February is Adopt A Rescued Rabbit Month
If you are considering adopting a rabbit we have some suggestions and links to make it easier for you.
BC SPCA Adoptable Rabbits
The BC SPCA in Abbotsford currently has 2 rabbits looking for a home:
For more information on Poppy go to https://adopt.spca.bc.ca/pets/780472/
For more information on Penelope go to https://adopt.spca.bc.ca/pets/780467/
Hopefully, they will find a home soon. But if they are adopted when you read this keep checking back for other rabbits looking for homes in the Abbotsford area.
SAINTS Senior Animals in Need Today Society Rabbits
SAINTS is located in Mission (they are moving to Maple Ridge in the coming year) and they have a sanctuary and foster network for senior pets and other animals in need of medical attention and care.
There are no current adoptable rabbits listed but there are many sanctuary residents and rabbits in foster that need support. You can donate either a one-time donation, or a monthly recurring donation, or even sponsor a specific animal like one of their resident rabbits. For more information on donating visit their website. If you are interested in adopting or fostering reach out to SAINTS. The more support they have the more pets they can take in and care for.
For their list of rabbits go here.
Rabbitats Adoptable Rabbits
Rabbitats is a rabbit rescue and advocacy organization that specializes in education and support of feral rabbit colonies. They have many rabbits available for adoption which you can view here.
Rabbitats also has a foster network and you can apply to become a foster here.
Petfinder Adoptable Rabbits
Petfinder is another option when searching for a pet. Many local rescues list pets on there and you can search by location, species, and other details. Here is a search for adoptable rabbits in Abbotsford.
It will also list other similar pets nearby including Vancouver, Surrey, Lynden, and the surrounding areas. If you click on the pet you are interested in you will be able to view more details about them and how to get in contact with the rescue organization and apply for adoption.
Caring for Rabbits
Rabbits need:
specialized housing and a place to hide in so they feel safe
a litter box
safe things to chew like rabbit toys, paper, wicker baskets, cardboard, etc.
rabbit-proofing, covered wires and removal of other dangerous things they may chew
daily care
fresh water
a diet of leafy greens and hay
extra exercise space to jump and play
regular vet checkups by a Vet that specializes in rabbits
a shady cool place if it is hot out (they cannot tolerate extreme heat)
regular brushing
When well taken care of rabbits can live 7 to 10 years or more!
Please consider adopting a bonded pair (or trio) as they will be happier moving to a new strange place with their best friend and it gives them company and a playmate. It is possible to introduce rabbits slowly and safely but it takes some skill and may still not work out despite your best efforts. So, you may be better off adopting rabbits that already get along great.
General information about rabbits and lost or feral rabbits
Wild cottontail rabbits in BC are brown in colour and have adapted to the environment. So any other bunny you see out and about that is an unusual colour such as white, black grey, or spotted, is likely a lost or abandoned pet.
If you see a potentially lost or abandoned bunny please try to intervene and do not assume they will be okay on their own. You may need to gain trust over time, corral them and/or give them proper food until they can be caught. Similar to cats, if you suddenly see a bunny that has never been around before they have likely been abandoned. Particularly if you are in an urban area, a parking lot, or somewhere with lots of busy roads and traffic.
Some pet rabbits that have been abandoned have established themselves are considered 'feral', legally. And, these rabbits may be surviving and may even breed and form a colony. There are organizations like rabbitats.org that help with feral populations and bunny rescue information and advocacy.
If you adopt a rabbit or currently have one at home please share a photo or your adoption story with us in the comments. Any tips from current rabbit owners are welcome and may really help any new rabbit parents reading this.
Further reading:
Rabbitats also has some helpful videos on YouTube
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