How can I go about helping this lady with her bun?

[Mimzy]

I bunny sat for a lady not too long ago, she had a male uneutered holland lop who was pretty friendly, very active but also very destructive (which I think was because he was not fixed)

She texted me today telling me that they could no longer keep him as they don’t have the time for him & it’s becoming a hassle. I personally don’t know that I want this bunny particularly, & if it would be a good idea for me to keep him in the first place. However, I don’t mind trying to help her, but it’s a little difficult if he’s not fixed? I was thinking I could just take him in for her & basically “foster” him while I find a home, but I am not about to pay for someone else’s bunny to get neutered & I honestly don’t think she’s willing to have it done especially if they’re looking to find him a new home.

I talked with the rescue shelter I just signed up with & they won’t take him since he’s not exactly a priority. I guess in a way I could just decide it’s not my problem, tell her no, & forget about it, but that’s still hard for me to do If I take him in & find him a home, should I just make the “adoption fee” the same price as his neuter as to make up for having to pay for it?

 

What would you guys do

[kurottabun]

Saying that they don’t have time or it’s a hassle most likely indicates that they are already uninterested in keeping him, which means that the bunny may not be very well taken of if he is left there.

I’ve seen people on Petfinder mention outright that “interested adopters must be willing to pay for the neuter/spay of the pet”. So it’s not impossible, and I’d think that someone who is serious about adopting or genuinely cares for the bun (knowing that he is displaying destructive behaviours due to hormones etc.) would willingly pay for it. It may also be a good way to filter out people who are less responsible.

That’s if you don’t mind fostering a destructive bunny until (and if) he finds a home though, since neutering is not the only cost that comes with that.

[Sonn]

I’ve not done this with rabbits. But I had a litter of kittens that I ended up hand raising and I just flat out said whoever wanted to adopt one would meet me at the vets office the day of the spay/neuter appointment and pay for it as well as their first checkup and shots. This deterred a lot of people who would have likely used them for other things or not taken care of them properly. Those who did show up have been amazing pet owners.

[MoxieMeadows]

I don’t have much advice. I am wayyy too soft hearted and a pushover when it comes to animals in need. But I agree with the others, I don’t think it is too much to ask for the adopter to pay for the neuter of the rabbit. It would help ensure that whoever wanted to adopt him, was serious, and looking for a companion, rather than a novelty, or breeding stock.

[MountainBuns]

I would go ahead and make the adopter pay for the neuter fee. As mentioned earlier this helps filter the more responsible owners out.

[Mimzy]

She found a home for him! The lady’s friend is going to take the bunny. I guess the only downside is not knowing if it will ever be neutered but that’s not my business anymore. G;ad he found a home though. Hopefully they DO get him fixed, otherwise, he may get rehomed again if they weren’t expecting that behavior.

 

I may shoot her a text about neutering that she can possibly forward the message to her friend. Maybe her friend would be willing to get it done

[MountainBuns]

Yay! Hopefully he has a good life!

[Author]

Messages