WMCH FAQ
1. How long does a typical adoption process take?
Our adoption process takes between two days and one week depending on the situation and individual scheduling. The process includes an adoption application review, adoption interview, and reference check prior to an applicant's visitation to meet the foster animal.
2. How do I relinquish my pet?
WMCH is only able to accept new animals into our care when we have adoptions that create openings within foster homes. We keep a current waitlist that we contact as openings become available. Shelter pets waiting for placement into our program receive priority. Animals that have been previously adopted from our rescue and need to be returned also receive priority placement. Waitlist time is highly variable. Learn more.
3. 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 the proof of donation for your records. WMCH cannot give specific tax advice. For more information, you should contact your tax professional.
4. Why does WMCH charge an adoption fee?
Adoption fees serve several functions. First, they help to keep our foster animals 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 animal veterinary bills. Most of our foster pets (for example our house rabbits) incur veterinary bills while in our care that is greater than the amount we ask for an adoption fee.
5. 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 more than an 80 percent risk of reproductive cancer if left unspayed.
6. 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 a lack of homes. Altering your pet is a responsible choice for all pet owners to ensure that no accidental pregnancies and thus unwanted 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 with local humane societies who daily battle the repercussions of unaltered 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 unaltered or unvaccinated pets.
7. Why does WMCH not allow adopted pets to be used for showing, entertainment, or classroom purposes?
Small animals 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.
8. 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 is not acceptable for small pets. The wire is harsh on their feet and can cause injury and abscesses.
9. 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 animals 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.
10. 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.
11. What is the best way to submit an adoption application?
Applications will be reviewed quickest if emailed to the rescue. Applications are reviewed on a first-come basis. If adoption is approved, the foster will have your submitted application printed out on paper for you to sign and initial in ink, in person.
12. 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.
13. Beyond adopting pets what other ways could I help pets in need?
A great way to help WMCH pets is to donate to 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!
14. How can I find out more about the House Rabbit Society?
The House Rabbit Society is an international, non-profit organization that is dedicated to rescuing rabbits from shelters as well as educating the public about proper care of rabbits and their behaviors. For more information on the philosophies, educational mission, and care resources of the House Rabbit Society visit: www.Rabbit.org
15. What is the best way to contact WMCH?
For the quickest response please email the rescue at info@wmicritterhaven.org.