West Michigan Critter Haven

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West Michigan Critter Haven

We are dedicated to helping small animals and rabbits. 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 ta

x 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!

01/08/2024

Thank you to everyone who donated to support our dear sweet Paisley! We are still in need of support to cover her emergency vet bill. Anything helps.

Late Friday night, we knew something was wrong with Paisley, our long-term medical foster. She was uninterested in food, wasn’t going to the bathroom, and had limited movement. We rushed her to the emergency hospital, where she received X-rays, a fluid IV, and IV administered pain medication. Paisley was thankfully able to return home with medications to get her gut moving again and to pump out any infection.

When Paisley arrived home, she told her friend Rose all about her adventure. We are grateful we caught her illness fast and that she is making a quick recovery. She is back to comfortable snuggles, squeezing in the tightest spaces at floor time and begging for her favorites.

We would appreciate any donation to help offset the lifesaving medical care Paisley received from her emergency visit. Thank you for your support. 🩷🩷

29/07/2024

Do you like Noah’s hat? 😂👒

This sweet boy is just the best, and we can’t believe he still hasn’t found his forever home. 💗

Late Friday night, we knew something was wrong with Paisley, our long-term medical foster. She was uninterested in food...

24/07/2024

17/07/2024

Maggie (on the right) and Harvey are enjoying life together! Bonding rabbits often takes time and patience. However, the reward of giving your rabbit a friend is so worth it!

Harvey is a WMCH alum bunny, and we are so glad his Mom chose to adopt from us again. 😍

Cheers to the happy couple! 🩷🩷🩷

14/07/2024

Look at our new babies! 😍🐀

One of our fosters just picked up these itty bitties today. They are only about 5 weeks old. We will schedule their neuters in a week or two and then they will be ready to go home!

11/07/2024

Happy Adoption Day to Buster & Papa! Happy trails, boys. 💕

10/07/2024

Chex Mix's foster mom was hoping to snap some new photos of her...clearly she wasn't having it!

This sweet gerbil girl is still waiting for her forever home. 💓

06/07/2024

Darla wanted to wish everybun a safe and relaxing holiday weekend! 🇺🇸 💙❤️

This sweet girl is still waiting for her forever home! Help us change that. Apply to adopt her today.

16/06/2024

Happy Father’s Day to all the pet dads! We appreciate you for all the love and treats you give!

Comment with a photo of all the great pet dads out there!

13/06/2024

Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of Bruce. He was called to the Rainbow Bridge to join his brothers Andre and Dwayne, who passed before him. 🌈❤️🐀

This sweet trio of rat brothers was surrendered to us in 2022. They were nearly two years old at this time. As they awaited their adoptive home, each rat seemed to have various medical issues. We made the decision to move them into hospice care, as adoption didn’t seem possible. Their foster mom, Kristin, cared for them as her own for the rest of their days.

We never want to believe we are the last stop for any animal that comes to us. It’s our job to find them homes. Candidly, we’re not equipped for long-term care since we do not have a physical shelter, and our animals are in foster homes. However, our absolutely incredible network of fosters like Kristin make this work possible, even when it comes with heartbreak.

Today, we celebrate this trio of rats we had the pleasure of loving until their final moments. It’s truly an honor to be able to care for these pets.

Here’s what Kristin shared about her beloved boys: “They were big boys and they had big hearts and big personalities. They liked to chase and groom each other and of course they loved treats. They would be waiting at their door for me when they heard me come into the room. I wish they could have found a forever home but I'm also glad I got to care for them as long as I had them.”

Please consider donating in memory of the boys. All donations support our medical fund. 💕

06/06/2024

Eleanor knows that the treat container is downstairs…👀

01/06/2024

Need help with home renovations? Call Dottie, aka Ms Dig for all your projects! *sound on*

29/05/2024

⚫️⚪️ Say hello to Dottie! ⚪️⚫️

This three-pound ball of fluff is a lionhead mix. She was born around 6/2023 and was given her name for the spots running down her back and her spunky personality. She is a little shy at first, but she can easily be won over with slow movements and snacks. She melts into the ground when you pet her and loves shoulder massages. She comes running to the side of her pen when you enter the room and stands on her hind legs begging for any type of bunny approved cuisine, she’s a very food motivated gal!

Dottie’s adoption fee is $100. Adopters must be at least 18 years old.

Apply to adopt Dottie at wmicritterhaven.org. 💖

24/05/2024

Do you ever make poor life choices and need help getting out of them? Dottie had to be rescued from the hamper today.

23/05/2024

Our hearts are bursting! Charlie and Casper, our longest residents, finally got their happily ever after yesterday! Congratulations to these boys and their new family. 😍

16/05/2024

Queen of the Shredded Paper! We’re shocked Chex Mix hasn’t been adopted yet. Does anyone have room in their hearts for this sweet gerbil? 💖

15/05/2024

Here's some great veggie inspiration for piggy parents. 🥬🥕

Healthy balanced meal for two piggies 😍🐹

🥬 Enough food for two piggies for a whole day
⚖️ A pre-planned balanced meal
🤤 To be interchanged for a varied diet

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For all your C&C cage or fleece liner needs check out our Facebook shop! 🛍️🐹⁠🐰

14/05/2024

Dottie has become one with her hay. 😂

13/05/2024

Tuke was adopted yesterday! 💕🎉

12/05/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all!!

