West Michigan Critter Haven is a rescue dedicated to helping small animals in West Michigan find forever homes.

Our primary goal is to educate the community about the proper care needs of house rabbits as well as other small pets.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions - The WMCH FAQ

1. How long does a typical adoption process take?
Our adoption process takes between 2 days and 1 week depending on the situation and individual scheduling. All listed references are contacted prior to applicant's visitation to meet the foster pet.

2. Is WMCH a non-profit rescue and are my donations tax deductible?
Yes, WMCH is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. You may take your donation as a tax deduction if you wish. Adoption fees are not tax deductible. You should retain proof of donation for your records. WMCH cannot give specific tax advice. For more information you should contact your tax professional.

3. Why does WMCH charge an adoption fee?
Adoption fees serve several functions. First, they help to keep our foster pets safe. By requiring an appropriate adoption fee for each pet it is shown their lives have value and they are less likely to have ill intentioned or non-serious people apply. Secondly, adoption fees are used to offset foster pet veterinary bills. Most of our foster pets (for example our house rabbits) incur veterinary bills while in our care that are greater than the amount we ask for an adoption fee.

4. Why does WMCH require that all house rabbits be altered?
We believe that all rabbits should be altered for several reasons. First, there are thousands of healthy rabbits relinquished and dumped each year that end up being euthanized at shelters for no other reason than that there were not enough homes available for them. Second, altering rabbits of both genders makes them better pets. It eliminates hormonal behaviors and greatly helps in litter box training. Third, the veterinary community has documented very well over the years that female rabbits over the age of two years old have an 85%+ risk of reproductive cancer if left un-spayed.

5. Why does WMCH require my cats and dogs to be altered and up to date on vaccines when I'm adopting a small pet?
It is a primary goal of WMCH to educate about proper pet care for all pets. Millions of cats, dogs and rabbits are euthanized in shelters each year due simply to lack of homes. Altering your pet is a responsible choice for all pet owners to ensure that no accidental pregnancies and thus un-wanted litters occur. Vaccinating pets helps protect not only your pet but other pets with which they come into contact in our community. WMCH also works closely local humane societies who daily battle the repercussions of un-altered local pets. Our rescue highly respects the difficult work the local shelters perform each day to try and place so many pets into safe homes. Therefore, WMCH respects and adheres to the adoption policy requirements of these shelters which include not adopting to homes where there are un-altered or unvaccinated pets.

6. Why does WMCH not allow adopted pets to be used for showing, entertainment or classroom purposes?
Small pets by nature are often shy creatures as they are prey animals. Change in environment, loud noises, crowds and being handled by new people can easily stress many small pets. Their size makes them physically delicate and subject to injury if mishandled. House rabbits in particular have very delicate spinal columns and can literally break their own backs if they struggle when frightened. To protect the continued safety and well being of our adopted pets, WMCH will not adopt to any applicants intending on having the pet for any other purpose other than as a personal house pet.

7. Why does WMCH require a rabbit to be kept indoors with solid bottomed housing areas?
There is vast data showing that rabbits kept outdoors have significantly shortened lifespans. The average life span for a house rabbit is 9-12+ years when kept indoors and altered. The average lifespan for a rabbit kept outdoors is 1-2 years.
Wire Bottomed housing in not acceptable for small pets. The wire is harsh on their feet and can cause injury and abscesses.

8. Why does WMCH require a pet to be returned to their rescue if I am unable to care for my adopted pet any longer?
Fosters of WMCH care for their foster pets as their own. The pets that come to our rescue have already been through emotional and sometimes physical hardships. They deserve to live their lives in safety and comfort. If an adopter is not able to care for their pet any longer that pet is required to come back to our rescue so that we can ensure they will be cared for properly while in foster care and placed in a new home educated for their specific needs. Small pet needs are highly specialized. Most other local rescues would not have the knowledge or resources to care for these types of pets properly or train new caregivers in their specific requirements.

9. Where is WMCH's main facility and what are your visitation hours?
WMCH is composed of a group of trained and dedicated foster families. We have no main facility because we believe pets receive better care while in a home. Visitations are scheduled according to the applicant's and the foster family's schedules.

10. What is the best way to submit an adoption application?
Applications will be reviewed quickest if emailed to the rescue. Applications are review on a first come basis. If an adoption is approved, the foster will have your submitted application printed out on paper for you to sign and initial in ink, in person.

11. Public Review of IRS Forms
Per IRS requirements for all 501(c)3 non-profit organizations a copy of certain forms may be requested in writing.

12. Beyond adopting pets what other ways could I help pets in need?
WMCH is always in search of friendly and gentle volunteers to help with various rescue activities. Some ways one might volunteer to help would be to take pictures for the pet's postings, to help with transportation from relinquishments and vet appointments or to help staff event tables. For more information on volunteering for our rescue please click "forms" and email submit a volunteer application.
Another great way to help WMCH pets is to donate towards our vet care fund. Many of our foster pets incur veterinary bills much greater than their adoption fee. Donating towards vet bills such as alterations or emergency care helps us save more lives and keeps our rescue functioning.
You can also help by organizing a pet care item drop off. We are always in need of daily care items from our wish list. Organizing an item donation day at your school, church or work can help make a foster pets' life much more comfortable and happy!
You can also help sponsor foster pets by shopping for adorable items on our www.cafepress.com and www.zazzle.com online retail sites. You can find a variety of products with original designs from apparel to yoga mats to ipod cases. The proceeds beyond the base price from the sale of these items come to our rescue as a donation for the pets!