Primary Caregiver. When a rabbit is adopted from HRS,
the primary caregiver must be a responsible adult. The rabbit should
be treated as an integral part of the family, i.e., no group ownership
(such as a classroom pet). We do NOT adopt rabbits as pets for
children. The rabbit must be wanted by the entire family.
Indoor Housing. Adopters of HRS rabbits must understand
that our rabbits are to live as household companions. This means that
they must have their primary living space indoors, and must spend every
night indoors. During the daytime, adopters can allow their rabbits
outdoor daytime exercise. If this is the case, the rabbit must be provided
with an area with secure fencing, and adequate supervision. Fosterers may
require additional safety precautions appropriate to their locale.
Social Requirements. If the rabbit is going to be alone (i.e.
without the company of people, a cat or other household pets) for the
majority of the time, then we recommend that the adopter adopt a second
rabbit as a companion to the first.
Neutering. Sexually immature rabbits of mixed sexes can be
adopted together as long as the adopter agrees to separate them when the
males are 3 1/2 months old and to neuter them as soon as the testicles have
descended (usually around 4 months). Except for medical reasons, females
are to be spayed within 30 days of reaching 6 months old. These same
requirements exist even when an adopter has only adopted a single immature
rabbit. Even when the rabbit will live alone, spaying and neutering after
sexual maturity is still required.
Returns. If there are such problems with the adopted rabbit
that the adopter needs to return the rabbit, we ask that you give the
fosterer some advance notice. Some common sense and courtesy is expected.
Once an animal is adopted from HRS, the space vacated is usually filled
within a week. A return requires two preparations: a space must be opened
by a new adoption, and another rabbit must be "bumped" from the rescue list
at the animal shelter. Nevertheless, all rabbits adopted from this foster
home must be returned to this foster home in case of insurmountable
problems.
Exchanges. HRS does not exchange animals. Exceptions may be
made when:
The fosterer and adopter are working together on making a
match between an adoptee and a pre-residing rabbit AND
In the fosterer's judgement, a different match would be less
stressful to the animals.
Adoption fees. HRS adoption fees are donations that cannot be refunded.
We are a federally recognized tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. Donations
made to us are no more refundable than they are to any other public charity.
