Adoption means to PERMANENTLY accept the new companion animal into one’s life – which includes sickness and health, good times and bad, and through all the changes of life. Of course, Rabbit Rescue, Inc. WILL take back any animal we have placed for any reason. Having said this, we would like you to consider a few things before you adopt.
Behavior problems are often cited as reasons for returns. In some cases, simple training techniques can be employed to change most troublesome behaviors. It’s true that some people relinquish their companion animal too soon because they have not been exposed to these simple training techniques to help them work through a trying situation.
Be warned that living with a pet can get bumpy from time to time. While a companion animal can be capable of many wonderful things, they can also exhibit some not-so-wonderful behaviors usually at the most inconvenient time. A growl, snap, a scratch or bite can occur with ANY companion animal and one incident should not be grounds for divorce.
Likewise, an occasional house soiling incident can be expected. Like you, your companion animal’s body is subject to fluctuations that may mean an isolated instance of house soiling. Rabbits do often mark territory when moved to a new environment. In the case of any strange or different behavior by your companion animal, we ask that you contact us. We can help get you and your companion animal back on track.
It’s going to take some time for your companion animal to learn your routine.
Bonding does not happen overnight. As you introduce your new companion animal to your family routines and he/she becomes comfortable, he/she will learn to trust you. Relationships take time to develop, so be patient.
Veterinary visits are something else to keep in mind. Besides the yearly exams, your companion animal may experience sickness and injury, which can require additional veterinarian services.
How are your finances? Are you going to be able to get your companion animal to a vet when he/she needs to go?
Long term plans need to be examined.
Are you planning any major lifestyle changes? Moving? Marriage? Children (or more children)?Companion animals have been returned for all these reasons. If it doesn’t seem like the right time, WAIT! There will ALWAYS be an animal available for you. Wait for that time when the companion animal can be a loved and cherished member of the family.
Please think about the commitment you are about to make. You are now ready to take the first step in making the decision on adopting or not adopting a companion animal.
Where do our rabbits come from?
The majority of our rabbits come from humane societies, OSPA’s, animal controls and other shelters where the rabbits have run out of time due to lack of space, medical or behavioral concerns. We take in the most urgent animals before they are euthanized. In addition, many of our rabbits have been caught outside by our volunteers, after they were dumped outside by a careless owner. We accept a small number of owner surrenders when space permits, and otherwise will work with individuals who need to give up their rabbit, to help find them new homes.
Rabbit Rescue works with, and has assisted the following shelters:
- Alliston Humane Society
- Barrie, OSPCA
- Brampton Animal Control
- Brant County Humane Society
- Brantford Humane Society
- Burlington Animal Control
- City of Mississauga Animal Services
- Etobicoke Humane Society
- Grand River All Breed Animal Rescue
- Guelph Humane Society
- Guinea Pigs R Us
- Hamilton Animal Control
- Hamilton OSPCA
- Kennel Inn, Aurora
- Kingston Animal Rescue
- Midland, OSPCA
- Mississauga Animal Control
- Mississauga Humane Society
- Montreal OSPCA
- Newmarket OSPCA
- New Moon Rabbit Rescue
- Niagra OSPCA
- Oakville Humane Society
- OSPCA, Newmarket
- Ottawa Humane Society
- Sudbury OSPCA
- Timmins Humane Society
- Toronto Animal Services Central Region
- Toronto Animal Services, East Region
- Toronto Animal Services, North Region
- Toronto Animal Services, South Region
- Toronto Animal Services, West Region
- Toronto Humane Society
- Trails End Rabbit Refuge
- Upper Credit Humane Society
- Welland & District Humane Society
- Windsor Humane Society
Where are the animals?
After having several adoption locations for a number of years, the decision was made to keep all animals in foster care. In foster homes, the animals receive one on one attention where they can recover from surgery, be socialized, litter trained and made ready for a new home. Upon completion of the adoption application, you will be put in touch with the foster parents of any animals you would like to meet. The wonderful thing about visiting an animal in foster care is that you can see what they are like in an environment that they are comfortable with, and their personalities shine through! Unfortunately in a shelter type setting, that is a difficult thing to do. When choosing the rabbit that is right for you, you may visit as many bunnies as like until you find the ‘perfect’ match.
How to adopt
The adoption process begins when you fill out an application. Please click on the ‘ADOPTION APPLICATION’ in the drop down menu above and it will automatically start to download. Once complete, email to haviva@rabbitrescue.ca.
Adoption Fees
There are adoption fees involved for every animal in the Rescue. Upon arrival in our care, each animal receives a health check up and all rabbits are spayed/neutered. Rabbit Rescue takes pride in treating all the animals in our care and they receive medical care whenever needed, for whatever is needed. Our costs for these wonderful rabbits are much higher than the adoption fee reflects, and no matter what our costs for them, the adoption fee remains the same for you. Please note that the adoption fee is non-refundable and not eligible for receipt. If you choose to make an extra donation to help another animal in our care, you will receive a tax receipt.
Rabbit Rescue always has a wide variety of bunnies looking for their forever homes. We assist in large scale rescues, owner surrenders, shelter overflows, and dumped bunnies.