A heartfelt thank you
Photo caption: A rabbit in their carrier awaiting their spay/neuter surgery.
As rabbit guardians, we know how stressful it can be to find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian. Finding a clinic that sees rabbits can be difficult enough; finding one that can provide specialized or emergency care can feel nearly impossible. We hear from rabbit guardians across the country who are desperately searching for the medical care their beloved companions need.
We’re hard at work to help expand access to rabbit-savvy veterinary care nationwide. Through our veterinary training initiative, veterinary professionals and students from across the U.S. come to HRS to gain something they can rarely get elsewhere: hands-on experience caring for rabbits in a medical setting; skills that will directly expand access to quality care within their local communities.
By sharing our expertise with the next generation of veterinarians, veterinary technicians and assistants, and students, we’re helping build a stronger foundation for rabbit medicine across the country. And your ongoing support makes this work possible!
So far this year, 34 veterinary professionals and students have trained alongside our expert medical team at HRS through the initiative. They’ve come to our facility in Richmond from across the country—and even overseas—including students from Texas, Massachusetts, Washington, and Arizona, and one veterinary student even came from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland!
We’re especially excited to see more veterinary professionals from Bay Area animal shelters participating in the program this year. Veterinarians from Napa Humane, Pets in Need, the Nine Lives Foundation, Stockton Animal Services, and San Francisco Animal Care & Control have trained with our team to strengthen their rabbit-medicine skills. This is particularly significant because rabbits aren’t included in California’s statewide law that requires dogs and cats from shelters to be spayed or neutered before adoption. Helping more shelter veterinarians become confident performing rabbit spay/neuter procedures can make a big difference in preventing future unwanted litters and overcrowding in shelters.
The impact of this training extends far beyond HRS and the Bay Area. When a veterinary professional returns to their clinic or community with new knowledge and confidence, they can provide better care to rabbits for years to come, which helps countless rabbits and the people who love them.
We asked a few of the professionals who have trained with us this year to share what the experience has meant to them.
Photo caption: A rabbit being intubated ahead of their spay/neuter surgery.
“I actually started volunteering with House Rabbit Society when I was just a pre-vet student! I helped at the spay/neuter clinics, and it really enforced that I wanted to work on exotics after vet school. It was always so amazing seeing a community come together for a species that is often underserved. We just don’t have enough bunny practitioners and technicians! I eventually went on to UC Davis for my veterinary training and graduated recently (2024). I am now a small animal and exotics veterinarian in Tucson, AZ, and recently went to House Rabbit Society to work on rabbit spays and neuters, but this time on the doctor side! It was incredible seeing how much had changed (you have a surgery suite now!) and that the community was still working so hard to get care for rabbits. Everyone at HRS was still so friendly and they all obviously love what they do. It was a great hands-on learning experience that helped me build the confidence to offer those procedures today, and always great to work with other exotic medicine people.”
– Dr. Elana Paras, DVM, Sonoran Veterinary Center in Tucson, Arizona
Photo caption: A rabbit post-spay/neuter surgery recovering under the care of an HRS medical volunteer.
“I’ve been hoping to come shadow/train at House Rabbit Society for some years. We do a few rabbit spays and neuters here and there at my shelter and work with an inherited anesthesia and prep protocol from so many years and previous vet staff back; we’re not sure who originated it. Everyone was so welcoming, and it was really cool to see Dr. Austin perform dental work on one of our rabbits who had recently transferred in with severely maligned and curled incisors. My co-RVT Lisa and I were primarily looking to see and learn rabbit intubation. Being able to practice intubating with the scope on a couple bunnies with guidance was invaluable. Even if we don't have the confidence and experience yet, we’re very appreciative of the foundational beginning we received at HRS and look forward to building on it.”
– Angie Yen, RVT at San Francisco Animal Care & Control
Photo caption: Another rabbit post-spay/neuter surgery recovering under the care of an HRS medical volunteer.
“Participating in House Rabbit Society's veterinary training initiative was a dream come true! As a pre-vet student, I've been fortunate to participate in many hands-on experiences with dogs and cats close to my college in Central Florida. However, even after fostering 10 rabbits and working at an emergency clinic that sees exotic species, I had yet to see a rabbit surgery. At HRS, I administered RHDV vaccines, watched intubation and surgery, and monitored rabbits' vitals during recovery. I am so grateful that HRS exists to serve bunnies and their owners in the Bay Area but am especially impressed with how dedicated they are to sharing information and teaching veterinary professionals to expand rabbit care. I hope to return as a vet student and one day as a practicing veterinarian!”
– Carlie Sjogren, pre-vet student at University of Central Florida
It’s truly exciting and inspiring to witness this growing interest in rabbit medicine. Each week, our facility is filled with professionals and students eager to learn, whether it’s mastering safe handling and medication techniques, understanding rabbit-specific anesthesia protocols, or gaining confidence in performing spay/neuter surgeries.
The impact of our programs is only possible because of the kindness of donors like you. Your support ensures this vital work continues. Every veterinary professional we train has the potential to help countless rabbits throughout their career. Thank you for showing up for rabbits again and again and for believing in our work!
For a closer look at the veterinary training initiative, watch HRS’ new video showcasing the program on YouTube at youtube.com/@HRSNational.
