We hear/read it all the time, rescues should do in depth checks on potential adopters before approving an application. What I’m wanting to tackle here is, background checks on rescue organizations. I think that dealing with a good solid and reputable rescue org, is just as important as making sure that adopters are the best people for a particular animal.
My questions, and I’ll post more as I think of what to ask, are:
1) How does one go about checking into the reputation of a rescue organization?
2) Who does a potential adopter contact in order to find out if the rescue they are interested in has knowledge of the animals in their care, and how the animals are kept and cared for?
3) Most rescues ask for at least 3 references on an application, so who would be the best person/organization to contact outside the rescue to "double" check a rescues credibility?
4) What sort of questions should one ask when checking out a rescues references?
5) What would you consider to be "red flags" or signs that the rescue you are inquiring about isn’t up to "par" and might be one to steer clear of?