
[Duette] [Florida]
[www.duetteanimalrescue.org]

Original Message:
Sent: 12-28-2023 08:18 AM
From: Mary Lou Maraganis
Subject: Staff unwilling to budge

I think finding a well established organization that has gone from strict adoption polices to more relaxed but successful adoption polices that would be willing to tell their story and their success would help enlighten your staff. I know there are some good organizations in MA that have done just that.  I even believe Maddie has a webinar on this?  Oh great moderator, is that true? It's always tough teaching an old dog new tricks for some reason. They spend too much energy digging in v. digging out so we have to work with that deficiency.

Any shelters out there that have gone through this transition and can shed some light out there?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

I think finding a well established organization that has gone from strict adoption polices to more relaxed but successful adoption polices that would be willing to tell their story and their success would help enlighten your staff. I know there are some good organizations in MA that have done just that.  I even believe Maddie has a webinar on this?  Oh great moderator, is that true? It's always tough teaching an old dog new tricks for some reason. They spend too much energy digging in v. digging out so we have to work with that deficiency.

Any shelters out there that have gone through this transition and can shed some light out there?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

I think finding a well established organization that has gone from strict adoption polices to more relaxed but successful adoption polices that would be willing to tell their story and their success would help enlighten your staff. I know there are some good organizations in MA that have done just that.  I even believe Maddie has a webinar on this?  Oh great moderator, is that true? It's always tough teaching an old dog new tricks for some reason. They spend too much energy digging in v. digging out so we have to work with that deficiency.

Any shelters out there that have gone through this transition and can shed some light out there?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

Testing out any changes as a "pilot program" can sound less scary-- this webcast may be helpful: https://www.maddiesfund.org/piloting-new-programs-in-shelters.htm?p=topic1038

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

I have held the adoption coordinator role for several years for a foster based rescue. Early on we were being very strict, and as we grew we realized some people we deemed not perfect "to our standards" would still have provided loving homes to a cat/dog.  As the poster stated, no one is perfect and a not so perfect past shouldn't mean you are not suitable to provide a loving home for a pet. Many factors need to be considered and weighed as an overall assessment. In the end it is what's best for the animal, even if it is a no to a specific adopter. 

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

Amazing best practices have been shared.  Sometimes you can convince someone by sharing how others do it and taking those pieces that are the best fits for your organization and revising yours.  We have built our process over the past 20 years enhancing it as we go.  

Our meticulous adoption process is designed to ensure the well-being of our rescue pets and their future homes. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Application Submission and Social Media Review:

   • We begin by carefully reviewing each application received.
   • As part of our thorough vetting process, we also check social media, including Facebook, to gain insights into recent posts and activities.

2. Initial Email Contact:

   • Upon receipt of the application, we initiate contact via email to establish a connection.
   • This initial conversation serves as an opportunity to delve deeper into the applicant's preferences and motivations for adopting a pet.

3. Screening for Compatibility:

   • We proactively explore details such as the type of pet desired and the purpose behind the adoption, ensuring a responsible and compassionate match.
   • Red flags, such as intending to gift a pet without the recipient's involvement or using a kitten to address challenges in an existing rescue, are carefully addressed.

4. In-Person Meeting:

   • If the email exchange reveals no concerns, we arrange a face-to-face meeting between the applicant and the pet of interest.
   • This personal interaction helps establish a connection and assess compatibility.

5. Home Visit:

   • Following a positive initial meeting, we schedule a comprehensive home visit.
   • Our focus during the visit is on identifying any potential issues, such as hoarding situations or inadequate living conditions for a pet.

6. Application Review and Decision:

   • Based on the outcome of the home visit, we thoroughly evaluate the applicant's suitability as a pet owner.
   • Applications may be declined if there are concerns about planned activities like declawing or if the living environment raises red flags.

7. Finalization and Pet Pickup:

   • Applicants who successfully pass all stages are invited to complete the final paperwork.
   • Upon completion, they are authorized to pick up their new furry companion, confident in their commitment to responsible pet ownership.

8. Decision Grounded in Ethical Practices:

   • Our commitment to ethical pet adoption guides every decision we make, including turning down applicants with plans that may compromise the well-being of the pet.

By adhering to this comprehensive process, we ensure that our rescue pets find loving, suitable homes while promoting responsible and compassionate pet ownership.

Hope this helps !!

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?

Our adoption policies/processes are too strict and hurting our animals chances of adoptions.  We of course look adoption applicants up in our system for past information.  Beyond that staff does a background check on every applicant (looking up their criminal/court records) and denying on so many past offenses that can even have occurred over 10 years ago.  About the only offense overlooked are those related to speeding.  They then will google/FB check people and their families.  Then of course there is general mistrust of people and biases that come into play.  This digging of info obviously also takes time and visitors are often waiting awhile for the application to even be reviewed/approved for them to be allowed to then visit animals.  The entire adoption experience for visitors is not pleasant .  All the while our animals are deteriorating and are stressed due to being with us too long, we are euthanizing for such behaviors, and are beyond capacity , We have tried all we can to help the team understand there are better ways, how we ourselves are big barriers for our animals, share with them resources we find on the topic, etc.  We've expressed our understanding of how they feel protective of the animals, how much they care, etc.  There isn't a conversation we haven't tried or had with them.  Any attempt we make to get them to lighten up (even trying to compromise a little by allowing them to continue the background checks, but with some guidelines) is met with resistance.  We are at a loss on what to do and aren't optimistic we will be able to get through to them.  Has anyone else dealt with (or even overcome) this?  Any suggestions/thoughts?