Adoption - The House Rabbit Society

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Adoption Guidelines

 

All potential adopters must be pre-screened well in advance of adoption days in order to best match them with rabbits who are appropriate for their home and family. Potential adopters, who meet HRS adoption guidelines, are given an appointment time for the  next available adoption day or to meet rabbits in one of our foster homes.

See our organization's philosophy on the care and housing of rabbits.  We do not adopt to homes where the rabbit lives outdoors or in the garage. Rabbits must be housed indoors 100% with only supervised outdoor play time.

Please understand that we are fostering homeless and previously unwanted rabbits.  The majority of our rabbits come from shelters when there was no more room. or the rabbit had a behavioral or health problem. and was going to be euthanized if not taken in by a rescue.  We are truly their last hope.  The adoption process may seem time-consuming but we are making every effort to ensure our rabbits are adopted into the "right" home for them and that you, and the rabbit, are happy with this adoption. All we ask is that you take your time to make an informed adoption decision, and that once you adopt you love and care for your new rabbit companion in a manner that will support their life expectancy of 8 to 12 years.  Thank you for understanding our level of commitment to our foster rabbits.

Please download and complete the Adoption Application Form, then email to adopt@sandiegorabbits.org Our next scheduled adoption days are Sundays, Jan 8 & 22.  Please contact us well in advance of this date, so we can work with you to find the most appropriate rabbit for your family. In addition, private appointments can be made with individual HRS foster homes. 

Note: If you do not hear back from us within 48 hours, please send a note to hrs@sandiegorabbits.org to ensure we received your application.

We do not hold adoption events that are "open to the public." You must be screened in advance.  Screening requires a series of questions to determine your level of rabbit experience and your preferences and/or expectations of a rabbit.  Our goal is to make the best match for the rabbit and the home, ensuring a life long adoption for the rabbit.

HRS does not adopt to children.  An adult or parent (21 or older) must contact us to complete the screening process, and an adult must be the primary caretaker of the rabbit.  If a teenager is making the initial contact that is fine, but we will still require the parents to contact us and participate in the screening process. 

We require our adopted rabbits to be housed inside as indoor family companions. Outdoor playtime is permitted, under supervision and weather permitting.

** When seeking a companion for your current rabbit, your rabbit must already be spayed or neutered.  This is necessary to be able to bond the rabbits without severe fighting due to hormonal issues. If you need recommendations for a rabbit vet, or a lower cost spay/neuter option, please let us know. We are happy to give you information on lower cost options in San Diego County.

Our Adoption Fee is $65 for single rabbit or $115 for a bonded pair, and includes the following:  Note: Through the end of January 2012 bonded pairs are $80.

  • Adoption of spayed/neutered rabbit(s)
  • Two large boxes of fresh, mixed hay
  • Certificate for free, introductory "well bunny" vet visit
  • One year's subscription to The Rabbit Reader, our fun and informative newsletter
  • Email newsletters and invitations to special events

* Bunny supplies are available for purchase from HRS at prices well below local pet stores.

Another good option for adopting a rabbit is to visit your local shelter or humane society. There are many wonderful bunnies, in shelters all around the county, who need good homes. If you would like an HRS volunteer to help you choose an appropriate shelter bunny for your family, please email us at hrs@sandiegorabbits.org.. All shelter bunnies are spayed/neutered before adoption, and many are already litter box trained.

If you are thinking about getting a rabbit for your younger children, this often is not a good choice as proper rabbit care is too complicated for most children to manage. Contrary to many people's understanding, rabbits are NOT easy, inexpensive pets. Guinea pigs and rats, however, make much better pets for younger children and are much easier for them to manage, with your help. For information on adoptable guinea pigs and rats, please visit Wee Companions.

Find out what you need to know Before You Adopt.

See photos of HRS Rabbits available for adoption.

Are you visiting our website in order to adopt a rabbit, but you are NOT located in Southern California? If so, please visit the National HRS website to find an HRS Chapter near you!

Return to Adoption home page.

 

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House Rabbit Society is a nonprofit rescue and education group. We welcome your feedback and appreciate your donations. Please join today.

Copyright © 2000-2006 San Diego House Rabbit Society
Write: P.O. Box 261553, San Diego, CA 92196-1553 or call: 619-718-7777