Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter and Training Center is a non profit 501c3 organization. We are dedicated to the health and well-being of the abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats coming into our shelter, preparing them for their adoption with people looking for forever companionship. We do this through medical care, socialization, training, and sometimes rehabilitation.
We work with people looking to adopt our animals by helping them to find the dog or cat that is the best fit with their lifestyle. We do this through an interview process, multiple visits, education and training.
Our ultimate goal is to encourage and support the human animal bond.
Mission and Vision
The mission statement for the foundation is To encourage relationships between humans and animals and to provide compassionate care to those who have no human companions.One of the goals of the foundation is to train dogs to become service dogs for people with mobility disabilities.
Adoption Policy
Adoption is defined as a means of transfer of ownership, with or without remuneration, of a dog, cat or ferret from an animal control shelter or animal protection shelter to an individual for the purpose of being a companion animal for that individual. As used in the Public Act, a companion animal includes but is not limited to a dog that is used for hunting or as a guard dog.Bellwether Harbor makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the health, temperament or mental disposition of any animal as most animals come to the foundation with minimal, if any, documentation defining background history.Qualifications to Adopt an AnimalOnly compassionate persons who have demonstrated the knowledge and ability to take care of the animal in question and have successfully completed an interview with a qualified Bellwether Harbor employee may adopt an animal.All animals currently in the adopter's care must be fixed and up to date on vaccines as show by records from a licensed veterinarian.A person who adopts an animal from the shelter agrees to give the animal proper and humane care, food, water, shelter, exercise and all other necessities.A person who adopts an animal from the shelter agrees to have the animal examined by a licensed veterinarian within thirty (30) days from the adoption date at their own expense.A person who adopts an animal from the shelter agrees to provide veterinary care if the animal becomes ill or injured; and, will maintain all required veterinary inoculations for the prevention and spread of disease.No person with a record of animal cruelty or failure of the interview process with a qualified Bellwether Harbor employee will be allowed to adopt an animal.Conditions for AdoptionThe animal adopted shall never be used for medical or any other experimental purposes.All persons wanting to adopt an animal from the shelter must complete an adoption application form and be interviewed by a Bellwether Harbor employee or designate. Bellwether Harbor does not do same day adoptions. Please keep in mind multiple visits to the shelter may be required. This number is determined various factors including the potential adopter's experience and the training level/potential behavior issues of the animal.No animal shall be adopted as a Gift.No animal shall be adopted to a strictly outdoor home.No animal shall be adopted as a Guard Dog.Privacy PolicyBellwether Harbor is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and security of personal information entrusted to us.We request specific information, such as name, address, phone number, etc., solely as a means of contacting you, responding to your requests, for adoption purposes, or for our own internal mailings. We do not compile, buy, sell, rent, or trade mailing lists to third parties.Bellwether Harbor reserves the right to update or amend its policies regarding privacy at any time.Bellwether Harbor complies with all regulations pertaining to the procedures of animal Adoption as enacted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division, Act No. 287, Public Acts of 1969, as amended. Number 287.331, Section 1(a).Home Adoptions The Process Adoption Policies Adoption Fees Why a Cat? Why a Dog? FAQ's Questions Veterinarian Adoption Application View Pets
https://www.petfinder.com/search/pets-for-adoption/?shelter_id%5B0%5D=MI215&sort%5B0%5D=recently_added
Testimonials
See all testimonials"Fur sisters is a great champion for adoptable and foster dogs"
— lindsay.
Volunteer / foster

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Grand Rapids
See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Grand Rapids
Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
Read more