Rabbit Rescue Incorporated is a registered No Kill charity that services Southern Ontario. We are dedicated to saving rabbits from abandonment, neglect, illness or injury and inhumane conditions. We were the first rabbit rescue in Canada and have assisted the SPCA and Humane Societies with larger urgent cases (ie hoarding situations often with hundreds of rabbits at a time). All of our rabbits are spayed or neutered and vaccinated prior to adoption and receive all medical care needed. Rabbit Rescue provides programs and services that educates the public regarding animal welfare, and provides protection and adoption services to animals at risk of cruelty.
Humble beginnings
Rabbit Rescue Incorporated was founded in 2002 by Executive Director, Haviva Porter. Inspired by her bunny, Marbles, Haviva quickly realized the lack of resources for domestic rabbit welfare and the Rescue was born. Not only establishing a registered charity on her own, it was also the first registered charity dedicated to rabbits in Canada. As the rescue took off for bunnies in need Haviva quit her job in 2001 to run the Rescue full time.
Our mission is to save lives
Every year Rabbit Rescue manages to save hundreds of rabbits and small pets (Hamsters, gerbils, etc). We do not have a shelter and rely on the kindness of our many volunteers to foster rabbits in their own homes. This is advantageous for the rabbits entering our care, as they can be rehabilitated and socialized properly giving them a second chance at a good life. Potential adopters are able to see what the rabbits are like in a home environment, thus helping them find a suitable match for their family. Lack of resources for domestic rabbits means that owners often resort to letting their pet rabbit “loose” outside were they struggle to survive, fending for themselves.
Rabbits are one of the most misunderstood house pets and the 3rd most abandoned animal next to cats and dogs. Many people are poorly informed on what it takes to be a responsible rabbit owner. Like cats or dogs, rabbits require proper diet, care and housing. They are extremely intelligent and have very unique personalities, they’re cute and fuzzy but don’t necessarily love to be picked up or handled and they should NEVER EVER be confined to a cage all day as they require LOTS of exercise. Sadly, rabbits are frequently given as gifts to children, particularly at Easter time, leading to a huge increase in surrenders in the following months. Improper care and treatment of these animals often leads to them being abandoned, injured or with life threatening diseases.
Rabbit Rescue would not be possible or survive without it’s wonderful volunteers or donations from our supporters. We receive no government assistance or funding. Donations acquired by the general public are key to our survival. With your help, we are able to provide medical care towards the rabbits that need it. We are a no kill rescue and ensure that the rabbits receive any medical care they need.
Rabbit Rescue not only works towards the health and safety of each animal brought into our care, we also do as much as we can for the community. Members of the Rabbit Rescue team attend community fundraisers, adoption events and educational events to connect with the general public and rabbit lovers alike. There is also a Google Group for those who have fostered or adopted rabbits from the Rescue to post questions, ask for help and share successes! Being introduced to a ‘rabbit friendly community’ helps reinforce the proper care and treatment of these animals.
Saving lives. One bunny at a time.