TO APPLY:

• Must be over 18 years of age to apply and sign adoption contract.
• If under 21 and/or still living at home: a parent or guardian will need to participate in the adoption process.
• Everyone in the household (spouses, parents, roommates, etc.) will need to agree to and participate in the adoption process.

 

HOUSING REQUIREMENTS:

INDOORS ONLY rabbits and guinea pigs should be housed and kept indoors at all times.

• NO: patios, porches, backyards, or walks/outdoor playtime.

 

CENTRAL LOCATION IN THE HOME the enclosure should be in an adults bedroom or a high-traffic area like the living room.

• NO: bedrooms of children under 12, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, patios, etc.

To ensure that every home is set up for furever success our adoption process is a few steps:

STEP 1 | APPLICATION

• Submit Adoption Application.
• Attend an Adoption Orientation and Bunny 101 or Guinea Pig 101 class via Zoom (1 hour).
• Complete the Post Bunny 101 or Guinea Pig 101 Quiz.

STEP 2 | PREPARATION

• Schedule an in-person Meet & Greet.
• Order Required Supplies.
• Setup an Enclosure for your new friend(s) and send us a pic.
• Bunny or Guinea Pig Proof the room where new friend(s) will get to free-roam.

STEP 3 | ADOPTION

• Schedule a Home Visit / Drop off
• Complete a minimum 4 week Foster to Adopt trial.
• Pay the Adoption Fee.

ADOPTION FEE:

Our adoption fee helps cover the cost of a wellness exam, medications and spay / neuter (average $350 per animal). This fee is non-refundable.

TERMS:

1. Duration of Care
I understand that I am making a commitment to this rabbit for 8-10 years average or guinea pig for 5-7 years average (or more if I am lucky). Should my life circumstances change, such as: self or children attending school / college; moving or having to relocate to another state or country; career change; change in relationship status; having children; getting additional pets; allergies; etc. I will do everything in my power to work through such issues so that s/he may remain a member of my household.

2. Return Policy
If I am unable to continue to care for this rabbit / guinea pig as outlined below, I will return them to Southeast FL Rabbit Rescue. I will never abandon them; or give them to another person, shelter, or rescue.

3. Notification of Issues
I agree to contact Southeast FL Rabbit Rescue right away if this animal becomes lost, ill, or passes away.

4. Welfare Verification
I understand that Southeast FL Rabbit Rescue may contact me for verification of the animal’s welfare and I will cooperate by providing requested information, which may include home visits.

5. Investigation Rights
Southeast FL Rabbit Rescue reserves the right to investigate the living conditions of the animal and may remove it if deemed to not be receiving adequate home care, is being endangered by lack of veterinary care, or if there has been a violation of any terms of the adoption contract or any anti-cruelty laws.

6. Abuse and Neglect Policy
I will never physically abuse or neglect her/him nor will I allow any other person or animal to do so.

CHILDREN AND OTHER PETS:

7. Children
I understand that rabbits / guinea pigs are extremely fragile and may suffer serious injuries if dropped, stepped on or mishandled by a child. I further understand that rabbits / guinea pigs are prey animals and may bite or scratch if not handled appropriately. I agree that children will never be allowed to pick-up the animal or handle them without direct supervision. Children will NEVER be left unsupervised with the rabbit / guinea pig, especially when they are outside of their enclosure.

8. Dogs, cats, reptiles, outdoor wildlife, etc.
I will make sure they are always protected from predatory species. Predator pets will NEVER be left unsupervised with the rabbit / guinea pig, especially when they are outside of their enclosure.

HOUSING:

9. Landlord Permission
I have the written permission of my landlord to have a rabbit / guinea pig in my house or apartment and if I move, I agree to secure housing that will allow them.

10. Indoor Housing Only
I understand that taking rabbits / guinea pigs outdoors is not only stressful for them but exposes them to many dangers, such as: RHDV II* (rabbits), predators, parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, lice, fly strike, bot flies, etc.) and heatstroke (rabbits & guinea pigs begin to show signs of overheating at just 76°F / 24°C). I agree to house and keep them strictly indoors. They will never be housed outdoors, on a patio, in a garage, etc.

11. Space Requirements

• Rabbits: A single dwarf rabbit needs a minimum 4ft x 4ft, 16sq ft living space when enclosed, preferably 4ft x 6ft. For each additional rabbit (or 4lb of body weight), 8-12sq ft should be added to their living space to maintain a healthy and harmonious environment and prevent fighting and bullying due to resource guarding amongst multiple rabbits. Giant breeds will need an entire room to free roam all of the time.
• Guinea Pigs: A pair of guinea pigs needs a minimum 2ft x 4ft, 8sq ft living space when enclosed, preferably 2ft x 5ft. For each additional guinea pig, 2-4sq ft should be added to their living space to maintain a healthy and harmonious environment and prevent fighting and bullying due to resource guarding.

12. Supervised Free Roam Time
I will “rabbit proof” a room for supervised free roam time each day, ensuring that rabbits have 3-4 hours and guinea pigs have 1-2 hours outside their enclosures. I will remove hazards that might endanger the animal.

• I will remove or cover electrical cords; remove houseplants that may be toxic if ingested; remove plastic or rubber items which can cause an obstruction if ingested; remove any scented plug ins and refrain from smoking, vaping, or using air freshener sprays, incense and burning candles which can cause respiratory infections; and block off areas that might not be safe.

13. Socialization and Care
I will have the rabbit / guinea pig as part of the family and it will not be kept in a far-off space. I understand that daily socialization and interactions are necessary to build a strong bond. Long periods of isolation where the rabbit / guinea pig cannot be a part of the family may lead to depression, stress, antisocial behavior and destructive tendencies.

14. Clean Living Environment
I will make sure the living space is kept clean and will not allow refuse/waste to accumulate which can adversely affect the rabbit / guinea pig’s physical and emotional well-being. I understand that I will need to dedicate 15-30 minutes once or twice per day to tidying up their area, this may includes picking up loose hay, litter, and stray poops, and ensuring the space remains clean and comfortable.

DIET:

15. Balanced Diet
I will provide a balanced diet consisting of: unlimited access to clean drinking water and high quality hay; high fiber pellets; dark leafy greens and vegetables. I will follow the feeding guide that was provided to me.

VETERINARY CARE:

16. Health Disclosure
I understand that Southeast FL Rabbit Rescue has, to the best of their knowledge, disclosed any and all health problems this rabbit / guinea pig has or has had in the past. I understand that health problems may arise in the future.

17. Veterinary Commitment
To maintain the continued health of this rabbit / guinea pig I will make sure that they receive medical care with an experienced exotic veterinarian. I understand that rabbits and guinea pigs should be taken to the vet every year for a wellness exam with blood-work (average cost $150-300) and that I should locate the after-hour / emergency veterinary services that see rabbits / guinea pigs in my area. I understand that in the event of an emergency, the cost of veterinary care may be $1000-1500  and that I will need to have adequate funds to be able to provide for their medical needs.

• I will not with-hold veterinary care for any reason. If I am not able to provide veterinary care I will return this animal to Southeast FL Rabbit Rescue right away.