Help Us Save Lives

West Michigan Critter Haven is made up of a network of foster homes that provide the daily love and care for each animal we take in. Our volunteer foster families are the most important asset we have and we're always seeking to add new foster homes to our roster. 

FOSTERING RABBITS

WMCH provides almost everything needed to care for a foster rabbit — an exercise pen, a litter box, and toys. For the most part, our fosterers provide daily greens, wood stove pellets for litter, Oxbow pellets, grooming and…love.  When an appropriate adopter emerges, a WMCH Board member will go to the fosterer’s home at a mutually convenient day and time to conduct the adoption until the foster feels comfortable with the process.

West Michigan Critter Haven fosters and directors with rabbits and guinea pigs at an event.

Some people may believe they can’t foster because they’ll become too attached to the rabbit. This may very well be the most difficult part of being a fosterer!  While we do give our fosterers “first right” to adopt their foster rabbit, it is imperative that our fosterers must love rabbits enough to let their foster rabbits go to the good homes we find for them — the rabbits at the shelter depend on the fosterers’ strength and resolve not to adopt a foster rabbit.  A seasoned fosterer sees the face of the next shelter rabbit in that of their current foster bun and feels satisfaction and anticipation when their foster bun is adopted, knowing they are about to save another life.

Rabbit Fostering Overview

Being a WMCH foster care provider is very rewarding.  If you are interested in becoming a fosterer, here is a brief outline of what to expect:

Pre-qualifying:

  • You will be interviewed by a WMCH board member.

  • A WMCH board member will visit to conduct a home inspection.

  • You must adhere to the House Rabbit Society rules of care.

Once you are approved:

  • If needed, WMCH will provide a complete set up (typically an exercise pen, litter box, water container.) which must be returned to WMCH when no longer needed or utilized.

  • You will be entitled to receive donated goods such as hay, food pellets, toys etc.

Key Responsibilities:

  • The rabbit’s living space must be kept clean, including proper changing and cleaning of the litter box with white vinegar

  • Fresh pellets, unlimited high-quality hay, water and vegetables must be provided daily. Minimal treats should include fresh fruit. Refer to the list of acceptable vegetables and fruits for rabbits.

  • You must never use harnesses, leashes or a collar on your foster rabbit. Do not travel with the rabbit unless necessary. Ensure the safety of the rabbit at all times.

  • Do not allow nose-to-nose contact between your own pet rabbits and your foster rabbit.

  • You will inform the WMCH board members if your foster needs medical attention and if approved will bring your foster rabbit to a WMCH-approved veterinarian if medical attention is needed.

  • You will need to be available to potential pre-qualified adopters to answer questions and/or allow them to come and visit and/or adopt the rabbit.

  • You may decline to release your rabbit to a potential adopter if you have a major concern regarding the placement. This must be reported to a WMCH board member immediately.

  • Once a rabbit is adopted, the cage and all accessories must be cleaned with a safe disinfectant solution.

Fostering Small Animals

Pre-qualifying:

  • You will be interviewed by a WMCH board member.

  • A WMCH board member will visit to conduct a home inspection.

  • You must adhere to the WMCH rules of care.

Once you are approved:

  • If needed, WMCH will provide a complete set up (typically a cage, water bottle and toys) which must be returned to WMCH when no longer needed or utilized.

  • You will be entitled to receive donated goods such as hay, food pellets, toys etc.

Key Responsibilities:

  • The animals living space must be kept clean, including proper changing and cleaning of the litter box with white vinegar

  • Fresh pellets, unlimited high-quality hay, water and vegetables must be provided daily. Minimal treats should include fresh fruit. Refer to the list of acceptable vegetables and fruits for you specific foster.

  • You must never use harnesses, leashes or a collar on your foster. Do not travel with the foster unless necessary. Ensure the safety of your foster animal at all times.

  • Do not allow nose-to-nose contact between your own pets and your foster.

  • You will inform the WMCH board members if your foster needs medical attention and if approved will bring your foster to a WMCH-approved veterinarian if medical attention is needed.

  • You will need to be available to potential pre-qualified adopters to answer questions and/or allow them to come and visit and/or adopt your foster.

  • You may decline to release your foster to a potential adopter if you have a major concern regarding the placement. This must be reported to a WMCH board member immediately.

  • Once a foster is adopted, the cage and all accessories must be cleaned with a safe disinfectant solution.