Adopting a rabbit

Before adopting a rabbit, please learn about proper rabbit care and if you will be able to provide it.

Make sure you adopt, not buy a bunny or a pair and that the rescue or shelter is reputable.  You need a properly sexed and vetted rabbit that has been spayed or neutered and hopefully vaccinated against RHDV2.

Please consider that although the concept of an adorable and cuddly lap bunny may be the ideal, not all rabbits are like that.  Select a rabbit that chooses you and try not to be so focused on breed, appearance, age, etc.  As rescuers, our favorite breed of adopter is one that will adopt based on feeling compelled to save a life.  We love to hear “I’d like to adopt the rabbit who has been here the longest.”  Music to our ears is: “ We want a white bunny with red eyes, a plain black or brown bunny.”  Less appealing to a rescue and very common things we are asked are:

“Do you have a lop bunny? Or “I want a bunny that looks exactly like my old bunny that died.”

We believe in rescue that every bunny, regardless of age, appearance or personality, is just as deserving.  Every bunny we rescue is treated with love and compassion and we strive to find an adopter or family that fits the needs and personality of a specific bunny we have under our care.

Some bunnies are shy, others might be slightly aggressive or opinionated.  Every bunny is beautiful in their own way and will return the love and the safe home you offer, with gratitude.

Individual or bonded rabbits?

When you adopt your rabbit you may not be thinking about a pair, because first rabbits are usually the one you fall in love with. It's a common mistake that first time rabbit owners think they can add a second bunny easily when the first bunny is ready for a friend. My advice is if you know initially, that you have room, the finances to care for 2 rabbits, adopt a bonded pair right away. Rabbits are a companion species and do better with a bonded friend both emotionally and healthwise. While adopting a single rescue rabbit is saving a life, its much harder to add a friend later, than to start with an established pair. Many rabbit owners make the mistake of picking out a second rabbit that they love, believing that their first bunny will simply accept it, because they want a friend.

As you become more experienced with bunnies and their particular idiosyncrasies, you come to realize that it is your bunny, not you, who will determine which rabbit is an acceptable and welcome friend in their world.