February is Adopt a Rescue Rabbit Month
Every year in the U.S., an estimated 6-8 million homeless pets enter animal shelters, many of them at risk of euthanasia. By choosing to adopt your new rabbit rather than buying one from a breeder or pet store, you can help reduce the number of rabbits entering shelters each year, and save lives. Approximately 7 million people in America plan to acquire a new pet each year. Data shared by Best Friends Animal Society in 2024 found that if just 6 percent more people chose to adopt rather than purchase their pets, the euthanasia of animals in shelters would end.
Photo caption: Squilliam Fancyson was transferred to HRS from a local shelter.
February is Adopt a Rescue Rabbit Month, dedicated to raising awareness about rescue rabbits and highlighting the many rabbits waiting in shelters for loving homes. Many people don’t realize that rabbits can live 10 to 12 years (or more!), requiring the same level of long-term commitment as dogs and cats. Caring for a rabbit is also quite different from other pets, and without enough education, often new rabbit owners feel overwhelmed. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding about rabbit care is a common reason rabbits are surrendered back to shelters and rescues.
At House Rabbit Society, education is a core part of prevention. We have many free resources available, such as our free Rabbit Care 101 class on Zoom, to help current and future rabbit guardians feel confident and prepared to provide their rabbit with the best life possible.
Beyond lack of education, housing challenges remain one of the leading reasons pets are surrendered to shelters. In California, only about 30% of available rentals in any given city are pet-friendly, according to ABC 7 News. Many landlords are hesitant to rent to pet owners due to concerns about property damage or noise, making it increasingly difficult for people to find and keep housing that allows pets. At HRS, lack of pet-friendly housing is the number one reason rabbits are returned to our care after adoption. It’s also the most common challenge we hear about from people who are trying to rehome their rabbit.
You can help: choose to adopt your next rabbit! Right now, we have close to 50 adoptable rabbits looking for a home, many of whom have been with us for a year or longer. Each rabbit who comes to HRS was transferred from an animal shelter, whether because they were sick or injured, because they were scared, or simply at risk due to overcrowding. HRS is able to save their lives thanks to people like you who choose to adopt!
Photo caption: Orecchiette is a sweet, friendly rabbit available for adoption at HRS. We think she would love a bunny friend to snuggle and play with!
February is also the month of love, making it the perfect time to think about companionship. Rabbits are very social creatures and most rabbits want the companionship of another rabbit. While humans play an important role in their lives, human companionship can’t fully replace the close bond rabbits share with one another. If you’re looking for a friend for your rabbit, we offer resources to guide you through the bonding process, including a free Zoom class focused on rabbit rabbit introductions.
Sign up at houserabbit.org/classes for a deep dive on tips and tactics on approaching bunny bonding without stress. Adopting a friend for your rabbit also saves two lives: the one you bring home and the new space you've made available at the shelter for another rabbit in need. Bonding is hard work, but also incredibly rewarding for both you and your rabbit when you find the right match.
If you’re local to the San Francisco Bay Area, House Rabbit Society also offers rabbit speed dating appointments at our Richmond facility. Bring your rabbit to meet potential companions in a supervised, supportive environment. We have so many sweet, friendly rabbits who would love to meet them.
Whether you’re adopting a single rabbit, welcoming home a bonded pair, or finding the perfect friend for your current rabbit, House Rabbit Society is here to help every step of the way. Please choose to adopt! It saves lives and helps make room for the many rabbits still waiting for their second chance.
