Rabbit Rescue is contacted frequently about rabbits at shelters in Quebec/at last chance shelters that will be euthanized due to space/overcrowding. We are not euthanizing these rabbits and they are not with our rescue. In order to help these rabbits, we need foster homes in Ontario, inside of our fostering zone (see vets access requirement above). Upon a successful application, the rabbit will be driven through a volunteer service to a stop along the 401 in the city where the foster home is located. Foster homes are not required to drive to Quebec to pick up a bunny. They just need to be able to meet up with the transport team at the 401 meet up spot. These rabbits often have unknown health histories and we cannot guarantee gender/personality prior to intake.

Like any rabbit, foster bunnies can and do get sick, and regular access to a vehicle to transport a rabbit to the vet is essential. Rabbits get sick at all hours of the day/night, including holidays and weekends. Getting them timely access to whichever vet has availability for us is crucial. Relying on carshare/Ubers is often not feasible due to cost restraints or lack of access (ie, not all drivers are willing to drive from Toronto to Guelph). For the safety and well-being of the foster rabbits, our foster homes do need to be able to transport a rabbit to all our vets.

*Note: Our vets are Jameson Queen Animal Hospital, Beaches Animal Hospital, Kahu Animal Hospital and Campus Estates Animal Hospital, plus Abbey Animal Hospital for vaccinations. Fosters are required to be able to get to all five vets for both regular appointments and emergency appointments.

On average, it takes about 6-9 months for a rabbit to find their forever home, though some get adopted in only a few weeks and some have been with us for years. We know not everyone can commit for multiple years, however to avoid the foster rabbits moving around too often, we do ask for a minimum 6 month commitment.

Our fosters must be located driving distance from our vets, listed in bold below. If you live outside of our fostering zone (including another province or country), please consider fostering locally! There are rabbits at shelters and rescues everywhere that need help and would appreciate a safe foster home.

*Note: Our vets are Jameson Queen Animal Hospital, Beaches Animal Hospital, Kahu Animal Hospital and Campus Estates Animal Hospital, plus Abbey Animal Hospital for vaccinations. Fosters are required to be able to get to all five vets for both regular appointments and emergency appointments.

Foster homes must take their foster bunny to one of Rabbit Rescues vets. Rabbit Rescue covers vet expenses for foster rabbits, however if you would like to make a donation toward their care it is very much appreciated! Donations are tax deductible and all donations will receive a tax receipt. If you decide to take the bunny to a different vet, it must be a rabbit savvy vet approved by Haviva and Brittany and you will be responsible for covering any expenses incurred.

In a one-time situation where you cannot get your rabbit to the vet, we can sometimes find transportation assistance. We prefer that you go with the foster rabbit to the vet appointment, because you know your foster rabbit best, and the vet may have specific questions for you. However, if you are unable to attend the appointment, we will do our best to arrange alternate transportation.

All foster rabbits must be housed indoors in a home environment at all times. Rabbits cannot be taken outside for playtime, photos etc. This includes in a stroller for walks. Fosters are not permitted to bring their foster rabbit to a park or other public facility on or off a leash or in a pen. Rabbits should only go outside in a suitable carrier for vet visits or a reason otherwise approved by Haviva and Brittany. This is imperative for the safety of the rabbits as they can get sick or be seriously injured.

When going on holidays, you need to let us know in advance. One option is to arrange for a rabbit sitter to come to your home minimum 2/day to care for the rabbit while you are away. Or you can bring your foster(s) to an approved sitter (someone you know, one of our volunteers etc.). If the person is not one of Rabbit Rescue’s approved bunsitters, they must fill out a Foster Application and be approved to bunsit your foster. If you are unable to find someone to look after the foster bunny, you need to let us know with enough time to see if one of our volunteers would be able to help. 

Please note: Adoptions must be able to take place while you are away if someone is interested in adopting your foster. If the person you arrange to watch the foster is not comfortable handling the adoption, we will provide a volunteer to come to your home to assist.

No! Please do not let your own rabbits interact with any foster rabbits. They should not even be able to see each other. If they are allowed together, they may begin to bond, or worse – they may fight and injure each other. If you have other animals, please ask first before introducing them to your foster rabbit, as certain guidelines must be followed.

No. Foster rabbits may never be housed in the same room with your own rabbits. Living in the same room together, they could begin to bond. There is also a risk of passing illness between them or fighting resulting in serious injuries.

In most circumstances, multiple foster rabbits may NOT be housed in the same room together. If you wish to foster more than one animal, be sure to communicate this to Brittany. We do our best to accommodate our foster parents, and help save as many lives as possible, with keeping the safety and well-being of our animals at the forefront of our mission.