30/04/2024

Chex Mix has learned his foster mom's nightly snack time routine and runs to the top of the cage to grab a snack. She is such a social girl. 🩷🩷

Apply to adopt Chex Mix at wmicritterhaven.org

26/04/2024

Well, Eleanor is back with us and looking for her forever home. 🩷

Eleanor is a spayed female Lionhead born in 2020. She is an itty bitty girl, but with that tiny body comes a big personality and big opinions. Eleanor is very sweet in the right environment. She says, "no, thank you" to young children, and she really shines in a quiet household. She LOVES breakfast, greens, and treats - the way to her heart is through her stomach. She is very interactive with her people; she is always watching you, and if you come up to her pen, she will run to greet you. She loves gentle pets on her head and does the best tooth purrs. Eleanor is also very busy, regularly rearranging the furniture in her pen, and she loves to get out to stretch her legs - she does the best binkies! Her ideal home would be where there are no young children (teens and older, please!) is on the quieter side, and will let her have space to run and explore and just be Eleanor. She also does well with the resident cat! Her foster mom loves her and knows the right home is out there for this special girl!

Eleanor's adoption fee is $100. Adopters must be at least 18 years old. Apply at wmicritterhaven.org.

21/04/2024

💕 Oreo & Track 💕

Meet the cutest bonded sibling duo ever, Oreo and Track! They were born in 2022 and are littermates. Both are spayed, neutered, and vaccinated against Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) and they use their litter boxes great! This pair is so full of energy. They love to adventure in their room. Oreo has that black and white velvety soft Rex coat, and Track has a beautiful black with a subtle white ticking coat that you will love to pet repeatedly. And they will love their pets too! They are definitely social butterflies and want to be around people. Both are very outgoing, and they are only uncertain about cats and dogs. They are both so smart and have mastered every puzzle toy offered to them. They both like to keep busy, so you will want lots of chew toys and mental stimulation for them. They will make amazing snuggle buddies and lifelong companions with you, and they are so cute and snuggled together, too! I guarantee you will love them!

Apply to adopt this pair at wmicritterhaven.org

20/04/2024

Tuke is such a cute boy! He’s been waiting a long time for someone to choose him. Could it be you? ❤️

Apply to adopt at wmicritterhaven.org. 💗

16/04/2024

We have babies! Born 2/22/2024 to a mama rat who was surrendered to us pregnant, there are five girls and four boys. Some are more outgoing than others, but all are very sweet and happy. They must go in either pairs or to a home with other rats to which they will be bonded.

Apply to adopt at wmicritterhaven.org ❤

12/04/2024

Happy adoption day to James (right)!! He and Frankie (left) snuggled for their entire second date! We love successful dates and happy endings. ❤️❤️

10/04/2024

Mio was adopted! Here he is settling in at his forever home. Happy trails Mio!! ❤️

04/04/2024

Casper's favorite place to snuggle up is in his hay!

He and Charlie are our longest residents. We aren't sure why they are still here! Help us get them adopted. 🩷

Learn more about this father-son duo at wmicritterhaven.org.

03/04/2024

Meet Chex Mix! 💕

Chex Mix is a 6-month-old female gerbil with lots of energy and curiosity, eager to explore every nook and cranny of her habitat. She loves rearranging her bedding and creating her own little kingdom underground. Providing her with ample bedding, cardboard, and other chew/shreddable items will make for one happy and enriched gerbil. Chex Mix won’t be your next cuddle buddy, but she will gladly accept treats from your hands and entertain you from her habitat. Chex Mix is the perfect match for you if you're ready to welcome a busy and adorable gerbil into your home.

Apply to adopt Chex Mix at wmicritterhaven.org

01/04/2024

Coco is ready to find her forever home. 🩷

Coco is a female guinea pig estimated to have been born in October 2023. She is vocal and outgoing, likes to cuddle, and is very friendly. She will happily eat her favorite veggies (carrots and dandelion) from your hand. We think she would do very well with a piggy companion.

Coco's adoption fee is $25. Adopters must be at least 18 years old. Apply at wmicritterhaven.org

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“Is there something on my face?” - Dash 👀💚

Dottie

Need help with home renovations? Call Dottie, aka Ms Dig for all your projects! *sound on*

67 adoptions in 2023!

