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Adoption Guidelines

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.

Guidelines

  1. The rabbit must be adopted by a responsible adult at least 18 years of age.
    • If the rabbit is to be adopted by a family, the primary caregiver must be an adult or a responsible older teen. Younger children may do the work necessary to care for the rabbit under the daily supervision of an adult.
    • All adults in the family must agree on adopting the rabbit.
  2. We do not adopt our rabbits out as classroom pets. Exceptions would be adoption to a teacher who may bring the rabbit into the classroom on an occasional basis.
  3. Rabbits are social animals. The adopted rabbit is to be housed indoors in an appropriate space where they will receive daily interaction with the family.
    • The best possible space would be freedom in a rabbit proofed room. If that is not possible, a pet exercise pen (ex-pen) with rabbit safe flooring works well.
    • Caging can also be easily built to fit your space using shelving material.
      • Instructions on how to build adequately-sized cages can be provided.
    • Caged rabbits need daily exercise time outside the cage.
  4. If you are renting your home, you will need to provide written consent from your landlord before you adopt.
  5. For new adopters, we will conduct a home visit (via photos or video of your rabbit housing set-up) to make sure that the rabbit will be adopted into a safe environment.
  6. When they are ill, rabbits require a veterinarian that specializes in exotic animals.
    • These services are considerably more expensive than most veterinarians. Plan them into your budget accordingly.
    • Be aware that there is now a vaccine against RHDV2 that your bunny will require annually.
  7. If you are looking to adopt a companion for your existing rabbit, your rabbit must be spayed or neutered prior to any introductions. We will also soon require rabbits to be vaccinated against RHDV2.
    • Your screening volunteer will discuss the speed-dating/bonding process with you.
  8. The final step to the adoption process is filling out a contract, which is supplied by our HQ office.
    • The cost to adopt a rabbit from us is $90 for a single rabbit and $150 for a pair.
    • If the rabbit has been vaccinated for RHDV2, there is an additional cost of $50 per rabbit.

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.