Tiny Paws Rescue and Sanctuary is a small scale, privately run animal rescue. We predominantly handle pocket pets, such as hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs or other small animals that happen to come into our care.

We work with the help of dedicated volunteers who clean cages, fill water bottles and socialize the available animals. They maintain our adoption displays in area Petco and Pet Supplies Plus locations and help with donations and other adoption events that may take place.

We strive to create a better environment for the animals who reside in both our foster homes and our personal care. Animals are fed a balanced diet of high-quality ingredients, watered daily and their habitats are cleaned twice a week or as needed for some of our more messy residents.

We currently feature our Foster to Adopt program. This program enables potential adopters to have a 'trial' with the animal to see if it is suitable for their family. This also helps to reduce and, hopefully, eliminate the need to drop animals off at shelters, in the woods or on an unsuspecting neighbor.

We are often given the pleasure of handling pregnant animals due to improper gender difference in an animal. This can be a major problem for the average pet owner. If you are unsure of your pets gender, please contact a local veterinarian for assistance. This will help prevent unwanted pregnancies in unsuspecting pets.

If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Please print out a few Flyers and put them up at vet offices, pet stores, etc.

We now have Monogrammed Tiny Paws Products!! Please see the For Sale page for more information.

VOLUNTEERS' HELP NEEDED

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Fostering isn’t just for girls...

Daniel, like most high school students has a requirement for community service. His cousin is a volunteer for Tiny Paws so he decided to take in Baby Bell, a darling Mini-Rex. She just had her spay and is ready for a new home as Daniel gets ready to go off to school. She has been completely socialized to all the family and friends and well loved as you can see. She is just 6 months old now and while she is loved at her foster home, they know to help another bunny they need to let her go. She did such a good job of making them fall in love with bunnies that they will continue to foster when she moves on.

Hi, my name is Jessica Cronk. I’m 27 years old. I have spastic quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy; I’ve been a volunteer for quite a few years. A countless number of rabbits & guinea pigs with fear, trust, and abandonment issues have learned to trust again. As a result, they’ve all earned a second chance at new life, in a new home. It’s truly been a dream being apart of that process.      I’ll never forget Lisa. She was a grey Holland Lop bunny found wandering the streets. Nobody really knew how long she’d been left to fend for herself on the streets. The poor girl was frightened enough, but her fear of humans only got worse after a scary encounter with animal control. That’s when she was placed into the care of Tiny Paws. Understandably, Lisa was scared of everyone so I asked to foster her. Slowly but surly her fear gradually transformed in curiosity. She went from cowering in the corner of her pen to hopping up to the front of it to get attention. She was an older bunny, but you’d never think that when you touched her grey fur was so soft.      What I loved most about Lisa was how much love she was willing give despite what she’d been through. Once she understood not all people meant her harm she really came out of her shell. If you stopped petting her; she’d gently nudge your hand with her head. That was her way of saying “continue petting me please.” If she was really relaxed around you; she’d rest her head on your shoulder.      When I brought her to the next adoption event; she loved the attention from the other volunteers and people passing by. I remember how she stood up tall on my tray when another volunteer had finished holding her. It was almost as if she was watching and looking around wondering who would pet her next. It wasn’t long before Lisa’s affectionate personality earned a new life in a loving home.      Another memorable character was Gidget. She was a guinea pig who had been a much loved pet for several years. She was placed in the care of Tiny Paws because her owner was moving. Unfortunately, Gidget’s owner couldn’t bring her along. The sudden change impacted Gidget a great deal. I still remember Gidget behavior at the adoption event. Other volunteers and people would try to pet her, but she would run. I think she was just afraid of letting anyone get close because of what happened. Then Linda put her on my tray so she could no longer avoid contact. At first, she kept burying her head underneath my arm, but eventually she calmed down a bit and allowed people to touch her; even though she kept her head hidden. Linda had given her the nickname airplane butt because she had three uniquely placed patches of fur. The first patch pointed upward near her lower back. The other two were on her sides pointed outward like tail of an airplane. After working with her that day; she had relaxed a great deal. So I assumed she gotten over the worst of her fear troubles. But I was wrong, another volunteer wanted to hold her, but she began squealing and shaking the minute they picked her up. It was quite surprising to everyone. After discussing things with Linda and my mom; we were packing up Gidget to foster her.      In a matter of days, Gidget’s personality had completely changed. She had gone from quiet and fearful; to very loving and trusting. What I loved most about her was the fact that she became very vocal whenever she was happy. She’d definitely let you know if she enjoyed the way you were petting her; she’d even let you know if she wanted more affection. In the end Gidget’s loving nature won the heart of women when we brought her to the next adoption event. Gidget not only got second chance after tough separation from her former owner. The greatest part of her story is the fact that she’d never know fear again, only love.      I recently got the opportunity to work with an adorable male mini lop named Alice Cooper. He was given that name because the black markings around his eyes were reminiscent of the rock star’s makeup. He was surrendered by his owners in Oakland County and brought to Tiny Paws by a friend. He and I were acquainted at an adoption event held at Jim Richi’s car dealership. He was skittish at first, but when he understood that I didn’t mean him any harm; he was quite content. He may have the look of a rocker, but he’s a very adorable, affectionate, guy. In fact, he became so comfortable. He got a lot of attention at this event. His soft fur and sweet nature earned him a lot of admires that day. Which was great since this was his very first event.      Afterward, Alice Cooper was fostered. In the end, any remaining timid behavior towards humans soon vanished with time; because he was given time, patience, and love. He too, found a place he can call home.      This is only a few of the many touching stories of the many animals taken in by Tiny Paws. You see, Tinypaws isn’t just a small animal rescue. Linda and the other volunteers are the voice and safe haven for critters that owners can no longer keep, have been abandoned, or have been abused. Sadly, the animal’s second chance stories may be coming to an end. Although, Lind has many volunteers; she’s becoming overwhelmed because she does home placement and event planning all on her own. She doesn’t want to shut down the rescue or turn it over to someone else. She would like assistance in running and overseeing the more difficult aspects of the rescue. If you’re an animal lover please help Tiny Paws continue giving small animals the second chance they deserve.   A Tiny Paws Bunny Finds the Good Life      People often ask us the same few questions about owning a rabbit, “How much room does a bunny need?” “Does my bunny need a friend?” Here is one photo that answers a lot. The male Flemish Giant is Biggun and his little wifebun is Daisy, a petite Dutch considered to be a dwarf breed. I will admit that their dad, Jason is totally devoted as you can see. Daisy is very old and Biggun is very young, but our little cougar likes them young and able to provide the support she needs now that her hips are giving way to arthritis. She is not afraid to let the world know that he is her man and she is or at least thinks she is in charge. So you see, neither size nor age makes a difference when love is involved. I hope this image brings you a smile.      And the answers to the questions are; as much room as you can give it and yes, most bunnies like a friend.