Preparing for Adoption

Adoption Education Package

We are excited to help you find the right bunny companion. Before proceeding with the adoption process, we ask that all potential adopters take time to carefully review the educational resources and information below. Rabbits are intelligent, sensitive companion animals with specialized care needs, and education is one of the most important steps in preparing for a successful adoption. Each rabbit adopted through Amy's Bunny Barn is spayed/neutered and vaccinated prior to adoption.

Welcome to Rabbit Ownership

Rabbits are wonderful companions, but they are often mistaken for easy, low maintenance and great start pets for kids. They require daily care, enrichment, veterinary support, and a long-term commitment. Rabbits typically live 8-14 years, making adoption a significant responsibility.

Before adopting, please consider:

  • Can you commit to caring for a rabbit for 8-14 years?

  • Are all household members supportive of adopting a rabbit?

  • Is your living situation stable and rabbit-friendly?

  • Do you have access to a rabbit-savvy veterinarian?

  • Can you provide emergency veterinary care when needed?

  • If your children loose interest are you going to follow through with your commitment of care?

  • Life circumstances change. Have you considered how you will continue to meet your rabbit's needs during events such as moving, career changes, financial challenges, welcoming a new baby, separation, or other significant life transitions?

1. Adoption Process

Please familiarize yourself with our adoption process and expectations:

🔗 https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/adoption-process

This page explains:

  • How our matching process works

  • Housing requirements

  • Family and lifestyle considerations

  • Veterinary expectations

  • Long-term commitment requirements

  • The adoption questionnaire process

Housing

Amy's Bunny Barn only adopts rabbits as indoor companions for many reasons. Rabbits thrive when living as members of the family in a safe, climate-controlled environment.

Why Indoors:

  • Rabbits living outdoors are exposed to harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind, which can take a significant toll on their health and well-being. Indoor rabbits are typically healthier, happier, and often live longer because they are safe, comfortable, and protected from the elements. Outdoor rabbits are also vulnerable to predators. Imagine being confined to a space where something is trying to harm you and you have nowhere to escape. A rabbit's home should be a place where they feel safe and secure, not fearful. We believe every rabbit deserves the safety, comfort, and companionship of an indoor home.

  • Rabbits are highly social animals and need companionship and meaningful interaction, just like people and other animals. They are not meant to live in isolation. Rabbits thrive when they have opportunities to bond, socialize, and engage with their families or a compatible rabbit companion. A lack of social interaction can lead to loneliness, boredom, stress, and a reduced quality of life.

  • Outdoor rabbits are at a higher risk of contracting both internal and external parasites. If left untreated, parasites can cause serious health complications, discomfort, illness, and in some cases, death. Keeping rabbits indoors greatly reduces their exposure to many common parasites and helps protect their long-term health and well-being.

  • Monitoring your rabbit for signs of illness is extremely important. Rabbits are prey animals and instinctively hide signs of pain or sickness to avoid appearing vulnerable. By the time you notice symptoms, your rabbit may have been unwell for some time and could require immediate veterinary attention. Changes in appetite, droppings, energy level, behavior, or grooming habits should never be ignored, as prompt treatment can often make a significant difference in recovery and outcomes.

Space Requirements

Rabbits need room to:

  • Run

  • Stretch

  • Binky

  • Explore

  • Play

Rabbits should not spend their lives confined to small cages. The more space you can provide the better. The minimum requirements are 4 ft x 4 ft of usable living space, with daily free roaming time.

Rabbit-Proofing Your Home

Rabbit-proofing is an important part of keeping your bunny safe. Before adoption, please ensure your home is prepared by:

✅ Protecting electrical cords

✅ Removing toxic plants

✅ Securing valuable belongings

✅ Blocking unsafe areas

✅ Creating a safe exercise space

✅ Preparing litter box areas

Enrichment

Rabbits are intelligent and curious animals. Without enrichment, rabbits can become bored, stressed, depressed or destructive.

They require:

  • Toys

  • Digging opportunities

  • Chewing outlets

  • Exploration time

  • Human interaction

  • Mental stimulation

Veterinary Care

All rabbits require:

  • Annual wellness examinations

  • Prompt veterinary care when sick

  • Emergency care when necessary

Rabbits often hide illness until symptoms become serious. Having an established relationship with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian before adoption is extremely important.

