Finding Your Rabbit a New Home
Unfortunately, the all-volunteer Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society is not able to take in owner-relinquished rabbits. Instead, MCRS works in partnership with local shelters and humane societies to aid them in finding homes for abandoned rabbits. MCRS also works to educate the public to provide solutions to rabbit care and behavioral issues so that the number of unwanted rabbits is reduced and the lives of companion rabbits can be improved.
If there is some reason that the care or behavior of your rabbit is too much for you at this point, perhaps MCRS can give you some suggestions to keep the rabbit--and you--living happily together. Indeed, many rabbits given up now are babies who were given for Easter and now these rabbits are difficult, crabby, messy teenagers full of hormones, so they can be a handful! If that is what is happening, we can help by providing information about spaying and neutering or about other behavioral techniques that you can use. Many rabbits are simply given up because children lose interest, which is a reason commonly heard by MCRS. If you are open to additional information or suggestions to help keep your pet, please contact us.
If you have made the decision to not keep your rabbit, MCRS urges you to contact local shelters. Rabbits are the third most commonly surrendered companion animal, and all of these organizations are doing the best they can with the huge numbers of rabbits and other animals who need help. These groups have trained staff who screen potential adopters to make sure that they will be able to provide a safe, responsible, and loving home for your pet. Two suggestions to try are Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley or Minnesota Valley Humane Society in Burnsville. MCRS works with both of these shelters to assist with adoption and education. Both organizations offer wonderful classes about caring for rabbits, so they place great importance on educating families about what to expect with a companion rabbit. Find out how the shelters work, so you are comfortable. Please remember, if you adopted your rabbit from a shelter, most groups require that you return them to the shelter from where they were adopted.
Something that really helps the rabbit's adoptability--and her livability with you--is getting her sterilized if she is not already. Generally, a healthy, sterilized, litter-trained, and socialized rabbit is very adoptable. Do a lengthy personality profile of your rabbit's likes and dislikes. Include places in which she likes to play or lounge, her favorite toys, favorite foods, what she likes for her litterbox size and placement, who the veterinarian is, etc. Describe her perfect home and personality. All of that information makes a difference to families looking to adopt a rabbit who will fit into their home and lifestyle.
If you choose to find a home for your pet rabbit yourself, rather than relying upon a local animal shelter or rescue organization, MCRS urges you to be very careful about it. It is up to you to take the time and be responsible about finding your rabbit a good home. Be sure your rabbit's interests remain your top priority. Indeed, finding a new home for a pet can be difficult. As you know, a "good" home means a home where the animal will live for the rest of his or her life, where he or she will receive attention, good veterinary care, proper nutrition, and be treated as part of the family.
Here are some guidelines you can follow. Check to see if you can post a notice at your local veterinarian first and also let friends and neighbors know. Be very careful about placing an ad in the newspaper. Asking for a fee of at least $20 in your posting helps to deter those callers who really do not want a pet. People willing to commit to owning a rabbit will gladly pay an adoption fee. Individuals known as "bunchers" routinely answer "free-to-good-home" ads, posing as people who want family pets when, in actuality, they sell pets to animal dealers. Others are looking for a free meal for their pet reptiles. Dogfighters have also been known to obtain domestic animals for baiting through "free to good home" ads. These people are "professionals" who may even bring children or their mothers with them when picking up pets.
It is a good idea to visit the prospective new home in order to get a feel for the environment in which the rabbit would be living. Explain that the pet is part of your family and that you want to make sure she will be cared for properly and that you want to see how the animal responds to the new home. Screen potential homes carefully. If anyone refuses to allow you to visit their home, do not place your pet with them. Always be mindful of your own safety when you go to interview potential adopters or if you allow a prospective adopter to enter your home. Carefully consider all the elements of the new home: Does the family have a veterinary reference? Do not be shy about asking questions.
Ask for a valid form of identification (preferably a driver's license). Record the number for your records and require the new owner to sign a contract stating the requirements of adoption upon which both parties agree. As part of the contract, require the new owner to contact you if he or she decides at some point that they must give up the pet.
Finding a quality home for your rabbit can be a difficult and time-consuming process, but MCRS believes every rabbit is worth it. Remember: Your local animal shelter has a qualified staff trained to screen and counsel adopters. Relinquishing your pet to your local shelter may be the best option for you and your rabbit, rather than finding a home on your own.
Good luck in placing your rabbit!
