Our dedicated and knowledgable volunteers take answer questions from the general public through email. Additionally, we've outline some of our most frequently asked questions below. We strive to answer emails as soon as possible, but you can depend on a response within 48 hours of receipt.
info@mncompanionrabbit.org
If your Rabbit has a medical issue or emergency please talk to your veterinarian or contact an emergency care clinic such as the Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC). If you have found wild kits (baby rabbits), or another wild animal, do not move them. Please contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
My rabbit is sick or hurt! Can you give me some advice?
The best thing you can do for your rabbit is to take them to see a rabbit-savvy veterinarian as soon as possible. If this is an emergency and your regular vet is closed, you can contact the University of MN Animal Hospital (612-626-8387), Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota (651-501-3766), or Como Park Animal Hospital (651-487-3255). These emergency clinics are open 24/7!
I found wild kits (baby bunnies) or an adult wild rabbit! What should I do?
The main thing to remember when you uncover a nest of bunnies is leave them be.
Rabbits are typically left alone for the majority of the day, with the mother only coming to nurse for a few minutes at dusk and dawn. They do this so they don't draw attention to the nest of bunnies. If you think that the rabbit has been abandoned by its mother, then the best thing you can do for it is to take it to The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota in Roseville (651-486-9453). If it has been injured, the WRC will do what it can to help the baby.
Also, remember that you most likely will not see the mother rabbit on the nest with the young kits. To protect the location of the nest, she avoids the area; coming back only to briefly nurse the young at dawn and dusk.
If your dog or cat has disturbed the nest, please only bring in any bunnies who have been injured or have been in your cat's mouth. Leave the other bunnies to be raised naturally.
I found a stray domesticated rabbit! What should I do?
Check for identification and notify your community!
Learn how to properly catch a stray rabbit running loose.
Post information about the animal to the Animal Humane Society’s Found Pets Bulletin Board.
Search the Animal Humane Society's Lost Pets Bulletin Board.
Post and search reports on other online resources:
Lost Dogs MN and Lost Cats MN on Facebook
Tell your family, friends, and neighbors. Post fliers around your neighborhood.
Call your local animal control facility to see if a report filed matches the description of the animal in your care.
If no one claims the rabbit, the best thing to do is bring it to the Animal Humane Society. Call their Pet Helpline at 952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738). Their representatives will explain the process and fees, and schedule an admissions appointment.
I need to re-home my rabbit. Can you help me?
Unfortunately, the volunteer-based Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society cannot take in your rabbit. Our small network of foster homes cannot take in any more at this time, and when MCRS does have space, we work in partnership with shelters and other rescue agencies, rather than taking rabbits directly from the public.
Surrender to the Animal Humane Society
If you live in the Twin Cities Metro Area your local animal shelter is the Animal Humane Society. They have four shelter locations: Golden Valley, Coon Rapids, St. Paul and Woodbury. Here is their General Information phone number: 763-412-4969. All locations have the same open admission policy which means they will take in any animal, unless it's bitten within the last 10 days. The Animal Humane Society accepts animals for surrender via scheduled appointment only, so be sure to call ahead.
We work closely with the Animal Humane Society (we even share several volunteers in common) and they make a special effort to provide correct housing, food, and environment to the bunnies in their care. In partnership with MCRS, they offer wonderful classes about caring for rabbits. They place great importance on educating families on what to expect. Best of all, the rabbits in their care often find their new forever homes quickly, with a minimum of waiting at the Society.
Remember: Your local animal shelter has a qualified staff trained to screen and counsel adopters. Relinquishing your pet to your local shelter may be the best option for you, rather than finding a home on your own.
If you adopted your rabbit from MCRS and are unable to continue to care for the rabbit, whatever the reason, they should be returned to MCRS. If you adopted your rabbit from another shelter or rescue organization most groups do ask—even require—that she be returned to the shelter where you adopted them.
Unfortunately it is too common for people to release their pet rabbit into the wild when they no longer want it. It may be easier for the humans to do this but make no mistake—releasing a pet rabbit into the wild is a death sentence.
I am interested in adopting a rabbit from MCRS! What do I do now?
Read through the Adoption Process section of our website.
Research caring for companion rabbits in the Caring for Rabbits section of our website.
Attend Bunny Basics, complete the adoption application and schedule a slot at an upcoming adoption event to meet an available rabbit who you would like to join your family!