Rabbit Haven
Gig Harbor, WA
 

A shelter and sanctuary for unwanted and mistreated rabbits … until they all have homes.

I CAN'T KEEP MY RABBIT, HELP!

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Q:  I can't keep my rabbit, help!

If you truly do not want to give your rabbit up, but he/she has unacceptable behavior issues there is hope.  Please click HERE for more information.

It is illegal to release ANY domestic animal into the wild!

Releasing your rabbit into the wild is NOT an option.  Please take the time to read this article on the subject by clicking HERE.

A:   You have several choices should you decide that your rabbit can no longer be a part of your family for one reason or another.

Locate a loving, caring adoptive family yourself.

You will need to locate people who would be interested in welcoming your rabbit into their family.  Ways to do this would be:

• Placing an ad in your local newspaper

• Posting fliers at animal related businesses

• Placing a picture and description at www.petfinders.com

We strongly encourage that you spay/neuter your rabbit before placing him/her into an adoptive home.  We also suggest that your ask for reimbursement of those costs in way of an adoption fee.  You want to know that bun's new family is willing to financially as well as emotionally invest in their newest family member.

Don't be afraid to ask a lot of personal questions.  It is important for both your peace of mind and the best interest of your rabbit to ask all questions necessary to ensure this will be the best possible new home for your rabbit.  Some questions you might ask are:

• Why do you want a rabbit?

• Do you have any previous experience with rabbits?

• Where will rabbit's housing be located day/night?

• What type/size housing will be used for the rabbit when it can not be supervised?

• Do you rent or own?  If you rent, do you have permission from management to have animals?

• Are there any other animal family members?

• Are there any children in the home?  If so, what are their ages and what previous experience do they have with rabbits?

• Does anyone in the home suffer from allergies?

• What will you do with rabbit if you need to relocate?

• Do you know of a rabbit knowledgeable vet in your area?  If so, who?

• Are they aware that rabbits need specialized veterinary care that is often more expensive and are they willing to take on this financial responsibility.

• Are they willing to rabbit-proof any areas of their home that the rabbit will have access to?

Once you have located the right family for your rabbit and they are ready to pick your rabbit up, make sure they bring a cat carrier.  Rabbits should not be transported in oversized carriers, cages or loose in a vehicle.  One quick stop could have a tragic ending.  Be sure to share with the adoptive family any personal information about bun that will help him/her in this transition.  Things like his/her favorite treats, preferred type of litter, medical history/concerns, etc. would be good information.  Also it makes it easier on the rabbit if his personal belongings go with him to his new home.  Things like litter box, toys, food and water bowls, etc. will help the rabbit through the initial adjustment period.

Locate a shelter or rescue to take your rabbit in.

Rabbit Haven does try to help where and when we can.  To find out more about relinquishing your pet rabbit to Rabbit Haven please click HERE.

There are several shelters and rescues listed under our BUNNY LINKS section.  Keep in mind that several of these resources do not typically take rabbits from the general public.  You will need to contact each one to find out what their individual policy is regarding owner release situations.  If you are aware of a resource not located in our links section, please take a moment to pass this information along to us.  

Just like finding an adoptive home yourself, you are going to want to ask a lot of questions to ensure that relinquishing your rabbit to any particular organization is in the rabbit's best interest.  It is extremely important to ask what their euthanasia policy is; a no-kill facility is best for your rabbit.