Rehoming is all about preparation and patience. Adopt a two-step approach: first, prepare the rabbit for adoption, then actively seek an ideal home through empathetic advertising and thorough screening of interested parties.
When rehoming a rabbit, whether it is a bunny you found on the street or a bunny who has been a part of your family, it is recommended to house the rabbit temporarily yourself or with a friend while actively seeking a good indoor home. The local animal shelter should be considered as a last resort.
Preparing the Rabbit For Adoption
Cute Picture
Take a good photo of your rabbit that captures their personality. Natural light and few distractions help.
Spaying/Neutering
Spaying/neutering enhances a rabbit’s suitability as an indoor companion, improves litter box training, and prevents future unwanted litters and uterine cancer.
Vaccination Against RHDV2
Rabbits should be vaccinated against RHDV2, especially with the current outbreak spreading across the United States.
Litter Box Training
A spayed/neutered rabbit is usually easy to litter box train, facilitating indoor living.
Attention and Socialization
Providing attention and socialization makes rabbits more appealing to potential adopters.
Indoor Living Preference
Rabbit.org Foundation advocates for indoor homes, emphasizing safety, supervision, and socialization. Even if caged, rabbits should have supervised freedom daily.
Getting the Word Out About Your Adoptable Rabbit
- Where to Share
- Talk with friends, coworkers and family to see if they want a rabbit. Ask if they can spread the word by sharing on social media.
- Utilize platforms like Nextdoor, home-home.org, RescueMe!, and social media (Facebook, TikTok, Instagram) to promote the rabbit.
- Reach out to your local rabbit rescue group to see if they can put a courtesy post on their social media about your rabbit.
- Advertising Tips
- Share if they are litterbox trained, spayed or neutered, and how they get along with children, other animals, etc. Include their age and any medical conditions they may have.
- Consider a modest adoption fee to ensure commitment and ensure the person isn’t looking for a free meal for their snake.
Screening Adopters
Screen potential adopters based on their suitability for providing an indoor home. Adopters should have an enclosure with a solid bottom, supervised exercise time daily, and an adult caregiver.
1. “Where will the rabbit live, and will they be indoors full-time?”
Rabbits should live inside the home, free from predators, extreme weather, and loneliness. This question helps you rule out anyone who plans to keep the rabbit outdoors in a hutch.
2. “Do you have experience with rabbits or other small companion animals?”
Experience isn’t a must, but it’s important that they’re willing to learn. Bonus points if they already follow resources like https://rabbit.org.
3. “Do you already have another rabbit, and if so, how will you introduce them?”
- Rabbits are social and often thrive with a bonded companion, but bonding must be done safely and slowly. Their answer can reveal if they understand bonding protocols.
4. “Are you aware of the ongoing care needs, including diet, litter training, and vet visits?”
- Look for someone who knows about hay-based diets, bunny-proofing, and the importance of yearly RHDV2 vaccinations and spay/neuter.
5. “Do you have a rabbit-savvy veterinarian?”
A rabbit-savvy vet is essential for health care. You can share the locator at https://rabbit.org/care/rabbit-vets-near-me/.
6. “Is an adult the primary caregiver responsible for the rabbit’s daily needs?”
Rabbits are an 8–12+ year commitment, and while children can help, the responsibility must fall on a committed adult who can provide consistent care for the rabbit’s entire life.
7. “How will the rabbit get daily exercise, and will it be supervised?”
Rabbits need several hours of safe, supervised, bunny-proofed playtime outside their enclosure each day. This question ensures the adopter understands that exercise time is essential for mental and physical health, and that supervision helps prevent chewing hazards or injuries.
have an enclosure with a solid bottom, supervised exercise time daily, and an adult caregiver.
Final Thoughts
Animal shelters are considered a last resort, and it is emphasized that not all shelters may accept rabbits. Stray rabbits should be reported to the local animal control agency. Abandoning rabbits is strongly discouraged due to the risks they face outdoors. It is illegal in many states and countries and can lead to harm and even death for the animal.
These guidelines aim to ensure the well-being of rabbits and increase the likelihood of finding them suitable, permanent homes.
Additional Resources
Search Phrases
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