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1Oregon Humane Society • Rabbit Adoption Booklet

Your New rabbit Information and advice from the Oregon Humane Society for a happy life with your new pet.

503-285-7722 • www.oregonhumane.org

2 Oregon Humane Society • Rabbit Adoption Booklet


CoNGratuLatioNS!Thank you for adopting a companion animal from the Oregon Humane Society! We especially thank you for taking the time to adopt your new pet from our shelter. This booklet is designed to address many of the questions you may have about how to care for your new rabbit. Please give us a call if you need any additional information or advice.

OregOn Humane SOcIety 503-285-7722

We also suggest that you take advantage of our pet advice section on our website

OregOnHumane.Org. Workshops and individual, private training sessions

are also available. Look on our web site under “Pet Training” for more information.


taBLe OF cOntentS

1 Preparing for Your New Rabbit 3

2 Rabbit Proofing Your Home 43 What to Have on Hand 5 4 Children and Rabbits 75 The Ride Home and Housing Needs 86 Litter Box Training 107 Playtime and Health 128 Introducing Your Rabbit to Other Pets 159 Behavior 1710 Understanding Body Language 1911 Conclusion 20


PreParIng FOr yOur new raBBItHaving a rabbit can be a wonderful experience. Choosing to adopt a rabbit should be a carefully considered family decision and should not be based on an impulse. Educate yourself before bringing a rabbit home.

there are many things to consider carefully before adopting a rabbit.

• A rabbit’s average life span is between 8 and 12 years.

• Mature rabbits are ground-loving animals, a majority of whom are not content being carried around or being held for long periods of time. When trying to hold your rabbit, you may get nipped or scratched in the rabbit’s effort to get away.

• Rabbits are very sensitive to sound. Households with active children and their friends can be quite noisy. This can be a situation that leads to health and temperament issues. Ask yourself if you have a safe, secure, and quiet place for the new bunny.

• Rabbits are not low-maintenance pets. Attention to their needs on a daily basis is vital to their well being. They need daily cage or pen cleaning, a consistent diet, and daily interaction with their caretakers.

• Consider the other pets in your household. Do you have a prey-driven dog or cat who loves to chase everything that moves? Is there a way to keep them apart while still providing for your rabbit’s individual social and environmental needs?

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raBBIt PrOOFIng yOur HOme

Before your new rabbit is let out of his cage, you should spend some important time on your hands and knees assessing the environment from the rabbit’s vantage point; then make necessary changes to protect your rabbit and your furnishings.

•Mostrabbitslovetochew,soyoumustprotectall yourexposedelectrical,computer,andtelephone cords.Hidethecordsifyoucan,butitisbestto coverthecordswithheavyplastictubingifpossible. Othermoresturdyoptionsaretousehardplastic telephonewirecovers,splitloomtubing,PVC pipe,orcomputercordcovers.Checkthesecovers frequentlytomakesuretheyareintact.

• Relocatehouseplants.Rabbitswilleatanyplant withintheirreach.

•Woodenfurniture,wallmoldings,andrugscan becomevictimsofachewingrabbit.Iftheyare chewersordiggers(andmanyare),youcantryusing BitterApple,limeoracheapperfumeontheitems beingchewed.Youcanalsogetplasticcorner coverstoprotectmoldingsandplacelinoleum, carpetsquares,phonebooks,orsea-grassmatswhere theyaredigging.Asafetyrecommendationwould beusingoutletplugsinoutletsrabbitshaveaccessto andbaby-safecabinetlatchesforkeepingrabbitsout ofkitchencupboards.

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wHat tO Have On Hand

The following is a list of items to purchase before you bring your new rabbit home.

HousingAspaciouscageorpencanbeusedfortherabbit’slivingquarters.Thecageshouldbelargeenoughforyourrabbitstretchout,standupstraight,andmovearoundcomfortablyatitsadultbodysize.Thecageshouldalsohaveroomenoughtocontainfoodandwaterbowlsandalitterboxwhilestillhavingroomforyourrabbittosprawloutorromparound.Thebiggerthecage,thehappieryourrabbitwillbe.Acagewithafrontdoororapenthatcanbeopenedallowstherabbittohopinandoutonitsown.Ifthecagehasawirefloor,coverpartofitwithcardboard,woodorseagrassmatstoprotectyourrabbit’sfeetfrominjury.Thefloorcoveringshouldbeatleasttwicethesizeoftherabbit.Ababygatecanbeusedtoconfineyourrabbitinoneroom.

Litter BoxRabbitscatchonquicklytousinglitterboxes.Bepreparedtostartwithseverallitterboxesuntiltherabbitishousebroken.Placeoneintherabbit’scageandoneortwoboxeselsewherearoundthehousethattherabbitwillhaveaccessto.Sincerabbitsenjoyeatingwheretheydefecate,thebestlitteroptionwouldbeliningthepanwithnewspaperwithahandfulofhayoverthetop.Ifyoudecidetouseadifferenttypeoflitter,itshouldbedust-freeandsafefortherabbitifingested.Neverusewoodshavings,claylitterorclumpinglitter.Thesetypesoflittermaybeharmfultoyourrabbit’shealth.

