Where Can You Surrender a Bunny?

Bunnies may seem like low-key pets, but the reality is they are high-maintenance animals who require indoor housing, hours of socialization per day and gentle handling. They are not the best choice for children. Because of this, many bunnies and rabbits are abandoned every year -- particularly after the novelty has worn off after Easter.

  1. Deciding to Surrender a Bunny

    • Many people buy bunnies for their children for Easter, purchase them as photography props or choose them because they look like cute and easy pets. These impulse purchases may come with regrets later on. Bunnies require a lot of time and are best suited for adult handlers. Before you rehome or surrender a bunny, evaluate the situation and ask yourself if you could change something to better suit your family's needs. For example, if the bunny is uncomfortable with your children, work with them to handle the animal with supervised, gentle care. If your bunny is destructive, allow him to chew on cardboard or shredded paper to keep him occupied.

    Rescue Groups

    • A rabbit rescue group is a good option if you'd like to surrender your bunny since many of these organizations are volunteer-run, operate solely on donations and typically have the best interest of their animals in mind. Many rescues utilize foster homes while looking for them permanent homes. Rescue groups screen and educate potential adopters so the adoption is likely to be successful. Ask your vet for a list of bunny rescue groups in your area.

    Shelters

    • Some animal shelters take bunny surrenders. Many animal shelters, especially state or government funded shelters, do euthanize pets as a form of animal control. A no-kill animal shelter may be an option. Some shelters utilize devoted employees and volunteers to take care of animals, while others may be run poorly and may not have the best care. You may inquire about the status of an organization over the phone or by looking up the shelter's status online -- always do research before surrendering your pet to a shelter.

    Adopting to Individuals

    • If you would like to have some control over where your pet ends up, consider surrendering your bunny to an individual. List your bunny in the local newspaper, in online classifieds or on fliers around town to get the word out. Ask a small adoption fee to ensure that your bunny is going to a good home. Ask questions like, "Will you keep the bunny indoors?" and "How will you handle aggression?" to help you decide if you're comfortable with the potential adopter.