Behaviour & Adjustment Period

https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/support

Please review our guide on helping newly adopted rabbits settle into their homes.

Topics include:

  • The 3-3-3 adjustment rule

  • Building trust with your rabbit

  • Normal post-adoption behaviors

  • Stress reduction

  • Creating a positive bond

Remember:

Trust with a rabbit is earned, not forced. Newly adopted rabbits may be shy, hide frequently, or take weeks to fully relax in a new environment. These behaviors are normal.

Before Bringing Your Bunny Home

Please ensure you have:

Housing

  • Exercise Pen or Bunny-Safe Enclosure: Please do not purchase an exercise pen or enclosure before consulting with us. We are happy to review your planned setup and confirm that it provides adequate space, safety, and comfort for your rabbit. Not all pet store products marketed for rabbits are appropriate, and choosing the right enclosure from the start can help avoid unnecessary expense and ensure your bunny has a safe and enriching living environment.

  • Appropriate Flooring: Rabbits need comfortable, non-slip flooring to support their joints and allow them to move around safely. Fleece blankets, soft rugs, and other washable surfaces work well. Slippery flooring such as hardwood, tile, or laminate can be uncomfortable and may contribute to sore hocks, injuries, or splayed legs. While some rabbits can navigate slick surfaces with ease, others may struggle and avoid moving around their space. Providing secure footing helps encourage natural movement, exercise, and confidence.

  • Hiding Spaces: Rabbits need safe, comfortable places where they can retreat to rest, sleep, and feel secure. As prey animals, they instinctively seek out sheltered areas when they are feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or simply want some quiet time. Providing hideouts such as cardboard boxes, tunnels, castles, or enclosed beds helps rabbits feel safe and reduces stress, allowing them to build confidence in their environment.

  • Litter Box and Litter: A large litter box filled with compressed, kiln-dried pine pellets is one of the most effective and economical litter options for rabbits. Other rabbit-safe choices include paper-based litters such as Carefresh or recycled paper pellets. Avoid clay cat litter, clumping litter, or scented products, as these can be harmful to rabbits. Keep the litter box clean by removing soiled litter regularly and performing a full litter change as needed.

Feeding Supplies

  • Unlimited High-Quality Hay: Hay should make up the majority of your rabbit's diet and must be available at all times. Not all hay is created equal, and some pre-bagged brands found in pet stores may be dusty, overly dry, or of poor nutritional quality. We recommend purchasing fresh, high-quality hay from a local feed store, farm, or trusted brands such as Oxbow. Good-quality hay should be fragrant, fresh-looking, and encourage natural foraging and chewing behaviors that support digestive and dental health.

  • Large Ceramic Water Dish: A large, heavy ceramic water dish is recommended, as it is difficult to tip over and helps prevent spills. Rabbits generally drink more water from a bowl than from a bottle, which supports proper hydration and overall health. Fresh, clean water should always be available and changed daily.

  • Rabbit Pellets: Pellets should only make up a small portion of your rabbit's diet, but choosing a high-quality pellet is extremely important. Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and many foods marketed for rabbits contain inappropriate ingredients such as seeds, nuts, dried fruit, corn, or other fillers. These ingredients can contribute to digestive issues, obesity, and selective feeding. Choose a plain, hay-based pellet without added treats or colorful pieces. At Amy's Bunny Barn, we feed and recommend Oxbow, Sherwood Pet Health, and Little Marten's pellets. Quality nutrition is an important part of supporting your rabbit's long-term health and well-being.

  • Fresh leafy greens

Enrichment

  • Chew toys

  • Dig boxes

  • Tunnels

  • Hideouts

Veterinary Preparedness

  • Rabbit-savvy veterinarian selected

  • Emergency clinic identified

Rabbit Care Resources

https://www.amysbunnybarn.org/resources

This page contains essential information about:

  • Rabbit-savvy veterinary clinics

  • Reputable rabbit rescues

  • Rabbit care standards

  • Trusted rabbit businesses and resources

One of the most important things you can do before adoption is identify a rabbit-savvy veterinarian in your area. Rabbits have unique medical needs and require veterinarians experienced in rabbit medicine.