I lost Oliver Reynolds a few weeks ago so I currently only have two boys in a big cage.
I recently found, through Petfinder, an adorable young boy in a town about 60 miles outside of the city. I went to the rescue organization's website to fill out the adoption application. This would be my first rescue experience but I've looked at similar applications in the past so I was prepared for the depth and breath of the questions. It's obvious that this organization primarily deals with dogs and cats because many of the *required* questions were about whether or not my yard is fenced and if my current pets are up to date on their vaccinations. The application also required things like my place of employment, the name and number of my employer, multiple references, number and type of pets currently in the home, etc. I listed my current rats and my roommate's cat on the application.
Some of the required information felt a little more invasive, like they required the name, birth date, and cell number for any other adults living in the home. Despite feeling a little uncomfortable giving out some of this information, I understand the purpose of being careful about who they place an animal with. I answered every question asked.
The application also required me to authorize my vet's office to release vet care related information to them. I did so.
I received an email a few days later letting me know that they contacted my vet. They were wondering why my vet didn't have any records for the cat listed on the application. I explained that it wasn't my cat and it was never even allowed in the same room with my rats. They told me that my roommate would have to authorize his vet to release info to them about his cat's history. I asked my roommate if he would be comfortable doing so. He expressed his reservations about the invasion of his privacy. I relayed this to the organization and they responded with "Sorry to hear he is feeling that way. Just let me know if you choose to proceed." My roommate ended up allowing the release of information and then I got another email from this organization. Now they're trying to schedule a time for a volunteer to come into my house to see if it's suitable.
At this point, I haven't even been asked a single question about how I actually care for my pets.
I informed them that I would gladly answer any questions they may have and would even provide them with pictures of my rats' housing and play area. I have not heard back from them yet but, basically, I'm wondering if I'm in the wrong for drawing the line at a home visit. I'm willing to give them all sorts of very personal information and let them see my vet care records and put 120 miles on my car to drive to a small town to pay $25 for an abandoned rat in need.
Is requiring a home visit too thorough for a rescue or am I being ridiculous?