Adopt A Rescued Rabbit Month

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Did you know that February is “Adopt A Rescued Rabbit month”?

At first glance, an adorable bunny might seem to be the perfect pet. Bunnies don’t require a daily walk or obedience training. What’s more, a rabbit can be purchased for a small sum and they appear absolutely harmless.

Possibly as a result of these misconceptions, millions of rabbits are commercially bred for the pet industry only to be neglected, abandoned outdoors, or surrendered to shelters by their owners once the realities of rabbit ownership set in.

Is a Pet Rabbit right for me?

  • Before bringing your rabbit home, research rabbit care requirements.

  • It is vital that your rabbit live indoors, receive regular veterinary care and have a habitat that is cleaned regularly.

  • Rabbits can live up to 10 - 15 years depending on their breed.

  • If you have other pets in your home, consider whether a rabbit would get along with them. Rabbits tend to get along well with cats and dogs, however cats and dogs often view rabbits as prey, so they should never be left alone together.

  • When not spayed or neutered, rabbits reproduce at an astonishing rate. Therefore, it is not surprising that overpopulation of domestic rabbits is a major problem.

Be part of the Solution

Because of the enormous number of rabbits in need of homes, rabbits like dogs and cats should be adopted rather than purchased. Check with your local animal shelter or private rescue for adorable hoppy furballs waiting to be adopted into loving homes.

Basic Care for a Rabbit

  • Rabbits are NOT easy starter pets. The average rabbit is at least as much work as a cat, if not more.

  • Rabbits eat a small portion of pellets a couple of times a day.

  • They also require unlimited amounts of hay (which tends to get tracked through your house).

  • Rabbits also need fresh leafy veggies daily.

  • Their litter box needs to be cleaned daily, just like a cat. Their pen/cage needs to be cleaned once or twice weekly.

  • Rabbits need some level of interaction and exercise every day. Whether you have a designated play area or allow your rabbit free access to the house, ensure there is nothing your rabbit is likely to chew on, both for their safety and to protect your belongings.

  • Rabbits are not ideal pets for children as they have a delicate skeleton which fractures easily.

  • Rabbits don’t like loud noises and startle easily.

  • Rabbits require regular medical care. Common illnesses include parasite infestations, upper respiratory infections, GI stasis, dental disease, ear infections, urinary tract infections and injuries.

  • Rabbits benefit greatly from spay and neuter procedures. Female rabbits have a very high rate of uterine cancer, which is fatal if untreated, when not spayed. Rabbits also tend to be more territorial and more likely to urine mark if not sterilized. Most sterilized rabbits are more affectionate pets.

  • Domestic rabbits do not have the skills to survive outside.

Benefits to Adopting a Rescue Rabbit

  • Many rescued rabbits are already litter-trained.

  • Rescued rabbits are familiar with family living.

  • Rescued rabbits are often already spayed or neutered.

By adopting a rescued rabbit, you give it the chance to live a healthy, happy, “hoppy” life!

Source:

Some bunny to love, Dr. Maggie Rockx, abbeyanimalhospital.ca, Feb.25, 2020
February is Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit month, nhes.org, Feb. 9, 2016