Adopting a rabbit is the most ethical option

Rabbit companions are emerging as a hot trend in the world of house pets. Older views of rabbit ownership had them labelled as livestock. But with either distinguishment, these animals are still being viewed as commodities. We're seeing many that treat rabbits as “pocket pets" and think that they will do fine living their lives in small cages or outdoor hutches (much to our dismay). The demand for designer rabbits has been on the rise and this growing trend has resulted in inhumane breeding practices and a serious over population problem. This has left rescues overrun with animals in care and a never ending cycle of rabbits being rehomed for various reasons. For those rehoming that had purchased from a breeder, many times it is lack of education provided by those selling rabbits for profit. We encourage those who are looking to add a rabbit to their home to do so ethically by adopting through a reputable rescue. Not only do reputable rescues provide the spaying and neutering, they provide education, health checks, and they are contributing to advocating for better quality of care for an animal species that is so often abused and neglected.

Adopting a rabbit comes with education

When adopting from a reputable rabbit rescue, they are going to properly educate you and ensure you know exactly what comes along with the commitment. They take the time to learn about each bunny so they can match the right rabbit personality with the right adopters. Once adopted, a reputable rescue's support doesn't end there - they will continue to support you and your new companion if you ever need advice or guidance.

Adopted rabbits are already altered, vaccinated, and vetted

This is one of the biggest pluses when choosing to adopt. Rabbits require specialized care from an experienced rabbit vet. If your vet does not spay or neuter rabbits, they are not experienced enough to care for your rabbit. If you obtained a rabbit unaltered, you are looking at approximately $380 - $700 to spay or $280 - $500 to neuter your rabbit. This cost does not include everything else they will need on top of the cost of supplies. Breeders and pet stores do not include spaying or neutering, vaccination, or a veterinary examination. Often rabbits are misgendered due to being sold before they have fully developed and people are quickly surprised with an unwanted litter of baby bunnies that can quickly multiply.

Another plus to them already being fixed by a rescue is that the rabbit will have already had their surgery so you will not have to do the post surgery care. Having this handled alleviates a lot of hassle for the adopters. With that said, there are times when a rabbit is too young or our vets were not available immediately, so the adopter can agree to do the surgery aftercare if they are comfortable with it.

Adopted rabbits can come litter box trained

A rescue will have either trained the rabbit to use a litter box, the rabbit will be on their way to being trained, or they may help you with the process. Some bunnies may never be fully litter trained and marking can happen sporadically. Knowing this beforehand, potential adopters can make adjustments to their space to reduce messes. Using fleece blankets to cover the rabbit's space is the easiest way to keep things clean as the blankets can be easily washed if soiled.

Adopted rabbits can come already bonded

Rabbits are social creatures and because of this, they (usually) greatly enjoy having the company of another rabbit. Having two bonded rabbits is a great way to socialize and offer enrichment in instances where you can’t be their constant companion (even if you are around all the time, rabbits are really good at offering each other a top notch level of support). Bonding can be complex and takes a lot of patience. The bonding process can be instant but more often than not, it can take days, weeks, months, or sometimes even years. Adopting an already bonded pair will not typically require any additional bonding practices. Once two rabbits (or possibly more which would create a fluffle) are bonded, they have a very strong connection and they will not want to be separated. For example, if one goes to the vet, you should take the other rabbit along too.

If you already have a rabbit and you now want a friend for it, a rescue can take your rabbit on “bunny dates.” Your rabbit can meet a variety of rescue rabbits and pick the bunny they are most compatible with. Allowing your rabbit to pick their partner can help you avoid some of the stress and fighting that can come from trying to force two rabbits together that might not match well.

Adopted rabbits have a support team

Your rabbit rescue has provided you with endless knowledge, the correct enclosure, the right food, how to properly care for them, their vet care, getting them fixed, pairing them with a friend, or helping you find the right match. But the support doesn't end there. Whether you are experiencing behavioural challenges, you're in need of grooming and/or boarding, or you need assistance rehoming your rabbit if dire circumstances occur and you can no longer care for the rabbit, a rescue has a commitment to that animal for its lifetime. When you rescue a rabbit, you're joining a tightly-knit group of rabbit enthusiasts who support you and your rescue rabbit(s).

Rabbits are very social and affectionate

Rabbits are social animals. They love to spend time around people and demand attention. They’ll come up to you and beg for treats, or binky around the living room as you’re watching TV. Many of our rabbits like to always know where the people are in the house and will follow said people so they can see what everyone is up to. A common description for a house bunny is basically a mix between a cat and a dog. In instances where a rescued rabbit has previously suffered from severe abuse or neglect, the rehabilitation process may need to work on socialization. This process requires patience and time but we have seen many rabbits turn into social butterflies that were once paralyzed with fear. Rabbits with this background will be matched with the appropriate adopter that understands and wants to facilitate this process.

Rabbits are also very affectionate animals. They’ll often lick their caretakers to groom them, or lay down next to you to show their trust. When a rabbit is excited to see you, they’ll run circles around your feet. When they are content, some rabbits will even climb into your lap and begin to purr and teeth chatter. Rabbit face massages are quite often the preferred spot for petting a rabbit companion.  

They’re eco-friendly

Bunnies love recycled toys like toilet paper rolls stuffed with hay, used cardboard boxes with a door cut out, or even an old phone book for digging.  You can compost their entire litter box if you use a natural litter, and you can grow herbs and greens for them right in your backyard!

Rabbits are entertaining

Have you ever seen a bunny binky? It’s not only amazing, it’s adorable and it will leave you overwhelmed with laughter. Bunnies are intelligent; they can learn tricks and play games. It’s even more fun if you adopt two!

They are small but they have BIG personalities

Bunnies can be sweet, friendly, sassy, energetic, goofy, or a little bit of everything. You’ll be surprised at how much personality your bunny will have with the right amount of love and outstanding care you provide.