Adoption Procedures
Every day we get calls from people who no longer want their rabbit because they purchased them from a pet store or breeder without thinking ahead or taking the time to find out about correct rabbit care, and they are not willing to make the commitment needed for their pet. Our rabbits have already been homeless once, and we want this next move to be their forever home.
Please keep in mind that in order for you to adopt, you must be at least 18 years of age. Because we want the most stable homes possible for our rescued rabbits, we do not adopt to college students living in dorms or renting before graduation. Similarly, we do not adopt to schools, day cares or nursing homes, as we want our bunnies living within a home environment.
As part of the adoption process, we ask that you complete an online adoption request and sign up for one of our Bunny 101 classes. The cost of the class is $5 per family and includes a goodie bag of healthy rabbit treats and a lot of important information on how to prepare and care for a new bunny. Class time runs around 1 1/2 hour long depending on the teacher and the number of participants. The class is casual and held at our shelter. They are offered several times a month with afternoon weekend classes and Tuesday evening classes available. You will need to speak with an adoption counselor or manager before being approved to adopt. This can be done before or after the class depending on your situation and schedule.
You are welcome to visit the rabbit center anytime during our normal business hours so that you can meet some of our rescued bunnies, speak with our shelter managers and volunteers and take a look around our store and see the rabbit supplies we offer for sale. We have everything you will need for your rabbit at our store. We sell at competitive or lower than pet store prices and your purchases help to fund our rescue. All profits go directly back into the shelter to provide for food, housing and vet care for the rabbits living there. If you choose to purchase supplies from a pet store ahead of time, please check with us and we will be happy to advise you so that you don’t buy something that’s not necessary or even harmful to your new bunny!
If you are interested in a particular rabbit and are hoping to meet them, please mention that ahead of time in case that rabbit is in a foster home and would need to be brought to the center. Rabbits have a variety of different looks and personalities, and even though you may have a certain look or size in mind, we ask that you keep an open mind to all the bunnies and see who you get along with the best. Please note that rabbits who are already bonded will not be adopted out separately.
Once you are approved and have your supplies and choose your rabbit, you fill out and sign the adoption contract. It basically states that you agree to provide a good home for the rabbit, you will provide food, water, an indoor home, a safe environment, play time, and take them to the vet for medical care. It also states that if for any reason you can no longer care for the rabbit, that you will return him/her to us. It is not permitted for anyone to rehome any rabbit that has been adopted out from us!
CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT AN ONLINE ADOPTION APPLICATION
Adoption fee
We have an adoption fee of $80 for one rabbit, $130 for a pair. This fee covers the cost of spay and neuter for our rabbits. This works out to be quite a savings, as vets charge significantly more for the procedure. If you will be away for long hours during the day, we strongly suggest that you adopt a pair of rabbits. They are social creatures, and will be much happier with a companion to groom and snuggle with. You can read more about the benefits of having a bonded pair of rabbits here.
Our volunteers will be available for questions or concerns you have regarding your new arrival. Within 2 weeks, you can expect a follow up call from an adoption counselor to get updates on how everyones doing. Adopting from the GHRS automatically gives you a 1 year membership which entitles you to discounts at our store, and our e-newsletters with shelter updates and invitations to our annual Holiday Party and Summer Bunnyfest.
For directions to our shelter and contact information, please click here
