I think if the care of the pet (any pet) is going to suffer, then it’s ok to rehome. I interpret care as to be any aspect of a pet – grooming, food, time spent with you, etc. I would rather rehome a pet who’s continuously acting out because it’s not getting enough attention than keep it and have everyone be miserable and frustrated. But just to get rid of a pet because I’m too lazy to properly house proof/train/etc…no. That’s just humans being stupid.

I do think there are situations where it is ok.

This made me think of the only pets I’ve ever rehomed. As a kid I got anoles (little lizards) because a kid in my school had them and they were so sweet and gentle. We did research them first and got them the perfect habitat, but they were so jumpy and unfriendly and just sat in the tank all day. My dad worked at a residential school for developmentally disabled kids, and the school said they would take them to live with the kids, which we thought was a much better life for them. If they were only pets to watch, at least a bunch of people could enjoy them, and maybe some brave person would tame them a bit.

It makes me sad that the Craigslist ads always seem to be for bunnies under a year. There are so many that say “I really love him and did a ton of research before getting a bunny, but I just don’t have enough time to let him out to exercise. He is a 3 month old lop.”
Seriously? You did a lot of research and really love your pet, but after one month you decide it just won’t work out? Hannah’s owner gave her up after owning her for 3 years – she loved her very much and took good care of her, but her life had changed and she just couldn’t give her the life she needed. In her situation she really cared and thought it would be best for Hannah to go to a new home where she could have lots of space and a new buddy (she always showed signs of being lonely).

I think if it’s push come to shove, then yes, finding a new good home is perfectly okay. It’s not an easy task to do however. I used to foster rabbits and find homes for them and have helped at many rabbit rescues and now at a guinea pig rescue so I know it’s quite a challenge finding homes for pets.

I do always question though the real reason a person is trying to find a home for their pet – is it really for the pet or a matter of convenience for them. I guess I’m just a skeptic.

I’ve never worried about my rabbits acting out because they are lonely or acting out because they are bad or mean or aggressive – those aren’t behaviors that rehoming is going to cure. Rehoming is just going to make those animals more insecure and apt to continue acting out due to fear, insecurity, etc….and really, if you think they are lonely, why wouldn’t you get them a friend or spend more time with them….and also I think my home would be better lonely or not than many other homes.

I think if it’s a matter that due to hardships beyond your control then yes, it’s fine to do that – usually those hardships don’t always afford you the proper time it takes to find a good home though.

Sarita, in the case of the girl who gave up Hannah, she was an actress and away from home all the time as she started getting roles. In a small NYC apartment it’s pretty much impossible to build a big cage (and Hannah is not safe to free roam) so she was getting very little exercise. Of course there was an aspect of convenience in giving her up, and I don’t think her owner absolutely had to do it, but I’m glad I can give her a much happier life now.

I guess I almost understand people more who give up a pet soon after getting it – as annoying as it is, they realize this pet is not actually the one for them. I don’t think I’d ever be able to give up a pet I had and loved for three years, no matter what my circumstances.

I do understand about Hannah. She was lucky that you gave Hannah a great home – that doesn’t always happen though. Hannah definitely would get in trouble having too much space to roam – you’d come home to parties and photoshoots and all kind of diva type situations unless you keep her under control.

Hahahaha. There would definitely be a party, but I think it would be happening behind my tv, under the couches, and on top of the dining room table. Otto would be watching from a safe distance.

It’s true, Hannah could’ve ended up with much worse than her current owner could provide. She asked me to send a picture of Otto’s cage and she was really happy to see he had such a good life and would be friends with her bunny. I feel bad for all of those Craigslist bunnies who go home with people who don’t treat them any better than the original owner 🙁

My older brother moved to another state, far away from his family and friends and because he was lonely, he decided to get TWO puppies. And because he was working 10-12 hour days and at least occassionally trying to have a social life, the very obvious happened, and they spent their days pretty much eating and destroying his house. Now, obviously it was stupid, selfish, and shortsighted of him to get a puppy, let alone TWO puppies, with his life in such a state to cure his loneliness, but once the mistake was made and given his life wasn’t going to change, really the responsible thing in a situation like that is to rehome, in my opinion. He didn’t take them to a shelter, but found a family who was familiar with the breed to take them both in. I can’t imagine doing it myself, but I lack my brother’s shortsightedness (thankfully), and I get sooo attached to pretty much everything that it just couldn’t happen. But I do think it can be the responsible (if a belated taking of responsibility) in some situations, and there are responsible and irresponsible ways to rehome an animal.
Allegedly Kate and Spence came to the shelter (the second time, before I adopted them) because their owner had an illness, which I suppose can be a legit reason too. (of course, it could have also been the excuse that they felt made them look less bad dropping them off) Although I can’t imagine dropping them off at a kill shelter. And given how incredibly innaccurate the personality profile they filled out for them was, I don’t know that they really spent any time with them before an illness.