BowlsProvideheavy,non-tipceramicbowlsforpellets,freshvegetables,andwater.Lighter-weightbowlsmaybecomeplaytoys.

Grass HayRabbitsneedtohavehayavailableatalltimes.Grasshays,suchastimothyhayororchardgrasshays,arethebest.Alfalfahaycanbegiventorabbitsunder8monthsold,thosewhoareunderweight,pregnantandseniorrabbits,butconsultyourveterinarianontheproperamounttofeed.Storehayinacool,dryplaceanddonotclosethebagtightly.Tossoutmustyhay.

Water ContainerKeepfreshcleanwateravailableatalltimes.Useawaterbottlewiththedoubleballsystem.Checkthebottlefrequentlytoensureitisworkingproperly.Aheavyceramicbowl(soitcannotbetossedaround)canalsobeused.Caution:somerabbit’sdewlapsmayhangoverthebowlandbecomewet.Constantwetnessfromthewaterbowlonarabbitsdewlapcancauseaskininfection.

ToysRabbitslovetheirtoysandit’ssomuchfuntowatchthemplay.Ideasforsafetoysinclude:woodbirdtoys,hardplasticbabytoys(rattles,keysrings,etc.),wirecatballs,emptypapertowelortoiletpaperrolls,andcardboardboxesmadeintofortsandtunnels,justtonameafew.

Pelleted FeedPelletsshouldbehigh-qualitytimothyhayandcontainatleast16percentfiber.Avoid“gourmetfeed”asrabbitswilleatthetastypartandleavethenutritionbehind.Feedanadultrabbitapproximately¼cupofpelletsper5poundsofbodyweight.Rabbitsundereightmonthsoldshouldbefreefed.

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Fruits and VegetablesIntroducevegetablesandfruitstoyourrabbit’sdietslowlytoavoidasourstomach.Fruitsaretobegiveninsmallamountsastreatsonly.Organicisbestandremembertowashallfruitsandvegetablesbeforefeedingtoyourrabbit.Hereisalistofsafe/recommendedvegetablesandfruitstogetyoustarted:

VegetablesGreenPeppers,Artichoke,Asparagus,BeetTops,Kale,MustardGreens,Lettuce(romaine,red&greenleaf),Basil,Mint,Parsley,Carrot(tops),Celery,Chard,RadishTops,Cilantro,Sage,Clover,CollardGreens,Spinach,Cucumber,Dandelion(leaves,stem&flower),Watercress,andZucchini.Itisimportantnottofeediceberglettucetoyourrabbitasitcancausediarrheaanddehydration.

Fruits Apples(noseeds),Pears,Papayas,HoneydewMelon,Cantaloupe,Bananas,Blackberry(leaves,stems&fruit),Blueberry,Peach,Raspberry(leaves,stems&fruit),Strawberry,Tomato,Watermelon,andGrapes.

SupplementsThesearenotnecessaryifyoufeedyourrabbitawell-balanceddiet.Manysupplementscurrentlyonthemarkettodaycanbetoxictorabbits.Consultyourveterinarianpriortofeedingyourrabbitanysupplements.

Cleaning SuppliesWhitevinegarorNature’sMiracleisusefulforcleaninganylitterboxaccidentsonthecarpetandisnon-toxictoyourrabbit.Dilutedbleachworkswellfordisinfectingthecage,justmakesuretorinsewell.

Nail TrimmerAcatnailtrimmerworkswellinsmallbreeds.Forlargerbreeds,tryadognailtrimmer.Consultyourveterinarianforinstructionsasneeded.

Grooming SuppliesAsoftbrushslickerandmetalcombareusefulforgroomingmostrabbits.Becarefulwhengrooming,asrabbitshaveverydelicateskinthatiseasilydamaged.Patienceisneededwhenremovingmatsandtanglesonlonghairedbreeds.Alwayspinchbelowthematasyoudetangleamatsoyoudon’tputpressureontherabbit’ssensitiveskin.NEVERusescissorstoremoveamatfromyourrabbit.


cHILdren and raBBItS

If there are children in your household, it is important to teach them how to handle and act with your new rabbit to avoid stressing the rabbit and avoid causing potential injury to both. Children learn responsibility by good examples, so please guide your children and regularly monitor the care being provided for your pets.

Herearesomeguidelinestohelpyourchildrenandyournewrabbitlivehappilytogether:

Instructchildrentobecalm,quiet,andslowmovingwhenbeingintroducedtotherabbit.

Handletherabbitgentlyandtellchildrennottosqueezeorholdtootightly.Mostchildrenundertheageof5cannotholdarabbitproperlywithoutsqueezingtootight.Rabbitsgenerallydonotlikebeingheldandmayscratchornipatachildtogetaway.Childrenshouldbesittingonthefloorwiththerabbitintheirlapincasetherabbitmakesaquickescape.Childrenshouldleavetherabbitalonewhenheissleeping,eating,orusingthelitterbox.

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tHe rIde HOme

Most rabbits do not like traveling. Here are some tips that will help your rabbit have a safe and calm time during the ride home.

