Rabbits are adorable and irresistible pets, which causes them to be the third most popular pet in households! Taking the time to decide where to get your new bunny could make all the difference in your and your bunny’s life. Should you adopt your new bunny from a shelter or from a pet shop or breeder?
When you adopt a bunny from an animal shelter, you will possibly be saving them from being euthanized. Most rabbits bought from pet stores or breeders end up at shelters because their owners outgrow them or underestimate their needs. Adopting a rabbit also has benefits, such as saving on vet bills.
If you’re considering getting yourself a rabbit companion, you are on the right track! Bunnies make excellent pets, and they can be similar to a dog or cat in your home. Adopting or buying a rabbit from pet shops or breeders are very different. Continue reading to find out!
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Adopting A Bunny From A Shelter Or Rescue
Local rescues and animal shelters are constantly overrun with abandoned rabbits, which should be your first choice when you want to find a rabbit companion. Not only will you save an innocent animal from possible euthanasia, but there are also many other benefits.
Let’s take a look at what adopting a rabbit from your local shelter or rescue entails:
It’s Easy To Locate An Adoptable Rabbit At A Shelter
There are animal shelters everywhere; chances are, you have one very close to you! There are many rabbits at shelters, but if you want to find a rescue group specializing in rabbits, you can contact your local animal shelter to help you.
Additionally, because so many rescued rabbits live in foster homes, most will already be comfortable living in households with other pets or children.
So if you are worried about a rabbit fitting in your household, adopting a rabbit already accustomed to the environment will make the transition easier for the rabbit and yourself!
There Are Different Sizes And Breeds Of Rabbits At A Shelter
Rescues will often have bunnies of varying ages, sizes, and breeds. You may specifically be looking for a young rabbit with floppy ears. You will most likely find the perfect fit at your local rescue or shelter.
However, shelters and rescues allow you to spend time with all the rabbits, and you might surprise yourself and end up bonding with an older rabbit once you step foot inside the pen!
Rabbits Are Always Health Checked At Shelters
The rescue or shelter will always alert potential new owners of their condition if a bunny has a chronic health issue. Many rabbits may suffer from health conditions that vary.
One common condition is known as malocclusion, which is known as a condition where the rabbit’s teeth are not aligned properly. This means they are unable to wear down their teeth.
When you adopt from a rescue, all the rabbits will have been appropriately checked and adequately treated.
Adopting A Rabbit From A Rescue Will Save You Money
Adopting a bunny from a rescue will save you loads of money on vet bills. Rabbit rescues generally have support and partnerships with local vets, making your trips much more affordable.
In addition, all rabbits will have been spayed or neutered when they reach sexual maturity. You will be able to adopt the perfect bunny after they have recovered from the surgery, which also allows you not to worry about paying for the surgery or worrying about any postoperative complications.
Buying A Bunny From A Breeder Or Pet Shop
Many people who purchase bunnies from breeders or pet stores are unaware of the things they went through or where they come from in the first place.
Many pet stores can also not verify that the rabbits came from an animal shelter, rabbit rescue, or a trustworthy breeder.
Let’s look more closely at what you can expect when you purchase a bunny from breeders or a pet store:
Rabbits In Pet Stores May Come From Mass-Breeding Operations
More often than not, rabbits found in pet stores come from mass-breeding facilities. These facilities tend to be much more focused on turning a profit than providing the rabbits with a healthy and suitable environment when they breed or raise them.
In addition, young babies in pet stores may be more prone to having problems with their digestion. This is caused by the constant stress of living in a pet store and having significant dietary changes when they are bought.
When you visit a pet store and potentially get yourself a bunny, ask the staff where their rabbits come from. Reconsider buying a bunny from a pet store if they cannot confirm that it came from a trustworthy breeder, rabbit rescue, or shelter.
Many Young Rabbits Come From Rabbit Mills
Like puppy mills, unfortunately, there are also several rabbit mills. In these mills, thousands of unweaned baby bunnies are taken away from their mothers too early. They are then loaded in trucks and shipped all around the country.
The circumstances are unsuitable and dirty, which results in many of these weak babies not surviving the trip, while others may become sick and die in pet stores.
Petstore Staff Members Are Illinformed About Rabbits
Just because somebody works in a pet store doesn’t mean they know everything about rabbits, their maintenance, and care. They may tell you that a rabbit has specific dietary needs, such as carrots and hay, and will help you pick a suitable cage or enclosure.
This results in misinforming customers about what to expect when the bunny becomes older.
You will also need to take your own initiative to get information about what you need, what you can expect, and when your bunny needs to be spayed or neutered.
Pet Stores Or Breeders Will Not Tell You Of Health Problems
If you purchase your new bunny from a breeder or a pet store, they will not alert or inform you if your bunny has any pre-existing health problems or complications, nor how you have to deal with them.
They are only focused on getting rid of the rabbits and making a profit. This is also where many rabbits will end up abandoned in parks or streets, leaving them to fend for themselves.
Conclusion
By adopting or rescuing a bunny instead of buying, you will play your part and save a homeless, abandoned, and unloved animal. You will give them what they deserve, desire, and need the most.
Rabbits found in pet stores often end up in shelters anyway, a vicious cycle that needs to be stopped.
