Westie Rescue Michigan: How It Works

Westies really have a way of melting our hearts. These short, agile pooches are loyal, friendly, and affectionate, which makes them the perfect furry companions to have at home. 

If you’re thinking about getting one, then you have the usual options of buying from a pet store or adopting from a shelter or rescue group. 

The former is easy enough to figure out, but how about the latter?

If you’re looking to welcome a rescue westie into your family, then you need to know how westie rescue Michigan works.

Westie Rescue Michigan: The Process

We Michiganders have always loved our West Highland White Terriers. 

Back in 2003, our state was able to provide enough space to foster all rescued westies, which is amazing considering that before that, we were only able to do rescue through referrals. 

The following sheds light on how westie rescue efforts take place in Michigan.

1. Interviews

Phone interviews assess how fit an applicant is to own a westie. 

There’s a lot that goes into adopting a westie, or any dog, for that matter, because organizations want to make sure you can give the animal the best kind of life it deserves.

Through the interview screening process, applicants are eliminated from contention either by the organization or by themselves. 

There are also cases when a direct application comes in, and these interviews are somehow skipped. 

However, applicants will still need to prepare for these discussions at any point during the adoption process.

2. Review of Applications

Once those applications are turned in, they will be reviewed for obvious issues, such as lack of provisions to leash or fence the dogs when outside the home, no protection from the pool, or the presence of children under 10 years old. 

These concerns will be made known to the applicants via email or phone call, in which they will either be asked to explain further their situation or informed that their application was denied.

3. Veterinary Checks

A vet check is an excellent way to tell if a family can take good care of their new westie. 

If their current pets are doing very well healthwise and are being taken to the vet regularly, then there is no reason for the organization to think they wouldn’t treat their adopted pet the same way.

A family that already own dogs will be asked to provide the name and contact details of their veterinarian. 

A member of the rescue group will then be calling the vet’s office to check if the records of the family’s current pets reflect that the animals have been taken care of properly. 

The pets have to be updated on their vaccinations, spayed or neutered, etc.

Checks with negative outcomes will almost always result in a rejection of the application. 

Applicants will be informed of the findings and be asked to explain. 

There are some instances, though, when these situations can be rectified, such as one when some misunderstanding or error took place, resulting in a poor reflection of dog ownership by the owners.

4. Interview of Other References

If a vet check is not applicable because the applicant doesn’t own a pet, at least two personal references will be required. 

This is typically a less reliable method because people can easily give out references who wouldn’t say anything bad about them.

In any case, casual conversations with these individuals do help organizations gather some truth. 

People can sometimes reveal certain situations mentioned in the application that could either put applicants in a good light or a very bad light that ruins their chances of adopting a pet.

5. Permission From the Landlord

Just when you thought you’ve cleared the final hurdle, another challenge stands in your way. 

For applicants who are renting homes, they would need to get written permission from their landlord, saying that pets are allowed in the property.

6. The Waiting Game

If everything goes well with the application, then all the applicant has to do is wait. 

There is a good number of families in Michigan who want to welcome an adorable westie into their home, so recently approved applicants have to be prepared to wait for their turn.

We know you’re excited, and we don’t blame you! 

After all, you’re not getting a Westie puppy from a pet store; you’re adopting one that’s been through a lot in the hopes of providing it the life it deserves.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about adopting a rescue pet that makes you feel more fulfilled compared to just buying one from a pet store. 

Taking in a rescue westie and giving this tenacious and effervescent dog a home means you could have potentially ended up saving it from a miserable life at the dog shelter.

Make an effort to learn how westie rescue Michigan works to ensure a seamless application process without any setbacks.

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