Pleasekeepyournewrabbitinthecarrierprovided—itistheONLYsafewaytotransportyourpet.Haveanadultcarrytherabbitinitscarriertoyourvehicletoeliminate“swinging”ofthecarrier.Useaseatbeltortethertosecurethecarrierinyourcar.

Donotallowchildrentoteaseorexcitetherabbit.Havethemkeeptheirhandsandfingerstothemselves!Neverallowthemtoopenthecarriertopettherabbit.

Donotleavetherabbitinthecarunattended,evenforashortstoptoshop.Rabbitscanover-heatveryquickly.Buyyoursuppliesatourretailstoreandthenyoucantakerabbitstraighthome.

Pleasekeeptherabbitinitscarrieruntilyouaresafelyinsideyourhomewiththedoorsshut.Oncehome,therabbitwillneedtimetosettle.

HOuSIng needS

Your rabbit will need a space to call home even if he is allowed to roam freely around the house. This will give him a sense of security and allow him to be safely confined if there are children or other pets in his running area.

Why keep a rabbit inside?Housingyourrabbitsinsidehasmanyadvantagesandweonlyrecommendindoorhousingforthem.Yourpetwillbecomepartofyourfamilyjustlikeacatordog.Arabbitneedscompanionship,andhewillreceiveitifhelivesnearyou.Hiswonderfulpersonalityanduniquerabbitbehaviorswilldelightyou.Yourrabbitwillbesafefrompredatorsandtheelements.Caution:avoidusingabusygaragetohouseyourrabbitifitisusedforavarietyofotherpurposes.Remember,rabbitsneedaquiet,stress-freeenvironment.

Youwillgetsofamiliarwithyourrabbitthatanychangesinhisbehavior(i.e.,activitylevel,eating,orbathroomhabits)willbenoticedwhentheyfirstappear.Thesechangescouldindicateseriousorevenlife-threateningconditionsandmaywarrantyourimmediateattention.


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Wire CageBuythelargestcageyoucanaffordforyournewrabbit.Thegeneralruleofthumbisthatthelengthofthecageshouldbe4-5timesthesizeofthefullgrownrabbitwhenheisstretchedoutandtheheightshouldallowenoughroomforhimtositupcomfortably.Asittingboardorcardboardsquareshouldbeplacedinsidethecagetoprotecttherabbit’sfeet.

Ideally,thecageshouldhavebothasideandatopopening.Ifthereisonlyoneopening,itisbesttohaveitonthesidewithaswingingdoorhingedfromtheside.Besuretheopeningislargeenoughtoaccommodatealitterbox.Theidealcagewouldhaveasolidbottom.Ifyouchooseacagewithawirebottom,thereshouldbeametaltraybelowthewirefloor.Linethiswithnewspaperorapaperbasedlitter.Donotusepineorcedarshavingsinthetrayorinthelitterbox,astoxicfumeswillbeemittedand,overtime,thesecandamagetherabbit’sliverandlungs.

Wire Exercise PensCollapsiblewireexercisepens(canbepurchasedinourBestFriendsCornerstore)canbeplacedonhardwoodorlinoleumfloorstoallowyourrabbittoroam.Insidethisareayoucanplaceawoodenorcardboardboxfortherabbittohideinandchewon,litterbox,foodandwaterdishes,andtoys.Rabbitsloveboxestohideinwhileplaying.Theseboxesneedtohaveatleasttwoopenings.Rabbitspreferquickescapes;havingjustoneopeningcouldcauseyourrabbittopanicandthrasharoundinthebox.Ifyourrabbitisajumper,payspecialattentiontotheheightofthepen.



LItter BOx traInIng

Yes, your rabbit can be litter-box trained! Rabbits are clean and prefer to have one or more special toilet areas. The ease of training can vary between rabbits. Many rabbits take to a litter box very easily; some require a bit more persistence and patience on your part. Training can be influenced by several factors, including the presence of other (non-bonded) rabbits, the size of your rabbit’s initial area, age of your rabbit (adult rabbits catch on quicker), and especially whether your rabbit is spayed or neutered.

How to BeginTostart,confinementandsupervisionisthekey.Ifarabbitisallowedtourinateanddefecatewhereveritlikesfromthebeginning,itwillbemuchhardertotrain.Atfirst,keepyourrabbitprimarilyinhisorhercage,withalitterpan.Placealitterboxinthecage,andnotewhereyourrabbiteliminates.Hemaystartusingthebox,ormaypickanothercornerofthecagetouseasatoilet.Ifthisisthecase,movethelitterboxtotheareayourrabbitseemstoprefer.Flexibilityonlitterboxplacementmaybenecessarybothinandoutofthecage.

Keepyourrabbit’shayandfoodbowlinthelitterbox.Muchlikecowsandhorses,rabbitsusuallydefecatewhileeating.

Onceyourrabbitisusingthelitterpaninthecage,allowtherabbitoutofthecageinalimitedarea.Providealitterboxwithinthisarea,andperhapsmakeitenticingbyplacingatreatorfavoritetoyinthebox.Ifyounoticeyourrabbittendstoheadtooneareatodoitsbusiness,considerputtingtheboxthere.

