|
|
      |
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions and answers are just general responses and are in no way to be considered legally binding or
specific for an individuals situation.
General Questions Where is the 574 area code? Many of you may remember that at one time all of Northern Indiana utilized the 219 area code. However, due to the increase in demand of numbers, the 219 area code was broken into three sectors. We are not located far away! We are still located within the Northwest Indiana region. In fact, many of our foster families are probably located within a half hour of Merrillville! Don't hesitate to call and meet your new best friend because we don't have the 219 area code! Don't delay, pick up the phone today!
I left a message, but no one called me back. Why? If we are unavailable and you leave us a message, we will be glad to call you back. However, if you have a privacy phone number blocker on your telephone, you will not be able to receive our calls and may miss the opportunity to meet the best friend of your life. Please, if you are expecting a phone call from us, temporarily disable the privacy blocker on your phone, or give us a number that allows private calls. A lot of times phone calls are returned by volunteers who use their home number or cell phone. In an effort to maintain their own privacy and safety, they will use the privacy feature on their phone. Most importantly, do not be afraid to call us back! Persistance is key to success!
What does it mean to be an "Incorporated Non-profit" or "Incorporated 501(c)(3)"? It means that the NWIBA, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides the community with an essential service that helps to keep unwanted animals out of animal shelters and away from potential abusers, irresponsible breeders, research facilities, euthanasia, and brokers. In fact, we are the only parrot and ferret fostering rescue organization in Northwest Indiana that can say, we are a non-profit, 501(c)(3), organization, and we are proud! At the NWIBA, we want only the best for your pet! And that means, we have taken the necessary steps to become a non-profit organization, which ensures that your valuable donations and adoption fees go to the right place-the animals!
The NWIBA is a solid network of experienced animal lovers and owners who pull together their resources of time, money, and housing to make sure that all adoptions are sucessful.
And since our beginnings in 2002, we have adopted out over 200 small, medium, and large caged birds with a 99.9% success rate!
No other organization can brag about that success rate!
Adoption Questions Is adoption expensive? General adoption donations are based on the age, gender, rarity, and personality of the pet. Highly trained, friendly, and harder to find pets will have higher adoption fees than those who are in the beginning stages of training.
Is an adoption donation tax deductable? Yes, and if you need a receipt we can provide you with one.
Do you have photos of your birds and ferrets online? Yes, please click here to view our adoption page. Adoption
Is the cage included in the adoption donation? If we receive the cage, it will be passed on to you.
What if I already have a cage? Can you deduct the cost from the adoption donation? No.Is adoption a lengthy process? Adoption is relatively easy! Adoptions can take place within 24-48 hours after initial contact.
What is the actual process for adoption? In order to adopt you must download our adoption form and contract. It is best to submit the adoption form via email at least 24-48 hours prior to your appointment. We do perform a reference check if we feel it is necessary.
Adoption Form
Adoption Contract
At the appointment, an NWIBA, Inc. representative will interview you and observe your interactions with the pet. If we believe there is a good match, then we will validate the paperwork, you make the adoption donation, and you get to take your new best friend home that day!
A home inspection is an invasion of my privacy, do you require a home inspection? No.At this time, there is no link between location of the home and animal abuse. We believe with a 99.9% success rate, a home inspection is not necessary. Additionally, humane societies, animal control facilities, and other successful facitilies do not require home inspections; therefore, we do not believe it is a required step in the adoption process.
Do you need to know my income, where I work, and other such confidential questions? No.There is currently no scientific link between career choice and income to animal abuse. Additionally, humane societies, animal control facilities, and other successful facitilies do not require this information; therefore, we do not believe it is a required question in the adoption process.
Does the pet come with any guarantees? No.At this time the NWIBA does not provide any expressed or written guarantees for any animals.
Is there a general place I can go to see all the birds? We are not a store, a rescue center, or a humane society. We are a foster family network. You will be going to the actual foster family's home. Therefore, you must be specific on the pet you want to see. This also prevents general contamination and the spread of disease among avians and other animals.
Can I be put on a waiting list for a specific type of bird? At this time we do not take names for a waiting list. The best way to find out what birds or ferrets we have is to check our website frequently! Our birds will first go on our website BEFORE going into the newspaper.
How can I get a copy of my validated application and contract after a completed adoption? Just bring an additional completed copy with you to the interview, and we'll be happy to validate your contract if you are approved for adoption.
What if I can't download the forms? Or I don't have a printer? Your local library will be happy to allow you to use their computers and printers. Check with your local library for details. However, at this time the NWIBA, Inc. foster families are not obligated, nor equiped, to make copies or print out originals for you.Surrender Questions
What types of animals do you rescue? We are only able to rescue caged birds and ferrets. Please contact the NWIBA, Inc. at 574-896-0280 or 219-689-4499.
Do you do pick-ups? Sometimes, if a foster family lives or works near your home town, pick up may be available. So, PLEASE call for more information and specific details.
I found a wildbird, will you take it? No.The NWIBA, Inc. is not a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Please visit our Local Vet's page to view local wildlife rehabilitators,
Do you euthanize, or put to sleep? Only if the animal is beyond help or the quality of life is severely comprimised. We are considered a no-kill rescue network
How do I go about surrendering? To surrender a bird or ferret, you must complete a surrender form for the appropriate animal. Please call the NWIBA, Inc. at 574-896-0280, 219-987-7156, 219-689-4499, 219-819-4500 to surrender a farm animal.
Bird Surrender Form
Ferret Surrender Form
Next, contact an NWIBA, Inc. represenative at 574-896-0280, 219-987-7156, 219-689-4499 to set up a surrender appointment. Appointments can be made for the day you call, or at your convenience.
I don't see the form I need to surrender, now what? Contact us at 574-896-0280, 219-987-7156, 219-689-4499 and we will be able to post the form online for you the day you call!
What do I need to surrender? We ask that you surrender your pet's cage, toys, and additional food. While all three are not always possible, please contact us at 574-896-0280, 219-987-7156, 219-689-4499, 219-819-4500 for complete details.
Can I make a tax deductable donation towards my birds or ferrets future care? Absolutely! We encourage it! |