Board with an Experienced Bunny Sitter or Friend

Not home alone. Unless you have numerous rabbits and other pets, having your bun stay with an experienced rabbit bunny sitter or with a friend who knows your rabbit well, is often the safest place to leave your bunny while you are away. Leaving only one or two rabbits in your home to be visited once or twice a day, leaves open the possibility that something may go wrong and unnoticed in a 12- or 24-hour period.

What to bring. Be sure to confirm with your sitter what supplies you will need to provide. And don’t forget to bring along your bunny’s favorite toys, blanket, and treats. Also discuss what to do in case of emergency. Is your approval needed before a visit to the veterinary clinic? Is your sitter okay to authorize vet costs up to a certain amount without your approval?

Vaccination, if needed. Do note that a reputable sitter who brings different rabbits into their home should require a copy of each of your rabbit’s vaccination certificates to confirm their current RHDV2 vaccine status, if the disease is endemic to your area. The initial vaccine requires 30 days to be considered effective, and an annual booster is required.

Finding the bunny sitter: It’s always a good idea to get referrals.

  • Contact your local House Rabbit Society chapter or educator for boarding options or referrals.
  • Veterinarian technicians at rabbit-savvy veterinary practices sometimes offer pet sitting.
  • Look on bulletin boards at veterinary offices, pet supply stores, and humane societies.
  • Visit TrustedHousesitters–always make sure that your new house sitter knows rabbits!

Pros

  • If the person you choose is familiar with rabbits, symptoms of illness may be more quickly recognized.
  • Hopefully your rabbit will receive more attention than from a visiting sitter.
  • There may be more opportunity for exercise time than if left at home.

Cons

  • Your rabbit will be in unfamiliar surroundings.
  • Other rabbits and pets may stress your rabbit.

Board at a Veterinary Clinic or Kennel

This is usually the least desirable option when leaving your rabbit behind. But if you choose this, there are several things you should consider:

  • Ask to see where your rabbit will stay. Ideally, the rabbit should be in a room away from dogs and cats. If the rabbit will stay in the “cat room,” their cage should not face the cats.
  • Check what supplies you need to provide.
  • The clinic or kennel staff need to be experienced with rabbits.

Pros

  • An experienced rabbit veterinarian can treat your rabbit should they fall ill or if they have a chronic health problem.

Cons

  • Can be difficult to find a vet/kennel that has a desirable space separate from dogs and cats.
  • Not all staff at these facilities may be familiar with rabbits, especially house rabbits.
  • Unfamiliar surroundings and noise from upset animals may be stressful to your rabbit.
  • Asking for updates on your bunny may take a while, especially if the facility is busy that day.
  • It can be expensive, especially if boarding other pets, as well.
  • Staff probably won’t be able to give much personal attention other than feeding and cleaning.
  • Your rabbit most likely will not get out of their enclosure.

Sign up to Our Newsletter!

Sign up for web update alerts and our monthly e-newsletter
to stay current on HRS, our Chapters, and info for your bunny.

Sign up here