Info for starting your own rabbit rescue

[Scarlet_Rose]

Hello, LittlePuffy Tail asked about this in another thread and I thought it warranted its own discussion.  If you are interested in starting your own rabbit rescue there are several ways including but not limited to opening a satellite branch of a pre-existing organization, opening your own chapter (you need to apply to be one in most cases) of a rabbit rescue or starting your own independent rabbit rescue.  I’ve put together links to more information and I hope it helps anyone who is really interested.

The first two look like they go together, it is a bit odd how they were separated out as it seems you need to begin with the first as a pre-qualifier to opening your own chapter:

Starting your own local chapter:

           http://www.rabbit.org/journal/warren-wise/new-chapter.html

Opening your own chapter of the HRS:

           Read first paragraph here first: http://www.rabbit.org/chapters/index.html

           This is the application: http://www.rabbit.org/hrs-info/chapterapplication.html

Unfortunately I was unable to find more informtaion online, however I encourage you to talk to your local rabbit rescue and encourage that if opening your own rabbit rescue is out of the picture, then to foster rabbits instead. They both contribute to helping home and socialize unwanted furry friends. Volunteering is also an essential cog to the operation of any rescue and if one is close by, offer to help out.

 

 

 

[Sarita]

I had my own small fostering group (501c) and it is very difficult and expensive. We did out own paperwork for everything including the 501c. Unfortunately not everyone wanted to continue and so now I am a board member and volunteer for a very established rabbit rescue in my area and I’m much happier doing this. When you start up your own rescue or foster group the majority of the money for this will come initially from your own pockets and you will do all of the work. It’s not easy at all even though it can be rewarding. Starting it up is easy enough, keeping it going is another matter. I don’t regret doing it though and now alot more now of what is really involved in rescue.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’ve been interested in this for a while but it’s hard get knowledge about it and experience. There are no rescues in my area and my local spca has neglected to get back to me regarding several requests to volunteer with/foster rabbits. It’s very frustrating when you want to help but don’t seem able to.

A lot of rabbit rescues become charity organizations and I can’t seem to find any info on that either. I’ve contacted RabbitRescue.ca seeking info but haven’t received helpful replies. I’ve looked into the rabbit.org chapter idea but it seems so complex when you have no idea how to get started. My dream would be to just run a small rescue in my basement. I could only care for a small amount at a time but it’s better than nothing.

[osprey]

Running a rescue can get to be an insane amount of work.  If you are interested in keeping bunnies at home until they find a place of their own, you might consider being a specialized satellite foster site for an established rescue rather than going it alone.  In The Rabbit Haven we have specialized medical sites (usually run by either a nurse or a vet tech out of their home), and we also have specialized sites that deal with mothers and litters.  These sites are usually a couple of hours drive from our main locations.  We also have santuary sites for bunnies with longer term needs (behavioral issues, mostly) and they can be in another state.  Maybe you can start out with one of the rescues in your area.  Transport is the key thing, you do not want to be doing all of the driving.  Most rescues have a network of transporters too, who for whatever reason cannot care for bunnies, but can take them to vet appointments and adoption appointments.

There are so many ways to help.  Please send me a PM if you need more info.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Thank you so much for your information and input Osprey & Sarita! It really helps to have insight.  Years ago when I helped, the manager shared woes with me about having your own chapter and it is hard, you can’t decide to take a vacation or be sick and stay in bed.  Rabbits need to be fed, given meds, cleaned etc., when there are no volunteers that day or they do not show up it’s all up to you. There is an immense amount of paperwork, exspecially accounting and tax time is never a fun time either.  I like to encourage people to foster or volunteer instead.  Most times, going in or calling on the phone works better than e-mailing. Anyway, off my soap box.

[Sarita]

Another thing you could consider is becoming a local House Rabbit Society fosterer and educator as well. As a fosterer you will need to keep it very small as you are by yourself. The little group I had all became fosterers and educators for HRS and you are on their HRSbiz and HRSed lists for support. However you won’t get alot of adoption emails this way mainly dump emails and the support of a world-wide group of rabbit rescuers through HRS.

I did help update the website with the vet list and answered litterbox emails when I was with them. So this is certainly another option. You can do both or either/or too. Obviously if you foster you will also want to try and get some local support from a local rescue group or shelter that you can team up with as well. I had my little fostering group at the time and that was my support.

They did want us to become a chapter but we didn’t want too – you have guidelines you must meet to stay a chapter and some other stuff too – but you don’t have to be a chapter to be a fosterer or educator.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Thanks for all the info!

Sarita – can I find info on these topics (fostering) on their website? Does it apply to Canadians as well? Feel free to pm me.

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