Adopt a Bunny from the Greater Niagara Humane Society
The Humane Society is a well-known temporary home for cats and dogs—but did you know that we also take in other small companion animals like gerbils, guinea pigs and rabbits? In fact, rabbits often find themselves in the caring hands of volunteers and staff at the Greater Niagara Humane Society animal shelter, and in need of a loving person to adopt them into a forever home. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, consider adopting a rabbit! Pet rabbits are sweet and funny and very rewarding.
Rabbits Make Good Pets
Bunnies are cute, small, intelligent, and loving, which means they make good pets for any animal lover. They’re also quiet! Rabbits won’t get you in trouble with the neighbours for barking all the time, or pooping on the lawn—a big plus, if you ask us. Since they’re quite small, usually a little smaller than or equal to the average cat, rabbits don’t need a lot of space and can be just as happy in an apartment as in a house. Most importantly, once they get to know you, rabbits are snuggly soft companions who enjoy chilling out on the couch with some veggie snacks.
Like cats and dogs (and rodents and birds, too!), rabbits have individual personalities that set them apart from other rabbits and household pets. Their characters are as varied as their appearance, which ranges from giant long-haired floofs to little short-haired velveteen not-so-floofs. In fact, many of the bunnies that find themselves in our care at the Humane Society were once bred for profit, costing their original owners up to $500. Still, just like all the other domesticated animals in our care, these desirable rabbit breeds find themselves homeless for a number of reasons.
Bunnies are Long-Term Family Members!
On that note—if you want to become a pet owner, your new rabbit friend needs your ongoing support and love. Healthy bunnies live more than 10 years, and they need your care whether you have a new job, no job, or move to another city or country. Pets are family! Life events like losing employment, getting married or divorced, getting sick or moving house happen to all of us—as responsible and loving pet owners it is up to us to take a breath, not panic, and make sure that all members of our family come along on every journey.
Rabbits are allowed on local and international flights with most airlines, though not every airline will let you take your bunny with you into the cabin. Rabbits can also travel in many trains, buses, ferries and obviously in personal vehicles, once they are secured in a sturdy hard-sided pet carrier. If you do need to travel with your pet rabbit, be sure to take plenty of breaks and check them regularly. Bunnies need to eat on a regular schedule to avoid becoming very sick, so talk to your veterinarian first to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Bonding with your bunny at home
Most important, of course, when you adopt a rabbit, is the fun you two will have together! It’s normal for any new pet to be shy and anxious when entering a new home, so make sure your rabbit’s environment is comfortable and soothing, and not loud or filled with strange animals and people. Once your bunny settles in properly, you’ll be able to play and teach it tricks.
Though many domestic rabbits are kept in cages, rabbits don’t really want to stay in a cage for their entire day. They do, however, enjoy having this bit of safe space for sleeping and relaxing by themselves. Set up your bunny´s safe haven somewhere quiet, with a place to hide (an upside-down cardboard box with a door flap is fine, or a specially-built bunny castle, if you prefer!). Rabbits need a clean and comfy area to bed into, and a strict vegetarian diet. The best foods for bunnies include hay, dark leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, and some vet-grade rabbit pellets.
As your bunny settles in, get to know each other! Just as you would with a new dog or cat, stay nearby your new pet and talk to them, staying at a distance where you can see that you aren’t making them nervous. Set up a litter area using wood shavings or CareFresh, and you’ll soon see how tidy rabbits can be, preferring to use one area as a toilet. After a few good meals, good poops and friendly conversation, your rabbit will be ready to explore the house and get to know its new home and family members. It’s important that your rabbit have plenty of space to run around and live life—and even better if it can access a little safe area outside, like a catio.
Keep in mind that rabbits are often cuddly, but not all enjoy being picked up. When ready, they’ll come to you for some pets and snuggles and to share some snacks. If you have young kids, watch carefully to make sure they aren’t trying to carry the rabbit around or terrorise it in its safe space! Rabbits are usually better pets for older kids or adults because they need their family members to understand their social boundaries. Beware: scared or angry rabbits will bite and scratch!
Adopt a Pet from the Greater Niagara Humane Society
Staff at the Humane Society, and those who volunteer with animals here, want the very best for all the species in our temporary care—especially a wonderful home and family. If you’re excited to bring a needy animal into your home, please have a look at our page to see all animals available for adoption, and come visit us in person at 160 Fourth Avenue St. Catharines ON to meet any rabbits, cats, dogs or other animals that tug at your heartstrings. If you’re looking for a new pet and animal volunteer opportunities, check in with us! With the help of people just like you, the Greater Niagara Humane Society can help keep thousands of animals safely sheltered, cared for, and transitioned into full-time loving homes.
Thank you!
