The Time is Right to Consider Adopting a Rabbit

This time of year tends to be slow when it comes to rabbit adoptions.  But it is also a time when shelters are inundated with "Easter dumps" -- those rabbits that were purchased as Easter gifts for young children and for whom the novelty of the no-longer-baby-bunny has worn off. This usually results in a large selection of rabbits at the shelter and makes it a great time to search out your new lagomorphic friend.

Why Adopt a Rabbit?

Rabbits can be wonderful indoor companions. They can be trained to use a litter box, and are generally quite neat. Because they are quiet and don't need large amounts of room to be truly happy, they're quite popular with people who live in apartments or condominiums.

Rabbits are not as in-your-face as a dog or cat might be; in fact, one of their appeals is their subtlety. Because rabbits are not vocal animals, they can only communicate through action. You may need to get acquainted with a rabbit for awhile before you learn to interpret its "language," but the path to understanding them can be very rewarding and entertaining.

Rabbits are very sociable creatures. Although they typically don't like to be held, rabbits enjoy the company of humans and will often interact with or even snuggle up to people who are sitting nearby. Once they get to know you, they will frequently lie around for long periods of time while you pet them or rub their ears. If you're lucky, they may even reward you with a nice kiss or a tooth-purring.

Although people often don't think of them as particularly smart, rabbits often surprise you with their intelligence and curiosity. They like to play with objects such as cardboard boxes or tubes, plastic cat balls, and wooden chew toys. (One of my rabbits often puts a large plastic ball into her food bowl to let me know the bowl is empty, and loves to throw her toys down the ramp of her two-story rabbit condo -- the more noise it makes, the better.) They also have an amazing knack for getting into mischief if you're not careful. They inevitably find that one spot that you didn't quite block off from them, or seem to make a beeline for that new pair of jeans you inadvertently left on the floor for them to munch!

People who are allergic to dogs and cats often find they aren't allergic to rabbits. Although rabbits clean themselves like cats do, the substances in cat saliva that often cause allergic reactions are not the same in rabbits. So if you are allergic to dogs or cats and still want a companion animal, a rabbit may be just right for you.

And of course, there's the cuteness factor. It's hard not to let out an "Awww!" when you see a rabbit cleaning its ears, licking the spaces between its back toes, or making a long strand of hay disappear faster than you can say, "Jack rabbit!"

So What Are You Waiting For?

If you're intrigued by the idea of bringing a rabbit into your life, you should prepare yourself and your home. A good place to start finding out more about rabbits is the House Rabbit Society web site.

You should also buy the supplies you'll need for your new rabbit before bringing it into your home. You'll have to decide where your rabbit will reside, what sort of cage or living space you want to assemble, and set it up. You'll also need a litter box; bowls for pellets, water, and veggies; litter (paper- or plant-based; no pine or cedar shavings or clay-based litters); pellets (high fiber); and hay (oat, timothy, or orchard grass are good choices). You might also start working on your rabbit's toy collection. Several web sites specializing in rabbit toys can give you some ideas; even something as simple as a cardboard paper towel roll stuffed with hay can entertain your rabbit. Don't forget to bunny-proof! Make sure electrical and phone cords, books, furniture, etc., are either covered or out of reach of your rabbit's teeth.

Once you're all set, we invite you to come to the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter and visit with our rabbit residents. We'll help you find the rabbit that's just right for you, and you'll be ready to adopt a rescued rabbit!