I need to rehome my pet
Buying a pet rabbit is a long term commitment - they can live 10+ years. If you want to get rid of your rabbit because he has behavioural issues then please look into other options first, he probably just needs neutering, handling differently, or just a little TLC. See our links page for more help and information sources.
If you haven't bought a rabbit yet, please research LOTS and think carefully first. Don't be tempted to buy one on impulse, nor with the thought that you can always rehome them if you decide you don't want them anymore. Thousands of rabbits are abandoned, given to rescue centres or change hands privately every year. Only buy pet rabbits (it would need to be a pair) if you know they will be part of the family as much as a dog would be.
What NOT to do when giving up a rabbit
If you have no other option but to rehome your pet, PLEASE do not dump them on rescue doorsteps, or even worse - set them free into the wild. They are domesticated animals and cannot survive on their own like their wild ancestors can. Abandoning an animal is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can be banned from keeping animals for a fixed period or life. Advertising your rabbit on the internet or in the newspaper as 'free to a good home' attracts the wrong kind of attention, so please avoid this.
The correct way to rehome your rabbit
- Phone your local rescue who may either be able to take in your bunny and rehome him/her or direct you to someone who can,
- or your local vet may have some contacts who can help.
If you are giving up your pet just because they are no longer wanted, please tell the rescue the pet is unwanted rather than making an excuse. It will not cause them to deny taking in your pet, but will help them in getting the important background information they need on the animal such as health and age etc.
Please speak to rescues before visiting them as they're often really busy and may need to make you an appointment. You can find your nearest rescue on our Search rescues page.
If you have a friend who has offered to take your rabbit, please check their home is suitable and ask lots of questions. Ensure the rabbit will be well looked after in terms of health checkups, vaccinations, healthy diet, and have lots of room to live and play, safe from other animals and young children. Rabbits need to live in the company of their own kind, so please do not rehome rabbits to live a solitary life.
Please remember
Any kind of change for your rabbit will be a very stressful time for them, especially when moving homes. They won't understand what is happening. Rehoming your rabbit safely through a rescue ensures they will find a good home and you can be safe in the knowledge that your rabbit has gone on to have a happy life where his/her new home has been checked and approved. Please make sure you do the best for them to ensure they will get the wonderful life that they deserve.