Rabbit Adoptions
Domestic rabbit abandonment is a huge problem world-wide and British Columbia is no exception. Often thought of as easy 'starter pets' suitable for young children, countless numbers are bought on impulse. Once the novelty has worn off and the reality of day-to-day care sets in, these cute little baby bunnies frequently become unwanted. Unprepared for the adolescent stage and the marking of territory many are abandoned at this time of their life. At our sanctuary in North Vancouver we provide a home for discarded rabbits of all types. Many suffer from neglect or have health issues when they come to us. Others are frightened of the human touch or lack socialization.
Sadly, the surplus of companion rabbits far exceeds the demand. Animal welfare organizations and rescue groups are at or over-capacity. Pets In Need Society and the Rabbit Advocacy Group of BC network with local shelters in giving a second chance to rabbits awaiting permanent loving homes. Please choose to adopt and help spread the word that rabbits are not disposable pets.
Note: The application below is a sample of what shelters and rescue groups will require from you. Contact RAG BC for further information.
Rabbit Adoption Application
Please answer each question in full for your application to be considered. We try to find every rabbit the appropriate lifetime home and therefore reserve the right to refuse applications.
Date of Application: _______________________
Applicant’s Name (print): ____________________________________________
- Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________
- street city postal code
Telephone: ____________________ E-Mail _________________________________
Employer: __________________________________ Telephone _________________
Age Group: 18-25 ____ 26-45 ____ 46-65 ____ Over 65 _____
- The Rabbit Advocacy Group of BC takes in homeless, 'older' and neglected rabbits as a first priority but will take owner surrenders in certain circumstances. www.rabbitadvocacy.com
Provide details on rabbit/s breed, age, colour for which you are interested in adopting
_______________________________________________________________________________________
If interested in a specific rabbit provide its name and reason for adopting __________________________________
Have you had a rabbit before: Yes ____________ No _____________________
Provide details on past or present rabbits _______________________________________
Have any ever been fathers or mothers? ____________________________
- If yes, total number of litters ________________________________
- Rabbits live from 5 to 10 years and require the same responsible adult care as a cat or a dog
-
Who will be responsible for the care and costs of the rabbit? ___________________________
How will you be housing this animal __________________________
Is your home bunny-proofed? _____________________________
What measures have you taken? ______________________________
Will you be keeping s/he indoors or outdoors? ________________________________
- How long have you been considering bringing a rabbit into your household? ____________________________
- Rabbits are social animals that require daily affection and attention
- How many hours a day will you be spending with the rabbit? _____________________
- Rabbits need exercise and cannot spend their life kept in a cage
-
- How many hours per day will the rabbit be free? 1 2 3 4 all the time _________
- The most important part of a rabbit’s diet is fresh hay
-
- What type of hay will you be feeding your rabbit? _______________________
Where do you purchase your pet supplies? ___________________________________________
Do you live in a: House___________ Apartment _________ Condo _____________ Other ______________
Rent __________ Own ____________
If you rent, are you permitted to have this animal? ___________
Are you able to provide a copy of the lease/rental agreement? ___________________
How long have you been at this address? _______________
Is anybody in the household allergic to pets or hay? _______________
Number of adults and children in household _________________
Ages of children (if under “8” see below) ___________________
Do you intend to make sure the children are supervised when with the rabbit at all times? Yes ____ No ____
- Are you aware that rabbits are easily injured and that small children could be scratched or bitten by a frightened rabbit?
- Yes ___ No ___
What other pets do you have? _____________________________________________
Have they been spayed or neutered? ___________
How will they adjust to a new animal being brought into the household? ___________________________
Have you ever surrendered any of your previous pets? ____________________________
If so, why? _______________________________
Under what circumstances would you give up this animal or return it to us? ___________________________
Where will the animal go when you are on vacation? ____________________
What will you do if you move into a place that does not accept pets? ____________________
Are you aware that rabbits require a veterinarian knowledgeable of their special needs? Yes ____No ____
Can you afford veterinary care
for your pet? ____________________
Name, address, and phone number of your vet ___________________________________________________
Are you committed to this animal for the length of its life? __________
References: __________________________________________
__________________________________________
Can't adopt but would like to help?
If your lifestyle doesn't include having a bunny companion, you can always help by fostering or sponsoring one of these special critters. Your compassion and support will enable us to continue saving lives and giving second chances to those who have been discarded and forgotten by others.
Visit our Links & Government Contacts page
Praise for The Rabbit Rescuers
02/18/07 Several of the local animal rescue groups were featured in an article by Peter Clough in the Vancouver Province: Pet rescue: The untold tails!
Letter Published: Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Kudos to animal rescuers
The voice of the
small rescue and advocacy groups has gone largely unnoticed by the
media. So thanks to Peter Clough.
The BCSPCA has monopolized headlines as far back as I remember, whereas we've all heard Margaret Mead's famous quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
It's those groups and individuals who don't get the glory, the donations or simple recognition, yet they're the ones volunteering endless hours in leading the way in efforts to make our communities better for all, one animal at a time.
- Carmina Gooch,
- North Vancouver
Animal Advocates Society says: The most credible source for rabbit news in BC is the Rabbit Advocacy Group of BC