Rabbits can live for many years, but their lifespans are still shorter than ours. You may have considered their end-of-life care, but what if you become ill, unable to care for them, or pass away first?
Rabbits are cherished companions, and responsible guardianship includes planning for their well-being in the event that you aren’t able. Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits require specialized care, and it’s essential to have a plan to ensure their safety and continued happiness. Here’s how you can include your pet rabbit in your emergency and estate plans and secure their future.
How to Prepare for the Unexpected
Emergencies can happen at any time, and companion rabbits may be overlooked in the chaos of an unexpected illness, accident, or passing. In some tragic cases, animals are found alone days later. To ensure your rabbit or other companion animals receive immediate care, take these simple precautions:
• Identify Emergency Caregivers: Find at least two responsible friends or family members willing to act as short-term caregivers in case something happens to you. Provide them with house keys, feeding and care instructions, your veterinarian’s contact information, and details on your long-term care plans for your bunnies.
• Inform Your Community: Make sure neighbors, friends, and relatives know how many companion animals you have and how to contact your emergency caregivers. Ensure that your designated caregivers can also reach each other.
• Carry an Emergency Card: Keep a wallet card listing the names and phone numbers of your emergency pet caregivers so they can be contacted right away.
• Post Emergency Notices at Home: Place removable “In Case of Emergency” signs on your doors or windows stating the number and type of animals inside. Avoid using permanent stickers, as outdated ones can be ignored or create confusion for emergency responders.
• List Contacts Inside Your Home: Attach a removable notice inside your front and back doors with the names and numbers of emergency caregivers. Since pets require daily care, having clear, accessible information ensures they receive immediate attention.
Taking these steps now will give you peace of mind, knowing that, no matter what happens, your rabbits will be cared for and not left behind in an emergency.
How to Secure Long-Term Care for Your Rabbits
The best way to guarantee your rabbits’s well-being if you become seriously ill or pass away is to put formal arrangements in place. A verbal agreement with a friend or even leaving them money in your will may not be enough to ensure your bunny’s care.
To make your wishes legally binding, consult an estate planning attorney to create a will, pet trust, or other legal document that specifies:
• Who will take legal ownership of your rabbit(s)
• Instructions for their care
• Funds set aside for their needs
By taking these steps, you can ensure your rabbits or other companion animals will be placed in a loving home with the resources necessary for their ongoing care. The following sections address each of the three bullets above.
Appoint a Caregiver
The first step in planning for your rabbit’s future is identifying a trusted individual who is willing and capable of caring for them.
- Choose a Responsible Guardian: Talk to friends, family, or members of a rabbit advocacy group who understand rabbit care and would be willing to adopt your pet if needed.
- Formalize the Agreement: It’s crucial to clearly state in your will who will take ownership of your rabbit to prevent legal disputes or confusion.
Provide Detailed Care Instructions
Your rabbit has unique needs that should be documented to help their future caregiver provide consistent care. Consider including:
- Any medications or ongoing medical concerns
- Diet specifics (e.g., hay, fresh greens, limited pellets)
- Veterinary history and preferred rabbit-savvy vet
- Daily routine and social preferences
Establish a “Pet Trust“
Since the law considers companion animals as property, they cannot inherit money or assets directly. However, a Pet Trust allows you to set aside funds for your rabbit’s care, ensuring financial support and clear instructions for their well-being. As of 2016, every state in the USA has a pet trust provision.
A pet trust is a legally binding arrangement that allows you to allocate funds specifically for your rabbit’s care, managed by a designated trustee. This ensures your rabbit’s new caregiver has the financial resources to provide food, housing, and veterinary care.
Legacy Arrangements
If you are unable to find an individual who can take on the responsibility of caring for your rabbit, there are alternative options available. Various organizations provide programs that ensure your pet will be cared for after your passing.
Most humane organizations and rabbit rescue groups cannot provide lifelong care and may only offer temporary boarding until a designated caregiver takes over.
Some companion animal sanctuaries and retirement homes care for pets of deceased owners for a fee or donation, either providing lifetime care or rehoming them. Veterinary School Programs often fall in this category. However, rabbits and other companion animals need socialization and space, and long-term confinement can impact their well-being. Sadly, most facilities do not have a great deal of expertise in house rabbit care.
Before choosing a facility, visit in person to assess:
• Living conditions and daily care
• Socialization and enrichment
• Rehoming policies and financial stability
If selecting an organization, choose one with a strong record of responsible placements to ensure your pet’s continued well-being.
Researching and reaching out to these programs in advance can help you make the best decision for your rabbit’s future.
Non-Legal Arrangements
A simple, informal plan can also work if you completely trust your chosen rabbit caregiver and will executor. If all parties agree, you can verbally designate who should take care of your rabbit, without needing a legally binding document. However, this method carries some risk, as it relies solely on goodwill and does not provide legal protection in case of disputes. If you choose this approach, ensure that your wishes are clearly communicated and documented for clarity.
What Happens If I Don’t Make a Plan?
If you don’t make arrangements for your rabbit, their future could be uncertain.
- If you have a will, your rabbit will go to whoever inherits the remainder of your estate.
- If you don’t have a will, your assets, including your pet, will be distributed based on state laws, which may not align with your wishes.
Without clear instructions, your rabbit could end up with someone unprepared to care for them. Taking the time to make a plan ensures they will be placed in a safe and loving home.
Consult Legal Professionals
To ensure your rabbit’s future is protected, work with an estate planning attorney familiar with pet trusts. They can help you create a legally enforceable plan that aligns with your wishes and local laws.
Additional Resources
For more information on planning for your pet’s future, check out these resources:
- ASPCA’s Pet Trust Primer
- Nolo’s Estate Planning for Pets
- HSUS’s Pets in Wills Fact Sheet
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your beloved rabbit continues to receive the care and love they deserve, even in your absence. Thoughtful planning today provides peace of mind for both you and your rabbit’s future guardian.
Related Articles
- Legacy Giving Through Rabbit.org: Leave a Legacy of Rabbit Education and Advocacy
- End of Life Care for Your Rabbit
- Pet Loss Support for Your Rabbit
- Pet Loss and Grief Resources for You
Image: (CC) John Englart – On the lookout – Rabbits in Fawkner Cemetery
