Before You Adopt

Domestic rabbits are one of the most popular small mammals in American households and, unfortunately, the third most common animal (after cats and dogs) surrendered to animal shelters.   MCRS is committed to sharing the truth about the joys and challenges of bringing a rabbit into your family.  Here is what you need to know:

Life Span & Health

  • Rabbits live from 10 to 12 years indoors.

  • They are considered exotic pets and need to see a veterinarian who is versed in Rabbit health and behavior.

  • Like cats and dogs, rabbits need to be spayed or neutered to improve health and behavior.

Housing

  • Rabbits should live indoors. They need to be protected from predators, poisons, temperature extremes, electrical cords, and rough handling. They want to be part of your family and daily routine!

  • Rabbits can be litter box trained, respond to their name and other commands. In order to fully enjoy their playful personality, daily freedom to explore rabbit-proofed areas of the home and to socialize with their human family is strongly recommended.

  • They like to chew, and “bunny-proofing” is important.

Diet

  • Rabbits need unlimited access to water and hay/grass. Fresh leafy greens should make up the next largest part of their diet, followed by pellets and a few treats.

Behavior

  • Rabbits like to be part of the family, they are not “cage” animals. As crepuscular creatures (most active at dusk and dawn), they are on the same schedule as many working households.

  • Most rabbits do not like to be held. They prefer to sit beside you.

  • Rabbits like to play with toys. Some examples can be found in our Toys for Bunnies brochure. Rabbits need to have things of their own to chew on (or they might nibble on your stuff).

  • Rabbits can purr when contented, and it is adorable!

Rabbits are not good gifts

  • We don’t suggest getting a rabbit (or any animal, for that matter) as a gift for another person. The best way to get someone a rabbit as a gift, is to help them through the process of adopting. That way, they get educated on proper rabbit care and behavior, and can decide which rabbit is the best companion for their lifestyle. You can always contact MCRS and let us know that you’d like to pay the adoption fee as your gift.

Adoption Process Checklist

Research Rabbits!  

  • Read through the education section on our website and contact MCRS with any questions you have about bringing a rabbit into your family.

Complete The Adoption Application

  • Read and complete the adoption application. If you are planning to bond the foster rabbit to your own rabbit(s), please be sure this is noted on your application. An MCRS volunteer will get back to you within seven business days.

Attend Bunny Basics

  • All new adopters must attend the free Bunny Basics class, provided by MCRS. If you’ve adopted from us in the past year, this class is not required. You can find a schedule of classes to the right, or on our Facebook page. We welcome anyone to attend our Bunny Basics classes, even if they don’t adopt from us.

Check Out Available Rabbits

Attend An Adoption Event

  • Once approved, you will be scheduled for an Adoption Event to meet with any rabbit(s) you are interested in. Please be sure that all main caregivers for the rabbit are present, so you know that the family and rabbit are a good fit. Our adoption events are currently held every other Saturday in South St. Paul and twice a month in the West Metro (Maple Grove). If you are bonding rabbits, dates will occur during an MCRS adoption event. Assuming that all has gone well at the event, you can complete the adoption contract, pay the adoption fee and take home your new companion that day!

Adoption Details

How does MCRS determine approval for adoption?

  • All adult members of the household must agree to the adoption.

  • Any current rabbits must be spayed/neutered unless the rabbit is not sexually mature yet or your vet will state that there is a medical reason that the rabbit should not undergo surgery.

  • Any other pets must be safe for the rabbit (well trained, separate housing, or similar).

  • Any minor children must be mature enough to interact appropriately with the rabbit.

  • The adopted rabbit must have adequate run time in the new home.

  • If the adopter rents, approval from their landlord is required.

  • If you adopt a rabbit from MCRS and are unable to continue to care for that rabbit, whatever the reason, they should be returned to MCRS. 

How much is the adoption fee?

The adoption fee for a single rabbit is $100 (plus tax), and $165 (plus tax) for a bonded pair. This fee is nonrefundable because adoption fees help to cover costs involved in caring for a rabbit prior to his/her adoption. Each rabbit receives a behavioral assessment, spay/neuter surgery, RHDV2 vaccinations and weeks to months of loving care in a foster home. In addition to daily care, foster rabbits benefit from socialization and litter-box training during their stay with MCRS.

MCRS is a private, nonprofit organization. We are entirely reliant upon donations in order to operate and receive no government or other public funding. The adoption fees collected help cover some of the costs involved with providing care for the animals and preparing an animal for placement into a new home.

Thank you for your interest in adopting a homeless rabbit! If you’d like to apply now, please go to our online adoption application.