Are you looking to adopt a rabbit? Don’t go just anywhere! Ask the experts for the best places to adopt a pet rabbit.
Rabbits aren’t for the faint of heart. They’re just as much work as a dog or cat. But it’s well worth it if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Like with any animal, it’s always better to adopt rather than buy from a breeder, and there are many reasons for that.
But adopting a rabbit isn’t easy. You’ve got to think about whether this is the right decision. If it is, you will have to prepare yourself, even before adopting a rabbit. Then, you need to find a reputable place to find a rabbit, and that’s why you’re here!
Keep reading to learn the best places to adopt a rabbit and what you should know before doing so.
Why You Should Adopt-Not-Shop
First things first, we’re going to cover why you should adopt a pet rabbit, instead of buying one at a pet store or from a breeder. The most important reason is that there are so many rabbits in need of a home. And, on a personal note, there’s something genuinely heartwarming and somewhat gratifying to know you’ve saved a bunny.
Also, most rabbit breeders want a crazy amount of money (many are not registered), even for rabbits with no proven bloodline (we’ll get to the problems with that in a moment) and no vet checks. They’re typically too young to be fixed, which means you’ll pay even more. Adoption fees from rescues and shelters usually include those things. And they’re usually already litter-trained and in a bonded pair, meaning less work for you!
I’d also like to mention that unregistered breeders don’t put as much work into defining lineage, meaning inbreeding is almost always practiced, especially when trying to breed a litter of a specific color. Registered breeders do practice responsible breeding, for the most part, but again, they charge a lot of money.
Best Places To Find Rabbits For Adoption
Now, we get into the good stuff. Let’s talk about some of the best places to adopt a pet rabbit.
Animal Shelter or Local Rabbit Rescue
Animal shelters and local rabbit rescues are the best places to find rabbits for adoption. Shelter rabbits have been vet-checked and are often already spayed/neutered and in bonded pairs. Sometimes, you can get some background information to help you bond with your rabbit a little better. And the best part is that you can support your local shelter or rescue so they can continue saving lives!
A Friend/Family Member
If you adopt from a friend or family member, like I’ve done multiple times, you can at least have some knowledge of the rabbit’s background. You’ll know if they’re fixed and vet-checked or if you’ll have to do it. And, in most cases, it’s a lot cheaper.
Online Rabbit Care or Rescue Groups
Adopting a rabbit from a stranger is not recommended, but sometimes, the stars align, and an opportunity comes when someone posts on a rescue or rabbit care group you’re following. At least there, you know, there are caring people, and it’s not just a market for pets. In many cases, local rescues and shelters often share these posts.
What To Know Before You Adopt A Rabbit
If you’ve never had a pet rabbit before, there’s a lot to know about them before deciding to adopt. Let’s talk about some of those things.
Rabbits Are Not Starter Pets
The first thing you should know is that rabbits are not starter pets, particularly for younger children. They’re just as complex and require as much work as any other house pet. And, on top of that, rabbits are typically incompatible with children because they don’t enjoy the same type of play.
Rabbits require a calm and quiet environment. They typically don’t enjoy being cuddled, held, or carried around, like most kids would want to do with a cute little bunny rabbit. And you can’t blame them. But still, that incompatibility puts a rabbit at risk of being injured. Or, they’ll be forgotten once a child sees that a rabbit isn’t as playful as they thought.
They’re Better In Pairs
Rabbits aren’t solitary creatures—they’re just not made for it. That’s why it’s much better to get two instead of one. You may think it will be twice as much work, but it really isn’t that much of a problem when you consider how much it’ll benefit your rabbit.
Social stimulation prevents boredom (which also prevents unwanted boredom chewing and destructive behavior), brings enrichment, and even exercise for your rabbit, making them happier and healthier. And two rabbits mean twice the love!
Not All Rabbits Are Cuddly
Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, many rabbits don’t like being held and cuddled, well, not in the traditional sense. Of course, pet rabbits like to spend time with their humans and other animal friends (when bonded), but it’s not like how you’d cuddle a dog or a cat. You can bring your rabbit up on the couch to sit with you or on your lap or lay with them on the floor to cuddle instead.
Of course, you will have to hold your rabbit at some point, whether he or she likes it or not, for vet appointments, dental checks, and nail trimming. So it’s always a good idea to get them used to it; just don’t smother them with it.
They Need More Attention Than You Think
This may seem funny after mentioning that rabbits don’t like to be held or cuddled, but rabbits need a lot more attention than you may think. They’re clever little critters, and especially when alone, boredom spells trouble. And sometimes, toys don’t cover it. That’s one of the reasons why bonded pairs are better.
But, even then, they’ll still want your attention at some point. And quite frankly, they need the extra stimulation. Play games, groom, and spend time with your rabbits for at least an hour a day, not including their exercise time.
Rabbits Are Major Chewers And Diggers
Rabbits are habitual chewers and diggers, and they do this not just because it’s fun for them or because they’re bored. They actually need to do these things to keep their teeth and nails from growing too long. That’s why chew toys, dig boxes, and a regular grooming regime are essential.
Rabbits Can Get Sick Easily
Being small and delicate, rabbits can get sick pretty quickly. They’re very vulnerable to shock, hypothermia, and digestive problems. In fact, dietary and digestive issues are among the most common health issues for rabbits.
Rabbits have sensitive digestive tracts. If they’re not getting the proper diet, there could be a laundry list of negative outcomes, including GI Stasis, blockages, diarrhea, and other gut problems. That’s why finding a good vet and having a first-aid kit is so important.
Bonding With Your Rabbit Isn’t Instantaneous
Now, once you bring your rabbit home, bonding will take time. In fact, some behaviors may cause you to think, “What have I done?” but I promise you that it’s only because the rabbit is scared. Rabbits are habitual and territorial, so any significant change, like the whole shelter and adoption process, will likely be traumatic for them, meaning moving into a new home can cause some behavior issues. But again, this is because of the move, not because the rabbit hates you.
Things should change as long as you give them time and space to settle in. And even if they don’t, at that point, the door will be wide open for you to change them. You have to give them time to settle in before bonding and then take baby steps. Note that this bond may take some time. Some rabbits are pretty standoffish. If you know where your rabbit came from, consider that background. Animals that have been abused or neglected will not likely be as likely to bond quickly and may need some extra time to adjust.
How to Prepare to Adopt a Pet Rabbit
Before you adopt a pet rabbit, here are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare your house for them. First, you’ll want to set aside some money for the initial costs of getting a rabbit. Next, you’ll want to set up your house for your new bunny. Here’s what you need to do.
Bunny-Proofing
Even if your rabbit is going to be living in an enclosure, you should still bunny-proof the whole room, or even better, the whole house, to make it safe for your rabbit. Hide all your cords, block any places you don’t want your rabbit to go, and, if needed, wrap your furniture legs to prevent them from being chewed.
Even if you don’t need them, it’s a safe bet for the first few weeks when you’re first getting to know your rabbit and their chewing habits. Also, get rid of all the house plants on the floor. Most are toxic to rabbits.
Setting Up Your Rabbit’s Enclosure
Now, the rabbit’s enclosure or main station needs to be set up. It’s a good idea to keep a new rabbit in an enclosure at first, even if you plan to free-roam them, just to make the transition a little easier.
First, you need a large enclosure, not a traditional pet store cage. Here’s what you need to put in that enclosure.
You can read more about setting up the best rabbit enclosure right here.
Conclusion
If you’re ready for the responsibility, then adopting a rabbit is one of the best things you can do for yourself (and for them too). Once you’ve bonded with your rabbits, it’ll be a life-long friendship you can always rely on!