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Adoption Checklist

Friends of Rabbits wants your adoption experience to be pleasant and successful. The following Guidelines should help you navigate the process, and our Checklist will help you create a safe and welcoming environment. Of course, our volunteers will be happy to answer all of your questions – before, during, and after the adoption.

Indoor, roomy confined space
  • At least 12 square feet of enclosure space, enough for a full size litter box, food and water dishes, space to hop around, and a place to hide
    • Examples: exercise pen or two; large dog crate that opens to an exercise pen
  • Flooring should be solid (not wire), with carpet or other rabbit-safe padding that provides traction. Wire causes pain and arthritis. Slippery floors can cause splayed leg.
  • Temperature controlled environment between 65-80 degrees
  • Away from direct sunlight and loud noises
  • Litterbox (large rectangle) and Rabbit-safe litter
    • Examples: Carefresh, Oxbow Pure Comfort
    • NO cedar or pine shavings (toxic to rabbits), aspen is ok
  • Litter boxes should be cleaned with 50/50 white vinegar/water
  • Ceramic/heavy pellet bowl (flat bottom, straight sides, to prevent tipping) or clip-on feeder
  • Ceramic/heavy bowl for water (flat bottom, straight sides, to prevent tipping)
  • Toys
  • Indoors – space to run and leap on appropriate surfaces.
  • Outdoors – we discourage allowing bunnies to play outdoors;
    • If you choose to allow them short outdoor play in a secure area, be very aware of outdoor hazards such as predatory birds, wild animals, and neighborhood pets, as well as insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas
  • Start small and gradually increase space – this allows your bunny to become accustomed to where things are and how to successfully get to litterbox, hay, and water
  • Bigger is better, free run is best! (in a well bunny-proofed home)
  • We do recommend having an ex-pen available in case it is necessary to confine the bunny for any reason (safety, recovery, etc)
  • Metal baby gates can be used to block off rooms (may chew plastic mesh gates)
  • Bunny-proof electric cords
    • Vinyl tubing can be split to cover cords
    • Place wires high up
  • Furring strips, 2x4s or other wood panels can be used to cover baseboards
  • Ceramic tiles are cool, and can protect the edges of carpet as it meets the wall
  • To protect flooring and carpet, and to create a slip-proof base, outdoor carpet is an inexpensive and durable option
  • Paper towel tubes can be split to cover wooden table or chair legs
  • Be sure there is always clear passage to the litter box, hay, and water
  • Hay (Timothy or Orchard Grass)
  • Fresh veggies and fruits (see https://rabbit.org/care/food-diet/ for a good list)
  • Rabbit Pellets, Timothy-based (only ⅛ cup per day, and not required)
  • Fresh water
  • Wood for chewing and recreation
    • Pinecones
    • Dried tree twigs from fruit trees (NO pesticides) -Untreated Wood
    • Reed/Willow Baskets
  • Nail Clippers
  • Brush or comb
  • Never submerge your rabbit in a bath
  • Do only dry and/or spot cleaning (dirty paws or bottom); use only warm water and dry thoroughly.
  • If you do not feel comfortable grooming your bunny at home, Friends of Rabbits does have grooming services available by appointment: for Columbia use the link friendsofrabbits.org/services/grooming/ and in Virginia look for announcements for the first Sunday of the month.
  • Choose a vet based on their training and experience with rabbits; look for Exotic vets.
  • Choose a vet with whom you feel comfortable, someone who you feel listens and communicates well with you.
  • Healthy rabbits need an annual well exam, and vaccination against RHDV2.
  • For a list of rabbit some of the savvy vets in the area, check out our Veterinarian page
    • This list is not exhaustive – there may be others near you
  • Friends of Rabbits maintains a “supply garage” at the Columbia House where you may purchase hay, litter, pellets, and treats; some supplies are also available in Virginia for Columbia
  • Local pet stores are a convenient source for litter boxes, litter, hay, and pellets
  • Be aware of what pet stores sell for rabbits – just because it has a bunny on the package does not mean it really is safe.
    • Read labels and know what is/is not safe.

Other Questions?

Friends of Rabbits is your friend too – please email us at info@friendsofrabbits.org with questions. We are here to be a continuing resource, helping you and your bunny enjoy a long life together.