Volunteering with Shelter Bunnies

[LittlePuffyTail]

This afternoon I’m going on my first visit to the SPCA as a volunteer.  Last Monday I went to the volunteer orientation session and went on a tour of the shelter. There was a lot of people there looking to volunteer. Like 30…the staff was so surprised. They do a volunteer orientation session once a month. I think a lot of people were just looking for something to do during March break.

The staff speaker discussed what to do with cats and the dogs…proper procedures to follow etc. Nothing was mentioned about the rabbits. I’m too shy to ask questions in a room full of people so when we broke up for the tour I asked one of the staff members what I could do with the rabbits. She said “We don’t let people take the rabbits out. Because they are too difficult to handle, I think”. Then the staff session speaker walked by and she asked her “Why don’t we let people take the rabbits out” and she answered ”You can take the rabbits out. You can take them up to the cat room to play with. As long as you know how to handle rabbits and are comftorable with them. Most people don’t bother with the rabbits”. Obviously this made me even more eager to volunteer.

There are only about 6 rabbits at the shelter right now. There are about 6 more in foster care. Here are a pic of a couple that I saw when I was there last week. They keep the rabbits in the kitten room. 

Buttons- she has a leaky eye right now that is being treated. She is kept in the SPCA pet supply store which is at the entrance of the building. She was found as a stray.

 

 

Domino-

Prince and Duke

Rex- I took a liking to this big Plushie guy.

 

My one big beef with the shelter is that they do sometimes break up bonded pairs to put in foster homes or adopt them out. When I get comftorable with the place I will definetly raise my concern about this.

So I’m wondering what sort of things I should do with the bunnies? There are 2 cat rooms upstairs where volunteers and prospective adopters can bring cats and rabbits up to play with them. Any ideas of things I can do/bring to amuse the bunnies? I was thinking I will make them some little treat bags with paper bags, hay and treats inside. I will probably spend time with 1 or 2 bunnies per visit and I plan on going at least 2 times per week. Today I’m going with my friend who loves cats and wants to spend time with the kittens.

 

 

 

[Sarita]

What pretty rabbits – I’m excited for you. I’m sure they are going to be happy to have someone who takes an interest in the rabbits too – it sounds as if they don’t have anyone to help with them. I think the treat bags would be fun for them.

Don’t be discouraged if they aren’t open to keeping pairs together – it’s sad for the rabbits to be separated but they may feel they have no choice so if you can educate them that would be great.

Maybe once you feel comfortable you can offer to help with adoptions of the rabbits as well.

[Kate Monster]

It’s wonderful of you to volunteer and make them a bit happier and more entertained. I think I would end up taking them all home with me 😀

[jerseygirl]

I think they are going to find you a very handy person to have around!
What about cardboard box houses? I think both the rabbits and the kitties would enjoy them.

[CarlieL]

That’s so cool you’re doing that. What about those crinkly cat tunnels? Petco has a long one for $15, it folds up super small, would be easy to transport and is washable in case there were any incidents in it lol.

[LizzyBunny]

I wish my SPCA did those sessions! There is actually a really long wait list for volunteers, I think because it’s our main shelter. You’re very lucky! Hope you have fun too!

[LittlePuffyTail]

Thanks for all the advice, guys.

I did go to the shelter on Monday but was unable to bring any bunnies out to the play rooms as we only ended up going around supper time and there were a lot of potential pet adopters at the time so the rooms were all in use. I did spend some time with Rex though. He’s such a sweetie. Very easy going and calm. He loves getting his head petted. It’s pretty obvious that the rabbits don’t get much time with volunteers: his coat was in pretty bad shape and his nails needed to be done. I’m going to make up a little bunny caddy with grooming stuff so I can brush him real good next time I go. I noticed some of the bunnies had no hay and I’m not sure what’s up with that.

Prince, Duke and Buttons were not there. That will really bother me….getting to know a bunny and then going and finding them not there…I doubt the shelter would tell me if they were put down. But the shelter doesn’t seem too full right now so I doubt that’s what happened. There is a beautiful little Holland Lop named Roxas who reminds me very much of a BB member’s bunny “Sucre”.

I’m very worried about getting attached because there is no way I can take another bunny or cat home. I just have to keep on telling myself “It’s for the bunnies to be happy while they are there.” I would like to know what the shelters euthanization policy is but I really doubt they would tell me. I’m quite certain it’s not a “no-kill” however.

I plan on going again tomorrow.

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