Accidentswillhappen,andpunishmenthasnoplaceintrainingarabbit.Yourrabbitwillabsolutelynotbeabletomakeaconnectionwithphysicalpunishmentandeliminatingoutsidethelitterbox.Ifyoucatchyourrabbitintheact,calmlyandgentlytakehimorhertothelitterboximmediately.Butifyoudon’tphysicallycatchyourrabbiturinatingordefecating,itistoolateforyourrabbittomaketheconnection.Justcleanupandwatchyourrabbitalittlemorecloselynexttime(cleanthespotwithdilutedvinegaroracommercialpetstain/odorremover).Thekeyistogetyourrabbittotheboxbeforehegoes,soatriptothelitterboxevery10minutesduringplaytimecanbehelpful.

Overtime,yourrabbitwillprobablydevelopapreferenceforusingthebox,andthentheamountoffreedomyougiveyourrabbitcanbeincreased.Youmayneedtoprovidemoreboxesasyouallowyourrabbitaccesstomorespace(rabbitsmaynotgofarinsearchofabox,sohavethemhandy).Again,ifyourrabbitrepeatedlychoosesoneplaceinhisroomtoeliminate,considerputtingormovingalitterboxthere.Trytoworkwithwhatyourrabbitnaturallywantstodo,butifthelocationtheychooseisinconvenient,youcantryputtingalitterboxthereforawhileandthengraduallymoveittoabetterspot.Sometimes,placingabowloffoodwhereyoudon’twantthemtopottyworkstoo.Theprocesssoundsdaunting,butusuallygoesprettysmoothlyaslongastheownerworkswiththerabbit’snaturaltendenciesandprovidesundividedattentiontotherabbitduringitsfreetimeinthebeginning.Establishingaroutinewithyourrabbitwillalsohelp.Sometimesapreviouslytrainedrabbitwillgetalittlecareless,andthisusuallymeansbacktrackingandrestrictingfreedomuntilyourrabbitistrainedagain.

MarkingOlderrabbitsareusuallyeasiertotrainthanyoungbunnies,astheydonotneedtoeliminateasfrequentlyandtheirnaturaldesireforcleanlinessismoredeveloped.However,oncerabbitshitpubertythedesiretomarkterritorybecomesverystrong,evenpreviouslywell-trainedrabbitsmaystarturinemarkingandsprayingaswellasdefecatingtomarkterritory.Markingbehaviorwilloftenresultfroma

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varietyofstressesalongwiththenaturalinstincttostakeoutaterritory.Urinemarkingdoesnotalwaystaketheformofspraying,andbothmalesandfemalesmark,althoughitisfarmorecommonwithintact(notneutered)males.

Haveyourrabbitspayedorneuteredby4-6monthsofage.Thishasmanyhealthbenefitsforyourrabbit,andwillalsomakelittertrainingeasierandreduceurinesprayingandothermarkingbehaviors.Gettingthesurgerydoneatayoungageworksbest-oncemarkingbecomesanestablishedbehavior,itmaybeverydifficulttolittertraintherabbit.

Makesuretherabbitfeelssecureinitshome.Trytoavoidreachingintothecageandpullingarabbitout,asthismaymaketherabbitfeelthreatenedandmorelikelytomark.Besuretodocagemaintenance(cleaningthecage,etc.)whiletherabbitisoutofthecage.

Sometimesterritorialmarkingisatemporarysituation,andmayoccurinresponsetosomesortofstress,changeinroutine,changeinthehousehold,oradditionofanotherpet(particularlyanotherrabbit).Often,oncetherabbitnolongerfeelsstressedorisconfidenthisterritoryissecure;hewillstopmarking.

Withallthatsaid,rabbitsarepronetourinarytracthealthproblems,soifthereisasuddenpersistentchangeinurinationhabitsorinthecolorandamountofurine,atriptoyourveterinarianisinorder.This

isespeciallytrueifyourrabbitstartsurinatingsmallamountsfrequently(mostrabbitsurinateinfrequentlyandinlargevolumes).

Night Droppings (Cecotrophs)Thesearesmallsoftfecalpelletsresemblingaclusterofgrapes.Rabbitsofteningestthececotrophsdirectlyfromtheanus.Theseareusuallyproduced4-5hoursafterameal.Thececotrophsaresofterthanregularpelletswithastrongerodorandshouldnotbeconfusedwithactualdiarrhea.Cecotrophscontainnutrientsessentialtoyourrabbit’shealth.

Choosing a Litter BoxChooselitterboxesthatareagoodsizeforyourrabbit.Anyboxthatiswaterproofandholdshaycanbeusedasalitterbox.Ifyourabbithasahabitofthrowingtheirbox,punchholesintherimoftheboxandsecureittotheircagewithtwistties,wireorleashclips.Ifyourrabbitthrowslitteryoumaywanttobuyalitterboxwithagridormakeyourowngrid.Plasticstoragebinswiththeirhighwallsmakegreatlitterboxes.Keepinmindthatthegridmustnothavesharpedgesandmustallowthefecalpelletstofallthroughtothebottomofthebox.

