House Rabbit Society MD/DC/NoVA
Our Mission
The House Rabbit Society is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization with two primary goals: 1) To rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent homes for them and 2) To educate the public and assist humane societies, through publications on rabbit care, consultations, and classes upon request.
The House Rabbit Society believes that ALL rabbits are valuable as individuals, regardless of breed purity, temperament, state of health, or relationship to humans. The welfare of all rabbits is our primary consideration.
Domestic rabbits are companion animals and should be afforded at least the same individual rights, level of care, and opportunity for longevity as commonly afforded to dogs and cats who live as human companions.
Adoption Policy
Our chapter address is Baltimore, MD but we have rabbits living in foster homes throughout the chapter area, which includes MD, DC, and NoVA.
Primary Caregiver
When a rabbit is adopted from HRS, the primary caregiver must be a responsible adult. The rabbit should be treated as an integral part of the family, i.e., no group ownership (such as a classroom pet). We do NOT adopt rabbits as pets for children. The rabbit must be wanted by the entire family.
Indoor Housing
Adopters of HRS rabbits must understand that our rabbits are to live as household companions. This means that they must have their primary living space indoors, and must spend every night indoors. During the daytime, adopters can allow their rabbits outdoor daytime exercise. If this is the case, the rabbit must be provided with an area with secure fencing, and adequate supervision. Adopters may require additional safety precautions appropriate to their locale. If a cage is used, a rabbit’s home should be at least 4-6 times the size of your bunny when they are fully stretched out. The space should be even larger if they are confined for a large amount of the day.
Enclosure sizes also should be decided in conjunction with the amount of exercise time and space the rabbit has.
General guidelines for a rabbit who has an enclosure:
Enclosure space: at least 8 square feet
Exercise space: at least 24 square feet
Exercise time: able to run and play at least 5 hours per day
Social Requirements
If the rabbit is going to be alone (i.e. without the company of people, a cat or other household pets) for the majority of the time, then we recommend that the adopter adopt a second rabbit as a companion to the first.
Returns
If there are such problems with the adopted rabbit that the adopter needs to return the rabbit, we ask that you give the chapter some advance notice. Some common sense and courtesy is expected. Once an animal is adopted from HRS, the space vacated is usually filled within a week. A return requires two preparations: a space must be opened by a new adoption, and another rabbit must be “bumped” from the rescue list at the animal shelter. Nevertheless, all rabbits adopted from this chapter must be returned to this chapter in case of insurmountable problems.
Adoption Fees
HRS adoption fees are donations that cannot be refunded. We are a federally recognized tax-exempt, non-profit organization. Donations made to us are no more refundable than they are to any other public charity.