West Michigan Critter Haven

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West Michigan Critter Haven

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!

19/03/2025

Rescues working together to save the lives of dumped domestic rabbits in Grand Rapids! These boys are now in the care of our friends at Rabbit Angels Rabbit Rescue. 💓

17/03/2025

Calling all Tolkien lovers! Meet Gandalf & Frodo. 💚

These two charming gentlemen, Gandalf and Frodo, are looking for a loving forever home where they can enjoy their golden years together! At approximately 5 years old, they’re a bonded pair with unique personalities and quirks that make them extra special.

✨ Gandalf is the wise and social one of the pair—true to his name! He enjoys lap time, tolerates grooming well, and will need regular combing to keep his long locks from matting. He’s a foodie who loves bell peppers, carrots, fruit, and even lettuce (though Frodo disagrees on that last one!).

✨ Frodo is a little more independent and prefers to keep handling to a minimum, but he still enjoys spending time with his best buddy. Due to an arthritic ankle, he’ll need fleece bedding with extra padding in his favorite lounging spots to keep him comfortable.

If you're looking for a sweet, bonded pair of guinea pigs to brighten your home, Gandalf and Frodo are ready for their next adventure—together! Could it be with you?

Their adoption fee has been waived. Apply to adopt at wmicritterhaven.org ❤

16/03/2025

Happy Bunday from Dottie! 💖

15/03/2025

We have a happy update! 🩷

Rose’s bonded friend Paisley has now joined her foster family’s pair of piggies to make one very cute trio. Paisley is the gray and white Crested piggy. Look at them! 😍🥰

13/03/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news that Rose did not wake up from her surgery today. She had an enlarged heart, which began to slow as she was waking up from anesthesia. During the procedure, our veterinary team also discovered a uterine tumor. While we knew surgery carried risks, this outcome is still incredibly difficult.

We find comfort in knowing that Rose passed peacefully in her sleep, never experiencing pain or suffering. Please keep her bonded friend, Paisley, and her wonderful foster family in your thoughts during this heartbreaking time.

We are deeply grateful for the generous donations that gave Rose a chance at more time through spay surgery and the removal of her ovarian cyst. While our time with Rose was cut short, we cherished every moment with her. She was a very special pig who will never be forgotten. Please give your piggies a little extra love today. 🌹🌈

13/03/2025

It’s surgery day for Rose! Today she will be spayed and have her golfball-sized cyst removed. Her foster mom packed all of her favorite snacks for her day at the vet.

We’ve got our paws crossed for a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Thank you again to everyone who donated to cover the cost. 🩷

12/03/2025

Rescue has been more challenging than usual lately. Adoptions are slow, and interest in fostering is abysmal. We receive surrender requests every single day and we can’t keep up.

Receiving messages like this one really tests our hope and makes it all the more frustrating that we cannot control the outcome for these rabbits. 💔

Your local rescues and shelters need you now more than ever. Please consider fostering or adopting. We can’t do this without you.

09/03/2025

Tonka’s all packed up and ready for his new home! Who wants this sweet boy? He is such a darling little bun!

07/03/2025

We’re thrilled to announce we exceeded our goal for Rose’s cyst removal and spay! Here she is as cute and happy as ever with her best friend Paisley. Thank you to everyone who donated to support her surgery. ❤️🌹

06/03/2025

We are so close to hitting our goal for Rose’s surgery! Please donate. 🌹❤️

05/03/2025

We're already halfway toward our goal of $600 to help cover Rose's surgery! Can you help us reach our goal? Any amount helps! 💓

05/03/2025

🌹 Rose Needs Your Help! 🌹

Sweet Rose has been in our care for quite some time, lovingly cared for by her dedicated foster family. Recently, they noticed some hair loss, prompting a vet visit—where we received heartbreaking news. Rose has a golf ball-sized ovarian cyst filled with fluid. While she isn’t in pain now and still has a good quality of life, she needs surgery to have a real chance at a happy, healthy future.