Often the “illness’ ends up being a new baby, or a favorite shoe gets chewed on, or couch peed on… its sad

Speaking of the new baby thing … Some friends were trying to adopt a puppy and listed me as one of their references. So the woman calls me and keeps harping on when they’ll have kids, if they would give up a dog after having kids, etc. As far as I know they don’t even want kids, so I told her that and then told my friend. I guess his other reference had just had a baby and had babies on the brain – he basically told the woman that this couple wanted a dog to “practice” for having a baby, which was so far from the truth. Haha. I felt pretty good about the rescue to know they were so concerned about that! My friend couldn’t believe people gave up dogs when they had kids, but I told him it happens all the time.

I’m happy to say they got the cutest puppy ever who is now an awesome 50lb dog and I’m so happy for them. Bruno is their baby 🙂

But MB just made me think about all of the people who do give up pets for kids and how that’s such a real problem.

We accidentally rehomed a cat.

We lived in a large condo-complex in NYC. Though having pets was technically against the rules, it was never enforced. We knew of several neighbors with pets. One had 2 very large dogs, another a very noisy parrot, the lady next to the elevator had a cute kitten who greeted her at the door, etc. Also, NYC has a law that if your pet goes unnoticed for a certain number of months, then they are excluded from tenant rules.

The problem came when MIL found out about the cat. Since FIL actually owned the condo, she had some say in the matter. So, the cat went to go stay with my parents till we could buy our house in the suburbs. When we bought the house and moved in, we ask my parents for our cat back, but they said he was too bonded to their cat, and didn’t want to separate them. So they just kept our cat.

Dad actually still has our cat. We thought about asking for him back again when their older cat died, but my mom was terminally ill at that point, and we didn’t want dad to be completely alone when she died.

So, our cat ended up rehomed, and it is best for everyone, even though it wasn’t something we ever planned to do.

I would only give away my rabbits if I truly couldn’t provide for their basic care (food, attention, vet bills, etc.). The shelter that I adopted them from said that if I ever needed to rehome them, I had to bring them back to the shelter. However, that shelter adopts out to just about anybody and occasionally separates bonded bunnies for no reason, so I think that I’d try to get them to let me surrender the bunnies to the Colorado HRS instead.

I think that in absolutely dire situations, I would. Under contract, Navi would have to go back to the SPCA, and Link would go with her because I couldn’t bare to separate them. Like if we absolutely cannot avoid living in a place that forbids pets. If I got sick, then I would find someone to help me. If I couldn’t afford food or vet care, I would appeal to local rescues to help. If I had a kid, I would still make time for my pets.
My first alternative would be convincing my parents to temporarily house them for me, and if that failed, then I would take them to the SPCA.

The only way I would rehome my pets is if I could absolutely could no longer physically care for them, and had no one to help me. Luckily, I am in a position where I can choose where to live, so I don’t have to worry about living somewhere pets are not allowed. And my husband is awesome and has a great job, so money isn’t a huge issue when it comes to vet care and such. I know many people aren’t as lucky as I am in this economy, so I’m just thankful my 3 at least I can guarantee to have good homes

I’ve never worried about my rabbits acting out because they are lonely or acting out because they are bad or mean or aggressive – those aren’t behaviors that rehoming is going to cure. Rehoming is just going to make those animals more insecure and apt to continue acting out due to fear, insecurity, etc….and really, if you think they are lonely, why wouldn’t you get them a friend or spend more time with them…. and also I think my home would be better lonely or not than many other homes.

The last line of Sarita’s post here is key, in my mind. There are so many WORSE places for rabbits to go. Even with screening, if someone really wants a pet, they can “talk the talk” long enough to get in your good graces. Unless you’re checking up every week, you have no idea what the rest of the bunny’s life will be like. I would rather my rabbits stay with me and be properly housed, fed, and cleaned up after… but “lonely”. Altho with my pair, I doubt loneliness is an issue.

I always think back to the member (years ago) who took in, neutered, and “rehomed” a rabbit. She screened the person, did a home visit, etc… and she DID NOT even charge an adoption fee despite the fact she has neutered out of pocket!

Later (I think a couple months?), she found HER rabbit up on Craigslist for a hefty adoption fee!!!

Yes, people DO “flip” animals on Craigslist.

