How to Adopt a Rabbit From a Shelter

Rabbits are cute and cuddly, make great pets and can be litter box trained. But, every year, just like cats and dogs, a number of pet rabbits are abandoned, find themselves in shelters, or are surrendered to rescue groups. So, if you are considering a pet rabbit for your household, consider rescuing one, or maybe two from a shelter. Read on to learn how to adopt a rabbit from a shelter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Adoption application
• Adoption fee
• Letters of recommendation
• Cage
• Food and water

Finding a Rabbit

1. Find the contact info for local shelters and various rescue groups in your area. Not all shelters will have rabbits, so you will have to check online or call the shelters to find out.
2. Look for rabbit rescue groups in your area. Generally they house a number of their rabbits at county shelters or in the homes of rabbit foster parents.
3. View pictures of the rabbits online, if possible. If you see one you like, call the group or shelter, and set up a time to visit. If you are visiting a shelter that houses rabbits from a rabbit rescue, you might want to make sure a rabbit rescue volunteer is there at the time. Rabbits aren't difficult to take care of, but they are different from cats and dogs, so it might be a good idea to have a rabbit "expert" handy. Also, the rabbit rescue's policies might differ from those of the shelter.
4. Visit some adoptable rabbits. Ask if you can hold them and play with them. This is also a good way to find out if you are allergic to rabbits.
5. Choose your rabbit or rabbits. Many pairs of rabbits are surrendered together and rabbit rescues love to find owners who are willing to adopt them as a pair. Rescue groups also encourage adopting two rabbits so the rabbit will have some company. Choosing to adopt one rabbit only will not harm your chances of being approved.
6. Test out how your family will do with the rabbit. Try to have all family members, and if, other pets, too, visit the rabbit before adopting it.

The Adoption

7. Read through the adoption policies. Again, if your rabbit is housed in a shelter for a rescue group, the group's policies may differ from the shelter's policies. Be sure you agree with, and can live up, to the policies.
8. Fill out the adoption application. Expect to provide information about the people and animals currently living in your house, your veterinarian and where you plan to house the rabbit in your home. Be honest. Having kids or other pets will not hurt your chances. In fact, rabbits do very well with house cats.
9. Provide references if requested.
10. Prepare your home for your rabbit, and in some cases, a home visit. Some organizations require a home visit before they approve you. During these visits, volunteers are interested in seeing where you plan to house your rabbit, so you might want to have a cage set up already. Other preparations might include removing poisonous plants, buying food and hay, buying grooming tools and hiding electrical wires.
11. Pay the adoption fee. The adoption fee will probably be more than the cost of a rabbit in the pet store, but you are getting a rabbit that has been checked out by a veterinarian and has already been neutered. If you are lucky, the rabbit will already be litter box trained.
12. Bring your rabbit or rabbits home.

Tips & Warnings

• Most rabbit rescues will not allow you to adopt a rabbit to be a classroom rabbit.
• Most rescues or shelters will neuter your rabbit before you bring it home. Neutering the rabbit prevents overpopulation, makes the rabbit less likely to mark territory, can lessen destructive chewing, and can increase your rabbit's lifespan.
• Rescues might ask if you are allergic to any animals. You might not be sure about rabbits, but often, people who are allergic to cats are allergic to rabbits. This doesn't have to be the end of the process. It's just something that needs to be considered up front. Imagine the heartbreak of having to return a rabbit because you, or your child, is allergic to it.