1.         Primary Caregiver.  When a rabbit is adopted from HRS, the primary caregiver must be a responsible adult.  The rabbit should be treated as an integral part of the family, i.e., no group ownership (such as a classroom pet).  We do NOT adopt rabbits as pets for children.  The rabbit must be wanted by the entire family.

2.         Indoor Housing.  Adopters of HRS rabbits must understand that our rabbits are to live as household companions.  This means that they must have their primary living space indoors, and must spend every night indoors.  During the daytime, adopters can allow their rabbits outdoor daytime exercise.  If this is the case, the rabbit must be provided with an area with secure fencing, and adequate supervision.  Fosterers may require additional safety precautions appropriate to their locale.

3.         Social requirements.  If the rabbit is going to be alone (i.e. without the company of people, a cat or other household pets) for the majority of the time, then we recommend that the adopter adopt a second rabbit as a companion to the first.

4.         Neutering.  Sexually immature rabbits of mixed sexes can be adopted together as long as the adopter agrees to separate them when the males are 3 1/2 months old and to neuter them as soon as the testicles have descended (usually around 4 months).  Except for medical reasons, females are to be spayed within 30 days of reaching 6 months old.  These same requirements exist even when an adopter has only adopted a single immature rabbit.  Even when the rabbit will live alone, spaying and neutering after sexual maturity is still required.

5.         Returns.  If there are such problems with the adopted rabbit that the adopter needs to return the rabbit, we ask that you give the shelter some advance notice.  Some common sense and courtesy is expected.  Once an animal is adopted from HRS, the space vacated is usually filled within a week.  A return requires two preparations:  a space must be opened by a new adoption, and another rabbit must be "bumped" from the rescue list at the animal shelter.  Nevertheless, all rabbits adopted from this shelter must be returned to this shelter in case of insurmountable problems.

6.         Exchanges.  HRS does not exchange animals.  Exceptions may be made when:

            a)  The shelter and adopter are working together on making a match between an adoptee and a pre-residing rabbit AND

            b)  In the shelter director's judgement, a different match would be less stressful to the animals.

7.         Adoption fees.  HRS adoption fees are donations that cannot be refunded. We are a federally recognized tax-exempt, non-profit organization.  Donations made to us are no more refundable than they are to any other public charity.

ADOPTION FEES

Non-HRS Member/First-time Adopter:   $70

HRS Member:  $50

Adoption Fee includes:  the adopted rabbit, a one-year National HRS membership, a copy of House Rabbit Handbook, and a coupon for a Comprehensive Physical at a participating Bay Area veterinary hospital.

Adopting Multiple Rabbits:  For each additional rabbit, adopted on the same day, the adoption fee is $50 per additional rabbit. For example, if two rabbits are adopted, the fee would be $120. If three rabbits are adopted, it would be $170.

For additional questions, contact the Rabbit Center at (510) 970-7575.