If there a reason you are asking, or just curious in general?

I rehomed my beautiful guinea pig, Coco. I was terribly sad when I did, and it may not have been necessary, but he’s much happier now. The problem was my bunny, Charlie. Charlie hated Coco and Coco was, understandably, terrified of Charlie. This wasn’t easy in a tiny, inner city apartment.
I spent months trying to find a good home for Coco, and eventually was super lucky to find a lady with 3 girl guinea pigs to keep Coco (desexed) company.
I was very certain that she would provide a happy life for him, as she also rescued battery hens and her pets were all healthy and well looked after.
Had I not found a wonderful home for him, he would have stayed with me, terrified all the time.
I know I did the right thing, even though it was a very tough decision.

Posted By Beka27 on 04/08/2011 03:36 AM
I always think back to the member (years ago) who took in, neutered, and “rehomed” a rabbit. She screened the person, did a home visit, etc… and she DID NOT even charge an adoption fee despite the fact she has neutered out of pocket!

Later (I think a couple months?), she found HER rabbit up on Craigslist for a hefty adoption fee!!!

   Beka, was she able to get the rabbit back?

Posted By jerseygirl on 04/09/2011 03:08 AM

Posted By Beka27 on 04/08/2011 03:36 AM
I always think back to the member (years ago) who took in, neutered, and “rehomed” a rabbit. She screened the person, did a home visit, etc… and she DID NOT even charge an adoption fee despite the fact she has neutered out of pocket!

Later (I think a couple months?), she found HER rabbit up on Craigslist for a hefty adoption fee!!!

   Beka, was she able to get the rabbit back?

Oh yes.  As I remember, she called and pretended to be a random person interested… and then showed up, surprised the heck outta the woman, and demanded the rabbit back on the spot.

Good to hear! It was lucky she had been watching craigslist.

But… my whole point was simply that you don’t know what happens after the rabbit changes hands. So I strongly feel that if you can offer a stable, peaceful home, and adequate diet and vet care, more times than not, the rabbit is better with you than with a stranger.

This is yet another benefit to adopting from a reputable rescue, very often there is a clause that the rabbit comes back to them if you cannot care for him/her any longer. This takes the guess-work out of finding another home off of your shoulders.

When people are asking about getting a second rabbit, I also try to “plant the seed” that, despite trying their best, there is a chance the two rabbits may never bond. Adopting (and keeping) a second rabbit should not be conditional on the two buns bonding. If you adopt (or buy, or acquire from Craigslist), you are making the commitment that regardless of whether or not they bond, you will care for that rabbit for 10+ years.

I also am wondering about that question…I will sound selfish or like a horrible person but before I do please hear me out. I love my bunny, even though I have my 2 year old bunny for a month. But I took him, the person was giving him away because she had no time and if no one took him she would give him away to a pet store, me thinking impulsivley and without reading about bunny needs I decided to take him. I could not let the bunny go back to a petstore..I have a very hyper dog. I thought I would able t calm him but no..the bunny is too scared to come out. I close the door sometimes so he will hop around but my room is smaller …the bunny has no space to run around, the dog makes his poor little heart scared. I also have school and right now I indeed have time but next year I will have a lot of homework and work, my dog is a big responsibility but the bunny is as big or even more as my dog. I am 16 going on 17 this year. I actually want to cry on the thought of even thinking about giving the bunny away to a trusted person and never ever to a petstore. But my heart hurts of the thought…..I have depression aswell making me unmotivated sometimes and I can’t get out of bed I just feel like I can’t. Everyday I wake up I always have plans I want to pratise that, I will clean the cage, I will clean my room, do my homework. But the motivations fades quickly making me tired and coming from school and nothing. With no one knowing, I appear as lazy, while I was lazy before being depressed I was able to be more active. I know, I will get a lot of hate, and not the best comments back. But I want to know, the the bunny will be able to take it, will he be super upset…if, I have gave him to a better home? I would love an answer back. Sorry for coming here, with it not being even my forum, but I don’t know how to make a forum…sorry for that.

Hi Bunbuns! I can start a new thread for you, but it will be posted in my name. But your post is long so it’d be a shame if you had to retype all of it.

here is a link to your post: 

https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/165299/Default.aspx

I put it in the House Rabbit Q&A-section. 

Next time you want to start a new thread, you just go to the forum section you want, and press the “Add Topic”-button. Here’s a picture of how it looks, with an arrow pointing to the Add Topic-button:

I’m locking this thread now. If you have any trouble finding the thread I made for you, or need help with anything else, just send me a PM.