Adoption Policy

1. SHRR rabbits are available as indoor companions ONLY and must be lodged within the residential living space of the adopter.   Schools, garages, institutions, places of business, etc. are not considered acceptable.  Additionally, the rabbit(s) must have space for play and exercise. 
    

2. Primary Caregiver -   When a rabbit is adopted from SHRR, the primary caregiver must be a responsible adult, capable of providing a secure and nurturing environment and prompt veterinary attention when necessary.   Since the  rabbit will be an integral part of the family all interaction with children and/or other household pets must be supervised.   Safe Haven does not recommend rabbits as pets in homes with young children.
    
3. Social Requirements -  Rabbits are highly social beings, thriving in a stable atmosphere of companionship.  Should your adopted companion face long periods of solitude due to changes in the household routine, the introduction of a second rabbit, in most cases,  would offer many mutual benefits.
    
4. Spay/Neuter - All of SHRR rabbits are either spayed or neutered.  Exceptions will apply only to special needs rabbits.  All rabbits seeking the companionship of a SHRR rabbit are required to have been altered at least one month prior to the introduction process.
    
5. Returns -   Although we  hope that all SHRR rabbits find forever homes, we realize this is not always possible.  In such cases, any rabbit adopted from SHRR must be returned to SHRR.   Adopters returning a rabbit must understand that space is always at a premium.   We will work to bring the rabbit back into our foster program as soon as possible but the timeframe required is dependent on many factors and can vary from a few weeks to a few months.
    
6. Exchanges - SHRR will exchange a previously adopted bunny if:
    
   1. The fosterer and adopter are working together on making a match between an adoptee and a pre-residing rabbit AND
   2. In the fosterer's judgement, a different match would be less stressful to the animals.   - OR -
   3. The adopted rabbit does not adjust well to his or her new home environment and a judgement is made by the fosterer that it is in the bunny's best interest to be returned to foster care.

    

7. Adoption fees -  Current Adoption fees are:

   • Singles - $85
   • Pairs - $160
   • Trios - $220

   Special consideration will be given to those adopting a rabbit designated as 'special needs' whose on-going vet bills are expected to continue above the normal yearly veterinary expenses.   Determination will be made on a case-by-case basis.

8. Adoption Procedure -  Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue strives to ensure harmony between the adopter and the rabbit.   All of the many questions we will be asking help us to understand the type of rabbit that will be the most suitable for you and your home environment.   To ensure the best possible match, the following steps are followed:

a.   Adoption Application - Please complete the on-line adoption application.   Once received, someone will contact you, either by phone or email within 24 hours.    Our forms work best with Internet Explorer or Netscape browsers.   If you do not hear from us, our system did not receive the form from your browser, please let us know via email.  

b.   The Interview - This initial conversation, usually via telephone,  is an exchange of information and ideas.   We would like to learn as much about you, your family, other pets, home and experience with rabbits.    That information helps us suggest which of our rabbits would be most suitable.    If you are new to bunnies, we will answer your questions and provide information so that you will understand the requirements of keeping a bunny healthy and happy.    If you are wishing to adopt a playmate for an existing rabbit, we will also gather information about him/her. 

c.   Meeting the Bunnies - Once you have decided which of the suitable adoptees you or your rabbit might be interested in adopting,  we will set up an appointment for you to visit!  Most visits are scheduled during weekend hours.   All family members are encouraged to participate.  It is required that the main caregiver(s) be present.   Selecting a bunny for someone else is not appropriate.   The reaction of animal to person needs to be observed and can often be the deciding factor.  If your bunny is selecting a playmate, he/she will be introduced to each candidate so that we can determine compatibility potential.  In most cases, it will be your bunny who decides who he/she wants to take home.

In most cases, it is best NOT to buy supplies before visiting.   Many people are surprised to see how our rabbits live in foster care.   And, since all rabbits are individuals, it is best to tailor your purchases for the specific rabbit depending on size, personality, athletic ability or inclination, chewing tendencies, etc. etc., etc.   This article will give you some ideas and we can help you tailor them for an individual rabbit.

d.   Homecoming - When all goes well and the big decision has been made, a representative of Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue will deliver your new companion to your home.   This provides the adopter time to get things set up and finish last minute bunny-proofing if need be.   It also allows us to see where our treasured charges are going and to be assured that all will be well.

e.  Follow-up -  Adopters are expected to keep in touch with their new companion's former foster parent; especially during the first few days and weeks as the bunny adjusts to his new home.   Adopters find it comforting to have support and it ensures the bunny will do well in his new home.   A follow-up  visit approximately 4-6 weeks post adoption with a complimentary nail trim (and instructions, if needed) is also normal procedure.   And, of course, adopters are encouraged to call or email anytime with questions as they arise.

All questions and inquiries may be directed to:

adopt@safehavenrr.org

If you are ready to adopt, please submit our
Adoption Form

THANK YOU!!