Emptyandcleanthelitterboxesdaily.Ifyourrabbitrefusestousetheirbox,theymightbetellingyouit’stimeforachange.Cleanyourboxeswithwhitevinegarandhotwatertodisinfectandremoveurinedeposits.Foraccidentsoutsidethelitterbox,cleanupwithvinegar,clubsodaorNature’sMiracle.


PLaytImeRabbitsarebynaturecurious,fun-lovingcreaturesandneedmentalstimulationaswellasphysicalexercise.Arabbitwithnooutletforthesenaturaltendenciescanbecomebored,lonely,overweight,destructive,ordepressed.Toysshouldbeprovidedinyourrabbit’scageandintheirexercisearea.

Tryanemptytoiletpaperorpapertowelrollstuffedwithhay.Acardboardboxwithanentranceandexitcutintoitisgreatfun.SomesmallinexpensivechildoranimaltoysthatappealtoaplayfulrabbitincludeBattaBalls(aballwithabellinside),hardplasticbabyteethingkeys/rings,babyrattles,andhangingbirdorbabytoys.Balloonsmustbeavoidedalongwithsquishyballs(Nerf)andtoysthatcangetcaughtinyourrabbit’smouth.

Giveyourrabbittoysthathecandighisteethinorchewandhewillbelesslikelytoamusehimselfbydiggingorchewinginplacesyou’dratherhedidn’t.Appletreebranchesmakeidealchewtoys.Theyhelpweartherabbit’steethandstimulatenaturalrabbitbehavior.

HeaLtHWithpropercarearabbitcanlive8-12years.Thisincludesproperdiet,spayingorneutering,andanannualexaminationbyarabbit-knowledgeableveterinarian.Manymedicalconditionsinrabbitsarepreventableifownersknowsomeofthebasics.Hereissomeinformationtohelpyou.

Spaying/NeuteringBesidescontrollingpopulation,spayingandneuteringhaveotherimportantbenefits.Manyinappropriatebehaviorsthatresultinanownergivinguparabbitcanbepreventedbyhavingyourpetspayedorneutered.Theleadingcaseofdeathforfemalerabbitsisuterinecancer,andspayingyourfemalerabbitgreatlyreducesthisrisk.Ithasbeenshownthatunspayedfemalesabovetheageoftwoyearshavean80percentchanceofthistypeofcancer.Spayingandneuteringalsomaydecreaseunwantedaggressivebehaviorandspraying.Thisalsomakesitpossibletokeepamaleandfemaletogether.

ParasitesIfanyoftheselittleproblematicparasitesarespotted,takeyourrabbitintothevetforacheckupandprofessionaladviceonriddingyourrabbitoftheproblem.Alwaysaskyourveterinarianbeforedoinganytypeoftreatmentstomakesuretheyarerabbitsafe.

• Earmiteinfestationscauseaccumulationofalight browncrustymaterialthatnearlyfillstheexternal earcanal.Theunderlyingtissuesareusuallyvery rawandirritated.Inespeciallyseverecases,these soresmayspreadtoadjacentareasofthehead.

• Furmites(Cheyletiella)usuallyoccurontheback betweentheshoulderbladesandlooklikeflaky dandruff.Somerabbitsmayharborthemformany yearswithoutsigns.Severecasesmaycausehairloss.

• Licecauseitchingandirritationandleavelittlewhite eggs.Lookfortheselittleeggsintheearsorclinging toyourpet’sfur.

• Fleasarenotcommononpetrabbits.Arabbitmay getfleasfromotherhouseholdpets.

• Coccidiaareaninternalparasitethataffectstheliver orintestine.Usuallyonlyyoungandstressedrabbits areaffected.Signsmayincludediarrhea,lethargy, weightloss,orpoorweightgain.

• BotFlyLarvalaytheireggsundertherabbit’sskin. Surgicalremovalofthelarvaisusuallynecessary. Infestationmaycauselameness,anorexiaandshock.

• PinWormsinhabitthelowerhalfofthedigestive tract.Theycancauseself-trauma,rectalprolapsed andinflammationandinfectionoftheareaaround therabbitsrectum.

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TeethDomesticrabbitsbelongtoasmallgroupofanimalsthathavecontinuouslygrowingoropen-rootedteeth.Thismeansthatallteethinthemouth,includingtheincisorsinthefrontofthemouthandthepremolarsandmolars(calledcheekteeth),willcontinuetogrowthroughouttherabbit’slifetime.Thereasonforthisisthatrabbitsinthewildeatalargeamountofcoarse,fibrousmaterialsuchasdriedplantsandpoor-qualitygreens.Theteethareconstantlywornagainsteachotherandagainstthecoarsediet;theywouldsoonwearoutifnotconstantlyreplaced.Ifarabbit’steethanddietarenormal,thentheteethwillweardownataconstantratethatisequaltothegrowthrateofthetooth.If,however,arabbit’steethdonotmeetcorrectlyortherabbitdoesnotenoughroughage,thendentalproblemscanoccur.

