I don't really post anymore, actually I don't really read anymore, unless asutickler points it out to me. This is one he pointed out to me.
He wanted me to see it because he thought maybe I can help you feel a little less "perturbed" since I used to work at one of the shelters here as an adoption counselor.
There are many reasons why there is now screening in the adoption of animals, especially in larger cities. Dog fighting and animal abuse/neglect is an ongoing problem that we've been trying to minimize for many years. In our shelter, we attempted such through applications, discussions, and public education. Our requirements are considered minimal compared to many shelters across the country. We tell people coming to the shelter to plan on spending at least 2-3 hours there while completing the process. Our process involves choosing an animal, providing the person is "qualified" for the animal (doesn't have any animals or kids at home that will conflict with the animal's needs, or has the "habitat" necessary to care for the dog) filling out an application. They spend 30+ minutes with a counselor, going over the dog's profile, our programs and what is offered with the adoption, and going over the different ways to deal with things that will, or could, occur with the dog. During the entire process, we are talking to the applicants, and asking questions. Only if they "qualify" and agree to the terms of the adoption, can they take the dog home.
To many, it seems extreme and unnecessary, but that is because they don't understand the reasoning behind it. So what are the reasons? To prevent any abuse or mistakes while caring for the animal, to help them to train the animal and deal with any issues appropriately, to educate them and allow them to see warning signs of illness and how to care for their dog medically, and most importantly, to prevent injury and death.
I'm sure everyone thinks the last reason is never going to happen. My response, you wish. While working at the shelter, we had many dogs returned because the adopters lied about having a cat, when they knew the dog didn't "like" cats (we provided this information to the adopters). The end result, their cats were badly injured, or killed. Also some of the dogs we had didn't like kids, someone would lie about having kids, or wouldn't listen on how to handle a dog unfamiliar with kids, and someone would be bite. We've even had dogs adopted out that killed the adopter’s dog because they lied on their applications. Seems stupid huh, but there are reasons for everything.
So to answer your question, yes, I have seen people have that much trouble adopting a dog. I have turned down people for animals, either because they didn't qualify, or because I caught them lying.
So something to ask the volunteers, what types of issues does this dog have? It could have food aggression, not like kids, dogs, cats, etc. It could be a neglect case, or an abuse case. Any of these things can become a very big deal within a matter of minutes if the wrong move is made. It doesn't make the dog bad, or keep it from being a favorite. I had to euthanize one of my favorite dogs at the shelter, and I hated it, but he just wasn't adoptable.
To summarize, it's done to minimize animal abuse/neglect, to keep the dog from being returned, and for safety reasons. Just ask them questions, they will like that you are interested in the dog. Being indignant will likely get you turned down, and that obviously isn't what you want. I wish you luck.
Pawz