We helped 67 critters find loving homes this past year! 🎉✨ None of our work would be possible without our incredible fosters, adopters and supporters. Thank you to everyone who helped us save so many lives this year! 🩵

Yes, Jenny is still here. 😩 Would someone please adopt this gorgeous girl?! You can learn more and apply at wmicritterhaven.org 💖

Jenny’s still patiently waiting for her forever home. 🥺🩷

Ollie & Oscar

Need someone to talk to? Oscar and Ollie won’t disappoint! Current events? Relationship drama? Gossip? What’s in the fridge? They’re up for a chat about ANYTHING! Apply to adopt these handsome boys at wmicritterhaven.org 💚

Charlie & Casper

We love Charlie & Casper! This father-son duo is pretty shy but coming out of their shells. Apply to adopt these boys at wmicritterhaven.org. 😍

We mentioned we have had a lot going on with fosters lately. It’s time to share Wesley’s story. Two weeks ago, Wesley’s foster went to check on him and he wasn’t in his exercise pen. He’d never gotten out before, so she was immediately concerned. When she found him, he was dragging his back legs hardly able to move. It was clearly he’d somehow escaped and hurt himself—a freak accident. He was immediately rushed to the ER vet. X-rays showed no broken bones, but they were worried about a ruptured disc. He had severe inflammation. Wesley began anti-inflammatory and pain meds and we took him home with a plan to see our normal vet the next day. To say we were heartbroken would be an understatement. However, our vet was cautiously optimistic. She noted that we should give him time for the inflammation to go down. Well, we’re excited to share that two weeks later, Wesley continues to regain his mobility. He is scooting around, eating and going potty! Wesley is also getting an immense amount of snuggles and love from his foster family. We are hopeful he will continue to recover. ❤️ We share Wesley’s story in hope that you may consider making a donation to cover his expenses! Please continue to keep your paws crossed for Wesley as he recovers.

Donut is feeling much better! 🍩💕 Thank you all for your generous donations to support her recent vet bill! Your support makes our work possible. 💜 Donut will be available for adoption soon!

Lucy is ready for adoption! 💖 Lucy, also known as LuLu, is a spayed, female rabbit estimated to be born in early 2021. This big girl weighs in at 8lbs! Not only does Lucy have the most fantastic ears, but she is super social. She LOVES being around her people! She is not super fond of being petted yet but is slowly learning to trust her foster family. Lucy's favorite times of day are breakfast, snack time, and dinner time. Food is definitely the way to Lucy's heart. A couple of her favorite treats are bananas, strawberry tops, and craisins. When Lucy isn't busy exploring, she loves to nap on her bed in her exercise pen. While Lucy does love to be out and about free-roaming, she also likes to have the option to lay in her "area,” where she feels the most comfortable and safe. Lucy is a big bun, so she will need a lot of space to explore and a lot of time throughout the day to come and go from her exercise pen as she pleases. Apply to adopt Lucy at wmicrittehaven.org.

Noel

❣️ Noel ❣️ Noel is a spayed, female Rex mix rabbit. Our vet estimated her age at around one-year-old. Noel is a very fun and playful rabbit! She loves to explore her surroundings. The way to Noel’s heart is food, and plenty of space to show off her fantastic zoomies and binkies. Noel is one of 24 rabbits who were living all together in one small hutch. Now that Noel has felt what freedom feels like, she can’t get enough of it! It’s important that Noel’s forever home can offer her plenty of free roam time for her to keep thriving. Noel is still a little unsure about pets from her foster family but is slowly learning that humans are pretty amazing. Noel is your girl if you want to add joy to your family! Apply to adopt Noel at wmicritterhaven.org

We just pulled this big, gorgeous girl and two babies from our local shelter. She was found after being dumped outside, as were the other babies. Thank you to Kent County Animal Shelter for taking in these buns! 💕

Just rats doing rat stuff. 💕

May your weekend be as relaxing as Bruce and Andre’s pea fishing experience! 🐀

Who remembers our sweet boy Charlie? This is the little guy who was found outside unable to use his back legs. Now this guy is on the move. He will be done with his meds the end of this month and has a vet appointment scheduled to evaluate his progress. Thank you to all who have donated to his care!

Our sweet little guy Cecil is still in search of his family. He's our longest resident. What gives? Cecil is a solo guy and hasn't been interested in any piggy friends. He is sweet and friendly and would make a great companion for someone looking for a buddy! Apply to adopt Cecil at wmicritterhaven.org. ❤️

Our gerbil boys have not had a single application yet! Anyone looking for a sweet pair to join their family? Apply at wmicritterhaven.org. 💕

Thank you to everyone who donated to support Stan’s eye-removal surgery yesterday. He is doing so well! He is extra perky, eating, pooping and just being the best boy. 💕 Our vet reported his eye was more than three times it’s original size. We have to imagine he is feeling so much more comfortable. We are heartbroken thinking of how long he suffered in his previous condition. Stan and Dan are a lovely senior pair of rabbits, so we know their adoption journey may not happen quickly. However, if you have space in your hearts and home for these boys, they will be available for adoption soon! Send us an email at [email protected] to start the conversation if you’re interested in adopting.

Happy Valentine's Day from Biscuit & Gravy! 💓 Apply to adopt this wonderful pair at wmicritterhaven.org

We had 110 adoptions in 2021! 🎉💕 None of this work would be possible without our amazing, compassionate adopters. Thank you to everyone who added WMCH alumni to their family this year! Post your 2021 WMCH critter below! ⬇️

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