Malocclusionisthetermforteeththatdon’tmeetcorrectly.Becausearabbit’steethareconstantlygrowing,malocclusioncancausesmallpointstogrowontheteethfromunevenwear.Thesepointscanirritatethetongueorcheekandcauseeatingtobeapainfulexperience.Overgrownincisorscanactuallygrowintotheopposingjaworlip.Malocclusionoftheincisorsiseasytoseeifyoutakethetimetolookcarefullyatyourrabbit’sfrontteeth.Ifyouseethatoneincisor(leftorright)islongerthantheother,youshouldcontactyourveterinarian.Itisnormalfortheupperincisorstobeabouttwiceaslongasthelowerincisors.Withoutspecializedequipmentitisimpossibletoviewthecheekteethofarabbit,soyourveterinarianwillhavetodothatforyou.Itshouldbepartofyourrabbit’sphysicalexam.

AnorexiaAnytimearabbitstopseating,itisamedicalemergency.Contactyourrabbit-knowledgeableveterinarianimmediately.

DiarrheaTruediarrheainarabbitisnotverycommon.Suddendietchange,lowroughagediet,excessivesugar,orantibioticsnotsuitedtorabbits(Amoxicillin)canall

inducediarrhea.Ifyourrabbithasrunnystoolorstoolcakedtoitsfur,consultyourveterinarian.Ifdiarrheaisleftonyourrabbit’sfur,flystrikes(maggots)mayappear.Prolongeddiarrheacanbefatalinrabbits.

UrineThecolorofrabbit’surinevariesfromyellowtodarkbrownandfromcleartocloudy.Somerabbitsgetwhatisknownasurinesludge.Thiscanbecausedbytoomuchcalciuminthediet,whichcancausestraininganddecreasedurineoutput.Ifyourrabbitstrainsorhasthickurine,consultyourveterinarian.

WoundsWithanywoundorscratch,consultyourveterinarianbeforetreating.Woundsleftuntreatedmayquicklyturnintoanabscessrequiringsurgeryandantibiotictherapy.

HeatOverheatingcanbefataltoarabbit.Rabbitsdonotdowellinhightemperaturesettings.Duringthesummerwemustthinkofhowourpetswillsurvivetheheat.Manyrabbits,includinghouserabbits,dieeachsummerofheat-relatedstress.Arabbit’soptimalairtemperatureisbetween50ºFand70ºF.

Therearemanywaystokeepyourrabbitcool.Firstandmostimportant,alwaysmakesureyourrabbithasplentyoffreshcoolwateravailable.Ifairconditioningisnotanoption,tryafanstrategicallyplacedsotherabbitcannotchewthecord.Anotherideaistofreezeamilkjugfullofwaterandplaceitinalargebowlintherabbit’sroomorcage.Usethebowlaroundthemilkjugtokeepthepuddlesofcondensationofftherabbit.Mostrabbitswillsoonliedownwiththeirbodiespressedagainstthecoldbowl.Thefrozenmilkjugsusuallylastabout8-10hoursdependingontheairtemperature.

Ifpreventativemeasuresdonotworkandyourrabbitappearstobeoverheated,thiscanbeanemergency.Watchyourrabbitforpantingorlethargyandseekmedicaladvicewhennecessary.


HairballsForrabbitowners,thewordhairballcanstrikefearintheirhearts.Hairballshavelongbeenconsideredoneofthemostseriousailmentsinrabbits,withthepotentialtocausedeath.Butwhatexactlyisahairballandwhydoesitseemprimarilytoaffectpetrabbitsandnottheirwildcousins?

Ahairball,technicallycalledatrichobezoar,isanaccumulationofhairwithinthedigestivetract.Itisthoughtthatthishairisingestedwhentherabbitgrooms.Theaccumulatedhairbunchesupintoaballthatcannotpassthroughtheintestinaltract,usuallyleadingtoanobstruction.Thisisalsoreferredtoaswoolblock,gastricstasisorhairblock.Thestomachisthemostcommonpartoftheintestinaltractaffected.Catsarealsocommonlyaffectedwithhairballs,butthedifferencebetweencatsandrabbitsisthatcatstypicallyandharmlesslyvomittheirhairballs.Rabbitsdonothavethephysicalabilitytovomit.

Rabbitswithpoorappetite,smallerfecalpellets,weaknessandweightlossneedtobeseenbyyourveterinarian.Preventinghairballsiscrucialtomaintainingthehealthofyourrabbit.Regularbrushinghelpsaswellasagooddiet.

PasteurellaPasteurellacanbeacquiredfromanywhere,especiallyotherrabbits,andoftenfromhumanswhomaycarryitontheirskinorclothing.Thebacteriaenterthebodyviathenoseoropenwoundsandstartgrowing.OverhalfofallrabbitscarryPasteurellabacteriaintheirbodies,butmostarenotsick.Ahealthyimmunesystemeithereliminatesthebacteriafromthesystem,orkeepstheirnumbersandlocationtightlycontrolledwheretheyareharmless.However,somerabbitsarenotabletodestroythePasteurellathathascolonizedtheirbodiessotheydeveloppasteurellosis,aclinicaldisease.

