How to Screen Potential Adopters Safely (NZ Guide)
How to protect your dog — and yourself — when choosing their next home in New Zealand.
Introduction
If you’re rehoming a dog, you are not “getting rid of” them. You are interviewing humans for the job of loving them for the rest of their life. That’s what real guardians do.
You want kindness, honesty, and stability for your dog — not someone who loses interest after a week. You may also be worried about scams, backyard breeders, or people who sound caring but vanish when things get hard.
This guide explains how to screen adopters when you rehome a dog in New Zealand. It’s designed for safety, trust, and confidence — so you can say yes to a new home without regret.
Throughout this process, using a structured, home-to-home service like Pet Rescue NZ’s safe dog rehoming platform keeps you in control instead of leaving your dog at a shelter or advertising publicly. You can start here: https://www.petrescue.org.nz/rehome-dogs-nz/
1. Why Screening Adopters Matters
Not every home is a safe home. Some people adopt impulsively; others want a “free guard dog.” Careful screening protects your dog’s welfare, protects you from legal or financial problems, and gives you peace of mind.
Good adopters welcome your questions. Unsafe adopters become defensive. Using the private chat system on Pet Rescue NZ helps you filter out the wrong people before any meeting.
2. Your Goal When Screening
When you screen adopters, you’re answering four questions:
• Can this person meet daily needs — time, exercise, attention?
• Can they afford ongoing care?
• Is their home safe and suitable for your dog’s breed and temperament?
• Will this truly be the dog’s forever home?
If you can’t confidently answer “yes” to each, don’t move forward yet.
3. The First Message Test
A person’s first message reveals a lot.
Red flags: “Is he still available?”, “Can you drop him off tonight?”, “How much are the pups worth?”, “We want a guard dog.”
If someone pressures you, manipulates, or avoids questions, stop contact immediately.
Green flags: Introduces themselves and lifestyle, asks about the dog’s needs, describes daily routine, or shares photos of their home.
Serious adopters are transparent because they understand what you’re doing — keeping your dog safe.
If you suspect a scam, read the safety advice at https://www.petrescue.org.nz/pet-scams-in-new-zealand/
4. Essential Questions to Ask Before a Meeting
- Where will the dog sleep at night?
- How long will the dog be alone during the day?
- Do you rent or own? If renting, do you have written landlord permission?
- Who will be the primary carer?
- What’s your plan for exercise and mental stimulation?
- Do you already have other pets, and are they desexed and vaccinated?
- Can you afford ongoing vet care?
Anyone who refuses to answer these is not ready for adoption.
5. Safe Process for Meeting an Adopter
- Chat first through Pet Rescue NZ’s messaging system — keep communication private.
- Meet in a neutral, safe public area like a park or vet car park. Bring a friend if possible.
- Observe how they treat the dog — calm, patient, respectful?
- Ask them to describe a normal weekday with the dog.
- Never hand the dog over immediately. You can always say:
“Thank you so much for meeting — I’ll talk to my family and confirm tomorrow.”
Good adopters will respect that pause.
6. Adopter Screening Checklist
Use these quick checkpoints before approval.
• Secure housing and written landlord consent
• Dog not left alone all day
• Fenced section and safe indoor space
• Can afford food, vet care, registration
• Understands breed needs
• Agrees to sign transfer paperwork
On mobile, list these as simple bullet points so they stack neatly.
7. Real Owner Story — Why Screening Matters
Jess from Hamilton was rehoming Milo, a three-year-old Staffy mix. The first person demanded her address that night. Jess said no.
She then created a listing through Pet Rescue NZ’s rehome dogs NZ service. The next family described their fenced yard, work hours, and routine. They offered vet references and signed a transfer form.
Milo now lives happily with them, and Jess still receives photos. That’s the difference between rushed and responsible rehoming.
8. Should You Do a Home Visit?
A home visit — in person or via video call — helps confirm the environment.
Request photos or a short video of the sleeping area and fence.
Ask especially if the dog has special needs, can jump fences, or if young children live there.
Kind adopters understand that you’re simply ensuring safety.
9. Protect Yourself From Scams
Common scam patterns in NZ: people asking to ship the dog, pushing for immediate handover, or requesting bank details.
Avoid these by following Pet Rescue NZ’s secure listing flow and reading https://www.petrescue.org.nz/pet-scams-in-new-zealand/
Always:
• Meet in person
• Use signed transfer paperwork
• Never “trial home” without documentation
• Never give personal banking details
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.
10. Paperwork to Complete
Before the hand-over:
• List the dog’s name, age, and microchip number
• Add both parties’ contact details and the transfer date
• Note health or behaviour details honestly
• State that the new owner accepts full responsibility
After signing, update the microchip record and notify your council of the change within 14 days. Keep a copy for your records.
11. When to Say No
Walk away if an adopter:
• Refuses questions
• Wants the dog as a “gift” or “guard dog”
• Dismisses medical or behavioural issues
• Rushes or pressures you
• Refuses to sign paperwork
Saying no is not unkind; it’s responsible. Waiting for the right match is the kindest thing you can do.
12. Knowing You’ve Found the Right Home
You’ll know you’ve found a genuine adopter when they:
• Describe daily routines clearly
• Ask thoughtful questions about care
• Interact gently with your dog
• Accept the transfer form without hesitation
• Are patient about timing
That’s when you can finally say yes — with confidence.
If you’re ready to find that match, create your listing today at https://www.petrescue.org.nz/rehome-dogs-nz/ and follow the safe built-in process for home-to-home rehoming.
FAQ — Screening Adopters When You Rehome a Dog in NZ
1. How do I screen adopters?
Ask about housing, fencing, daily routine, finances, and who the main carer is. Good adopters will answer freely.
2. Can I ask for ID?
Yes. Always meet in a public place first, and it’s fine to confirm who you’re giving the dog to.
3. Can I say no?
Absolutely. You are never required to rehome your dog to the first person who asks.
4. Can I request photos of their yard or sleeping area?
Yes. Responsible adopters will provide them without complaint.
5. How do I avoid being scammed?
Never ship animals or share bank details. Meet face-to-face, use signed paperwork, and read the warning signs here: https://www.petrescue.org.nz/pet-scams-in-new-zealand/
6. Is Facebook safe for rehoming?
Not really. Public posts attract scammers. Use the secure Pet Rescue NZ pathway instead: https://www.petrescue.org.nz/rehome-dogs-nz/
7. Should I charge a small fee?
Yes, a modest rehoming fee deters opportunists and helps cover vet care.
8. Do I have to let them take the dog right away?
No. Meet first, think overnight, then decide. Responsible adopters respect boundaries.
9. What if I can’t find a match?
Be patient and keep your listing active. The right adopter is worth the wait.
10. Where can I learn more about safe rehoming in New Zealand?
Visit https://www.petrescue.org.nz/rehome-dogs-nz/ for guides, legal forms, and trusted nationwide listings.