Her foster family adores her, and so do we. After everything she and her bonded friend Paisley have been through, we want to give her every opportunity to thrive.

The cost for her spay and cyst removal is $600—and we need your help to cover it. Any amount helps us provide Rose with the care she deserves. Can you chip in to help this precious piggy?

Thank you for believing in second chances. 💕

03/03/2025

Can you spot Dottie snoozing? 👀

26/02/2025

Still no applications for Dottie! Her last post got some interest but no applications. Will you help us get this girl into a loving home? ❤️

Apply here: wmicritterhaven.org

25/02/2025

It's ! Spaying or neutering your rabbit is one of the most important things you can do for his or her health. ❤️

(Illustration by HRS volunteer Zed R.) February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and today is also World Spay Day. It's a great opportunity to talk about the importance of spaying and neutering your rabbit!

Every year in the U.S., an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals enter animal shelters. By spaying or neutering your rabbit, you can help give shelter rabbits a better chance at finding a home as well as help decrease the number of rabbits entering shelters each year, which has exploded in recent years. (Learn more at sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2022/09/13/impact-on-spay-neuter-surgeries-due-to-covid-19-pandemic-threatens-pet-overpopulation)

There are many other benefits to getting your rabbit spayed/neutered. Unfixed female rabbits have a significant chance of developing uterine cancer. Fixed rabbits are also much easier to litter train and are generally more tidy than unfixed rabbits. Getting your rabbit spayed/neutered will also help with aggression, as they will no longer feel the strong urge to mate with another rabbit. Once your rabbit is fixed, you can also start working on finding them a bunny friend without the risk of unwanted litters. (Keep in mind though it takes about 30 days post-procedure for a rabbit’s hormones to leave the body and they can still get pregnant or impregnate another rabbit during this time.) Learn more on our page about the importance of spaying and neutering: houserabbit.org/rabbits101/health/general-info-for-good-health/spaying-and-neutering

Spaying and neutering rabbits is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced rabbit-savvy veterinarian. Don't allow a veterinarian with little to no experience with rabbits to spay or neuter your rabbit. Paying money to have your rabbit see a veterinarian who doesn't have experience treating rabbits is just throwing your money away and can cost the life of your furry friend. See our list of rabbit vets in the SF Bay Area: center.houserabbit.org/resources/veterinarians

House Rabbit Society also offers low-cost spay/neuter services at our facility in Richmond, California. The cost is $200-300, depending on your county of residence. The minimum age for surgery is 2.5 months for males and 5 months of age for females. Visit center.houserabbit.org/services/medical to learn more and to schedule an appointment. (Please be sure to also fill out the intake form.)

There are plenty of other ways you can help the overpopulation crisis in shelters, even if your rabbit has already been spayed or neutered. Depending on your availability, you can volunteer at your local shelter, or foster an animal with them, too. Not only are you helping provide a home for a homeless animal, but you're also freeing up a space for another homeless animal to be brought into the shelter! You can help a foster rabbit blossom into the wonderful house rabbit they're truly meant to be. Fostering is also a wonderful opportunity for someone new to rabbits to decide whether a rabbit is really the right pet for them long-term. 💖🐰

24/02/2025

Thank you to our generous donors for acting quickly when we requested donations for Oxbow Adult Rabbit Food! 🩷

We are always in need of food, hay and bedding donations! You can find our wish list here: https://wmicritterhaven.org/donate

22/02/2025

We have a lot of hungry mouths to feed and would love some Oxbow Essentials Adult Rabbit Pellets to help keep their little bellies full. If you are feeling generous please visit our website to view our wishlists or donate below. Thank you for all your support!

https://wmicritterhaven.org/donate

20/02/2025

Dash heard it was Love Your Pet Day and wanted some smooches! His ultimate wish is to find his forever family. ❤️

How are you spoiling your pets today?

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Dottie’s hoping it’s a love match despite her loud chewing. 🥹🩷

“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! 🩵

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