Proper handling and care of rabbits is crucial to their well-being as pets.
The House Rabbit Society and Petfinder have designated February as Adopt-a-Rescued-Rabbit Month. Although homeless bunnies need help all year long, this month is set aside for special campaigns, activities and events to raise awareness about the needs of domestic rabbits and promote adoption. Adopting a bunny should not be an impulse decision, and people should become informed about rabbits' needs and consider if their households would make good environments for pet rabbits.
Instructions
1. Older children may be ready for caring for the needs of a pet rabbit..
Add a pet rabbit to your family if your lifestyle suits the rabbit's needs. Use caution if there are dogs and cats living in the household, as rabbits may be considered "prey" and be harmed or scared by larger animals. Young children also may frighten rabbits, which are fragile and fearful of loud noises.
2. Pet rabbits enjoy the company of having a bunny buddy.
Adopt a buddy for the pet rabbit you already have, as long as both animals are altered. Rabbits are social animals and thrive on companionship. Introducing a new pet takes patience and time.Rescue groups also may have "bonded pairs" of rabbits that need to be adopted together.
3. Animal shelters and rescue groups have homeless rabbits available for adoption.
Visit the national searchable database on Petfinder to search for bunnies needing homes in your area. In the search tool at the top of the page, select "Rabbit" from the "Animal" drop-down menu. Enter your zip code or city and state in the "Location" field. Click the "Search" button.
4. Nonprofit organizations around the country focus on helping rescued rabbits.
Check out the list of local chapters of the national House Rabbit Society website. Additional independent rescue groups may have contact information listed there as well.
5. Homeless bunnies, young and old, need extra care while awaiting adoption.
Volunteer for a local animal rescue group or shelter to help socialize and care for homeless rabbits, if adopting a bunny right now is not for you but you still want to spend some quality time with rabbits.
6. Rabbit rescue groups need fresh produce and grass hay to feed pets in their care.
Donate funds or supplies to nonprofit organizations dedicated to rescuing rabbits at risk and providing veterinary medical care, food, housing and other care. In-kind donations such as grass hay and dark leafy greens will help reduce rescue groups' food budgets.
7. Veterinarians experienced with rabbits provide specialized medical care for pet bunnies.
Sponsor spay and neuter surgeries for rabbits living in low-income households or bunnies in the care of shelters or animal rescue groups. Rabbits can reproduce quickly, every 28 days, and can get pregnant as young as 4 months old. Spaying or neutering pet rabbits prevents unwanted litters, protects females from certain cancers and allows male-female pairs to live together safely.
8. Domestic rabbits have a variety of breeds and show many different color markings.
Contact pet stores in your community and encourage them to help shelters and rescue groups promote adoption rather than selling rabbits commercially.
9. Share positive experiences about adopting a homeless pet rabbit.
Tell everyone you know about the benefits of adopting a homeless rabbit. Post messages on your Facebook and Twitter accounts to spread the word. Make fliers to post on bulletin boards at local vet clinics, pet stores and your workplace to promote adoption.
10. Pet rabbits thrive in fairly calm but social homes without extreme temperatures.
Take time to make improvements to the living environment and social interactions for pet rabbits you may have already adopted.
Tags: rescue groups, promote adoption, adopting homeless, adopting homeless rabbit, animal rescue