Best Way to Adopt?

[Catalina]

Hi –

I have been researching adopting a bunny for about a year, but I need some advice. 

First, I was planning on adopting from the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society.  I wanted to adopt a bonded pair of bunnies.  I wanted to adopt from the MCRS because – 1 rabbits are litter box trained and 2 rabbits are spayed/nutered.  Plus they have been socialized and I think the MCRS is an AMAZING group.

BUT I just saw on craigslist that a family (in my town) is trying to find a home for their rabbit.  It’s not litter box trained or nutered.

What do you all think?

[Monkeybun]

Personally, I’d go for the ones at the Rabbit Society. I don’t like craigslist for getting pets, as most people on there really don’t care abotu what happens to them. The Rabbit Society does care. I’d support the rescue just for that alone. Not to mention, nneuters can be very expensive depending on where you are, and litter training can be a headache, and very very messy.

[jerseygirl]

Welcome!

I agree, support your local society. As you’ve planned for so long, I think it wise to stick to your plan. By taking in one or a pair from the society, you free up spaces for rabbits to be taken in by the MCRS from shelters that euthanise. So in effect, you can possible adopt 2 and save 2 others.

They also would have had health checks. You may not know what your in for with someone elses discarded bunny. I’d send an email to the craigslist poster though – maybe point them toward the MCRS for advice.

[Catalina]

Whew! Ok Thank you! I was just feeling guilty that I going to the MCRS when there was a rabbit to adopt in my own town.

[Moonlight_Wolf]

Yea I agree, adopt from the shelter, the rabbits will be altered already and you will be supporting a good shelter!

[TARM]

The shelter will also be able to steer you towards the pairs that will best match your lifestyle. The people on craigslist just want your money and they never want to hear from you again.

[BinkyBunny]

I also say rabbit shelter because they are a non-profit and definitely can use the support. Many rabbit rescues save wonderful loving “11th hour” bunnies from shelters – which means bunnies that are just hours away from being euthanized. Plus, when you adopt one bunny from a shelter you open up space then for another bunny to take its place, so in a way, you save two bunnies. You are rewarding and supporting the shelters efforts in saving lives.

Many shelters will also be available for follow-up questions and educational information.

Keep us updated with what happens. How exciting!

[Beka27]

I know where you’re coming from… it’s a difficult decision b/c every bun deserves a chance. But I have to agree, support the shelter! “Littertrained and altered” bunnies are a definite perk, but to reiterate what Jersey said… these buns have been vet-checked, they’ve received treatment if anything was wrong, and been deemed acceptable for adoption. The shelter staff knows the rabbits: their likes, dislikes, and personalities. Some rabbits should not be in homes with dogs, cats, or kids… this is important info if you currently have any of the three in your home. If there are any medical issues, the shelter will tell you what the care will entail. It’s likely that this other bunny has never been seen by a vet, and the owners may know nothing about rabbit health. You could be acquiring a rabbit that is going to need constant medical care for the rest of his life, without even realizing it. If you’ve been in contact with these people, I’d encourage them to surrender him to a shelter so he can have a chance as well.

Definitely let us know what happens! “Dating” buns at a shelter can be great fun!

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Welcome

Though it seems that
a) the shelter rabbits are not in danger and can wait, and
b) that this family rehoming their pet is a chance to swoop in and save a bunny

by doing that what your really doing is rewarding that family for being irresponsible-they aren’t keeping up their commitment to that animal and they did not get it fixed. They won’t learn if you adopt or purchase it and they’ll continue doing it with other animals-I pretty much guarantee it.

And all that aside-you will instead be supporting a rescue group, rescue efforts; You are saving 4 Bunnies-because you are taking two home to a great home. And two more get to take their spot.

And all that aside-you will have to get this families’ rabbit fixed and vetted -and tbt it likely has either a medical or behavioral problem (and no matter how perfect they insist it is-people lie when rehoming animals) too.

[Beka27]

There are people who are “serial rehomers” on Craigslist and Kijiji… Some people give away rabbits for free “to a good home”, these people swoop in, weave a story about how they LOVE bunnies and they’ll take SUCH GOOD CARE of it, and then within a week that same rabbit is being resold for 50 bucks. OR… they may either buy baby bunnies for cheap (or breed their own… don’t get me started!) and then try to charge exorbitant prices to people looking to “adopt” a rabbit.

They always tell a story… it’s allergies, or moving, or children, or illness… It’s a side business to some people. I’m not saying everyone who deals with Craigslist (or related sites) are doing this, some folks really do care and have legitimate reasons… but you need to be cautious.

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