Commonly,rabbitswithpasteurellosisshowupperrespiratorydisease,alsoknownas“snuffles.”Rabbitscleanandwipetheirrunnynoses,unlikechildren,unlesstheyareveryill.Theslightcrustingaroundthe

nostrilsmaygounnoticed,butthefurontheinsidesoftheforepawsshouldbecheckedbecausethisiswherethedischargeaccumulates.Consultarabbit-knowledgeableveterinarianforyourrabbit’shealthcare.Ifleftuntreated,Pasteurellacanleadtopneumonia.

Importantsignsofserioushealthproblemswithyourrabbitmayinclude:lethargy,sittinghunchedup,hidinginunusualplaces,anorexia,drooling,diarrhea,nostool,strainingtourinate,sneezing,eyedischarge,loudteethgrinding,theappearanceofblood,pus,ormaggots.Manyoftheseconditionscanbelifethreatening.Ifyourrabbitshowsanyofthesesignspleaseconsultyourveterinarianimmediately.


IntrOducIng yOur raBBIt tO OtHer PetS

Rabbits, like people, enjoy the company of others. Companionship helps to fill the hours while owners are away at work or out of the home. A bored rabbit may get into more mischief than a rabbit focusing attention on a companion.

Rabbit to RabbitThefirstthingyouwillneedtodoisfindacompanionforyourrabbit.Neuteredrabbitsareintroducedmoreeasily,sincetheyarelessterritorial.Alwaysintroducethetworabbitsonneutralterritory,awayfromanywherewhereeitherrabbithasspentanytime.Theeasiestintroductionsarebetweenaneuteredmaleandaspayedfemale,orbetweentwospayedfemales.Introducingtwounspayedfemalesoverabout4monthshasalotmorepotentialforseriousfighting,soyouwillfindthewholeprocessfarmorepossibleifyouhaveyourexistingrabbitspayedandintroduceayounger,spayedfemale.

Whenthetimecomestointroduceyourrabbits,locatethetworabbitsinadjacentcageswheretheycanseeandsmelleachother.Oncetheyarefamiliarwitheachother’spresencewithoutobviousstress,youcanintroducethemonneutralterritoryforshortperiodsoftime.Ifafightoccurs,separatethemimmediatelyandtryagainafterafewhours.Iftheyappearuninterestedineachotherorgroomthemselves,thisisagoodsign.Eveniffightingdoesnothappen,separatetherabbitsafter15minutesandre-introducethemeveryhourorsountiltherabbitsseementirelyrelaxedtogether.Youwillneedtohavetwolitterpansasrabbitscantakeownershipandfightoverjusthavingonelitterboxavailable.Agoodsignisiftheywilleatfromthesamebowltogetherwithoutanysignofaggravation.Youwillbeabletoleavetherabbitsunsupervisedforshortperiodsoftimeiftherabbitsengageingroomingeachother.

Introducingtworabbitsisnoteasyandmaytakefromafewdaystoafewmonthsbeforeyoucanleavethemcompletelyaloneatalltimes.Ifnofightingoccurswhentheyfirstmeet,yourchancesofsuccessarehigh.However,ifpersistentfightingoccursinthefirstdayortwo,thechancesarepoor.

Rabbit to CatRabbitsandcatscanbecomefriendsinyourhome.Thefunnythingisthatmanycatsareoftenafraidofarabbit.Theydon’tknowwhattomakeofthisodd-lookingcreature,andoftentheywillrunandhide.Whenyourcatfinallycomesbackout,startwithyourcatandrabbitseparatedthroughacageorabarrier.

Someintroductionscangobadly,evenwithotherwiseamiablecats.Catsknownforbringinghomedeadmiceorchasingafterbirdsarenotgoodcandidatesforsharingtheirhomewitharabbit.Evenlovingcatscansuddenlyshowsignsofaggression(earsflatback,hairstandingup)andmayevenattackanunsuspectingrabbit.Multiple-cathouseholdsneedconstantobservationasmultiplecatscanquicklyganguponanunwaryrabbit.

Catscandomuchdamagewiththeirteethandclaws,soifyourrabbitbecomesinjured,pleasegethimtoarabbit-knowledgeableveterinarian.Don’triskintroductionswithcatsthataremightyhunters.

Rabbits to DogRabbit-to-dogintroductionsneedmoresupervisionthanwithotherhousepets.It’simportanttoknowyourdoganddetermineifthepairwillbecompatible.Ifyourhouseholdhasapuppy,youngdog,terrierorretriever,don’tleavehimalonewithyourrabbit.Itwouldbebesttokeeptheminseparaterooms.Barkingdogscancausepanicandthe“My,youlooktasty”lookcanbequiteterrifyingtoarabbit.

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Ifyourdogchasesbirdsorsquirrels,don’ttemptfate.Itwouldbesafestfortherabbittohaveadifferenthome.Ontheotherhand,ifyouhaveamaturedog,especiallyonethathasexposureandpositiveexperienceswithsmallcritters,theyoftenwillacceptanddoverywellwithyourrabbit.

