The House Rabbit Society most likely has a chapter near you that would probably have the perfect bunny for you. They have bunnies of all breeds and ages that desperately need a forever home. I would strongly suggest you start there.

Hi! I am from the UP too, what side are you on ?

Welcome to Binkybunny Diane, and thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry to hear about the passing of SweetPea and Slinky. Those names sound like the rabbits were huge personalities! Unfortunately, I am not knowledgeable about Michigan, but I’ll add in a bit about adopting a rabbit, rather than buying one from a breeder. I think it’s something positive to consider!

My recommendation would be to stray away from a breeder and visit any rabbit shelters or contact any rescue groups in Michigan, if possible. While there are good-quality breeders, there are also bad breeders who offer rabbits who seem of good health, but actually aren’t. Even if someone is a good breeder, there is still the concern about supporting breeding of rabbits, which encourages more rabbits to be bred and subsequently abandoned by uneducated rabbit owners. Shelters and rescues virtually never have enough room, so if your heart is open for another rabbit or two, I think a rescue/shelter would love to help you, while you help them free room to help other rabbits.

The benefit of a rescue is that generally all rescues do have their rabbits visit a rabbit-savvy vet at least once for a thorough check-up, while some breeders go on generational knowledge of health/neglect to have the rabbit checked at all prior to letting it go with someone. In addition, a lot of rescues have a foster system, in which you can talk to the foster parent(s) and find out the particular quirks and personality of rabbits you’re interested in. Generally, breeders do not have this knowledge because they don’t spend that much time with their rabbits.

Hi! I’m also from Michigan (Western Lower Peninsula) and I wanted to pop in and say I know of a few wonderful animal shelters that usually have quite a few rabbits looking for forever homes! I’m going to link a few below in case you’re interested! I think most of them have photos of current adoptable rabbits up for the public to see.

I would agree that it’s a very good idea to check out rescues instead of going to a breeder. If you’re willing to drive anywhere in Michigan I am positive that you could find a rabbit that you’ll fall in love with! Best of luck! 

west michigan critter haven 

humane society of west michigan