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Rabbit Care in Shelters

"Top Ten Reasons Rabbits are Abandoned, and Criteria for Screening Potential Adopters"

Mary E. Cotter, Ed.D.

TOP TEN REASONS RABBITS ARE ABANDONED

CRITERIA FOR SCREENING
POTENTIAL ADOPTERS

The kids aren't taking care of him any more
My child is allergic; I'm allergic
I have a new cat/dog/baby, so I can't keep the rabbit any more.
I'm too busy/ I didn't realize how much work a rabbit would be; he doesn't get the attention he deserves
My landlord says I can't keep him/ I'm moving to a place that doesn't allow pets.
He got "too big."
He's aggressive (scratches/ bites), and/or destructive, and/or he makes the whole house smell.
We're going on vacation and can't take him with us.
He's sick/injured; we're not going to pay $50 for a vet visit for a pet that costs $15.
The school year has ended and nobody wants him.

*Compiled from the author's personal experience at the intake desk of a large animal shelter for 2+ years, as well as from phone logs representing over 2000 calls to House Rabbit Society chapter managers in 3 different areas of the country over the last several years.

Attitude counts as much as questionnaire answers. Home environment can always be changed or adapted for a rabbit, as long as the potential adopter is willing and open. Beware of people who say things like: "I always had rabbits as a kid, [or "as 4H projects"J so I know how to care for them." There is a lot to be learned about rabbit care, and substantial new information accumulates around every 5 years. Owners who "always had rabbits as a kid" may be unaware of new information, and/or unwilling to adjust accordingly.

have they ever had a rabbit before - how long ago?
have they ever relinquished a rabbit (or any other animal) to a shelter? Reason?
do they have young kids? Are they planning to have a baby any time soon? If so, are they willing to adopt a large rabbit?
do they have other pets? (compatibility issues between dogs, cats, and rabbits; some generalizations re specific breeds of dogs; feral vs. "domestic" cats)
can they afford "exotic" animal care? (mention typical vet costs for common clinical problems)
are they near a rabbit-savvy vet, or are they willing to travel to get to one?
are they willing and prepared (i.e. do they have adequate space) to house a rabbit indoors? (predators, fleas/ticks, West Nile virus, Baylisascaris procyonis, VHD)
are they willing to permit a home visit? (rabbit-proofing: wires, pressure-treated lumber on decks, toxic houseplants, lead paint, fabrics and mattress stuffing)
do they have a "support system" for rabbit care -i.e. what will they do with the rabbit when they go on vacation?