Meet Dedicated Volunteer Maureen
30/01/2008 Hello it’s Maureen again – this time with my home visitor’s hat on.

I was first a home visitor for the RSPCA about 14 years ago but pressure of work forced me to give it up. However, now I am retired and can spread out my time almost as I wish, I have taken it up again.

The RSPCA give a short, but very thorough training course for anyone interested in this voluntary work and it can take up as much or as little time as one is prepared to give.

Any potential new owner is first interviewed by the staff at the Centre who are able to help and advise them in their choice of animal. The main facts taken into account are the person’s circumstances and lifestyle and the character and background of the animal, be it cat, dog or other small animal.

After this stage, the animal is reserved and a home visit takes place to check that the environment is suitable for the pet chosen. For instance, where a dog is concerned, we would need to see that the garden is secure and well-fenced.

We also ask to see the sleeping area and discuss the feeding arrangements. If everything is satisfactory, then a pass slip is issued and the new owner telephones the Centre to arrange to collect their new pet.

After a few weeks, a post visit is carried out. However many of these visits I make, I never fail to be thrilled to see one of our animals happily settled in a loving, caring home and I love hearing about their exploits and adventures from the “new mums and dads”.

Should there ever be any queries that I cannot deal with personally, I know that the staff at the Centre are only too ready and willing to help.

Anyone interested in home visiting please contact the centre for further details.