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Bonding/Speed Dating

Rabbits are very social creatures and are happiest when they have another furry friend to snuggle up to. Particularly if your rabbit will be alone for much of the day, we recommend that you adopt a second rabbit as a companion. However, the bonding process can be quite involved, so Friends of Rabbits assists with bonding at no additional charge.

If  you’re interested in bonding your rabbit, we will arrange a time for your bun to speed-date with several adoptable rabbits at a neutral location. After a successful “date,” a trusted Friends of Rabbits volunteer will take both rabbits for a one-to-two week “Bunnymoon” where they will get to know each other and solidify their bond.

While they’re away at the bunnymoon, you’ll want to take the time to make your home as neutral as possible – that means cleaning or replacing rugs, litter boxes, and habitats that smell like your first bunny, and providing some new, neutral-smelling toys. When they first come home be prepared for some marking as the bunnies adjust to a new (or new-smelling) place. Keep them confined to a pen or condo for a couple of days to solidify the bond. 

What to expect during rabbit introductions

After being approved for adoption, you will be scheduled for an appointment on an Adoption Day at either our Columbia HQ or Virginia adoption location.

Speed-dating and bonding is conducted in a neutral location

We will introduce your rabbit(s) to a selection of adoptable rabbits to see if they might get along (this is called speed dating)

  1. First, we introduce them in a neutral, empty, small space to interact more intimately and see if they have a potential to get along
  2. If they seem to have potential, a litter box will be added and possibly a little more space
  3. Rabbits are very territorial and by slowly introducing neutral items, they are less likely to fight over the items
  4. After testing out multiple rabbits, the FoR team will select who they believe will get along the best with your bun
  5. At this point, your rabbit and their new friend will go into bonding and spend a week with one of our bonding volunteers
  6. The new couple, trio, quad, etc. will be observed  carefully for signs of problems throughout the process

The bonder will communicate with you throughout the “Bunnymoon” to provide updates and pictures. 

Once your bun and their new friend(s) are finished with their “Bunnymoon” and ready to go home, they are not finished with the bonding process. You must follow the instructions sent home to ensure the bond continues to be successful.