Beforeintroducingyourrabbit,yourdogmustbeundervoicecommandandhavehadobediencetraining.Ifyouhavetorepeatcommandsoverandover,orhejustdoesnotlisten,don’teventryit.Itisessentialthatyourdogbeonaleash,inyourcontrol,andquietduringtheintroduction.Therabbitcanbeinhisnormalhabitat.Dothisseveraltimes,justbeinginthesameareawiththebunny.Donotrush;donotforceanose-to-nose.Youwillknowbyyourdog’sreaction.Soon,hemaybeabletogouptoyourrabbitwhenyourrabbitiscurioustowardsyourdog;notwhentherabbitishidinginabox,tuckedinhiscage,orunderthebed.

Soonyourrabbitandyourdogmaybenose-to-nose(withyourdogstillonhisleash).Youwillknowifyourdogismatureandcalmenoughtounleashhim.Isyourrabbitcontentandcurious?Alwaysbewiththem.Nomatterhowwonderfultheygetalong,neverleavethemalone.

Rabbit to Guinea PigGuineapigsandrabbitsareeasytocarefortogetherbecausetheyhavesimilarhousing,dietaryandhealthneeds.Yourrabbit’sboxoftimothyhayprovidesnutrition,abathroom,andanidealburrowingzoneforaguineapig.Thebasicdietofhay,pellets,freshvegetablesandfreshfruittreatsworksforbothanimals,thoughguineapigsneedsupplementalvitaminC.Thisisavailablefromspecialformulapelletsandfoodslikeredoryellowpeppersandoranges.Rabbitscansharetheseextras,butbecarefulifyourrabbitisobese.Itsfuntowatchthemeattogether:sometimesshyguineapigswillsneakupandswipefoodfromrabbitsmanytimestheirsize.

Guineapigsareusuallyeasiertointroducetoarabbitthananotherrabbitbecausethere’snointraspeciescompetitionfordominance.Whileguineapigsgenerallymakegoodrabbitfriends,it’simportanttomakesurebothanimalsarehealthybecausetheycancarrydiseaseswhichmaybeharmfultotheotherspecies.It’salsonevera“surething”whenintroducinganimals;notallwillgetalong,soalwaysobservethemcloselyuntiltheyaresettled,oradoptabondedpair.


BeHavIOrRabbits“present”themselvestooneanotherforacknowledgementandforgrooming.Ifoneofyourrabbitsapproachesasecondandputshisheaddown,heisnotthesubservientonebutthedominantone,andisdemandingtobegroomed.Andbecausetheyrespectoneanotherandtheestablishedhierarchy,thesecondrabbitgenerallywillcommencetolickingthedominant’sforeheadandears.

Theestablishedhierarchy,however,isnotsetinstone,andthedominantrabbitwilloftenbecomethegroomer.Sometimesyou’llfindrabbitsengagedinastruggleof“loveme;noyouloveme,”andtheystruggletothrusttheirforeheadsunderoneanother’schins.Sometimesthedominantrabbitwillgenerouslyagreetobethegroomer.Sometimesthedominantonerefusesandinsteadinsistsuponafull-bodygroomingbystretchingoutinfrontoftheotherrabbittobaskinworshipfuladoration.

Rabbitswillnotevenpasseachotherwithoutacknowledgingoneanother’spresencebysniffingandbumpingnoses.Rabbitownersmayunknowinglyviolatethisrequirementiftheywalkpastrabbitswithoutacknowledgingthem.Youdon’thavetogetdownonallfourstobumpnoses,butyoushouldtakethetimetostopandgivethemapet.Afterall,toarabbit,it’sjustsimplerespect.

Handling Your RabbitBeingpickedupisnotanaturalexperienceforarabbitandtheirfirstreactionisfear;however,overtimeandwithpatiencetheywillbecomeaccustomedtobeinghandled.

Rabbitshaveverydelicatebodiesandyoumusttakecarewhenyouholdthem.Whenyougotopickuparabbit,approachthemfromthefrontorsidesotheycanseeyoucomingandthatwaytheyarelesslikelytobecomefrightened.Gentlytalktoandstrokeyourrabbittocalmthem;placeonehandundertheirchestandusetheothertosupporttheirhindquartersandhelppreventthemfromkickingoutbackwards.You

shouldmoveyourrabbitonlyashortwaylikethis,suchasfromtheirhutchtoacarrycase.

Tocarryasmallrabbit,keepafirmgrip,butDONOTsqueeze,andholdtherabbitsothatitisfacingyouandallfourfeetaretouchingyourchest.Onehandshouldstillbesupportingthehindquartersandtheotherovertheshoulders.Becautiousoftherabbitattemptingtorunupyourchestrapidlytoescape.Ifthisoccurs,quicklycupyourhandovertherabbitsface,asthishasacalmingandneutralizingeffect.

Forlargerrabbits,holdthemsidewaysagainstyourbodywiththeirhindfeetrestingatyourlefthipandtheirheadfacingyourrightshoulder.Holdyourleftarmacrossyourrabbit’sbody,supportitschestwithyourfingersandholdyourthumboveryourrabbit’sshoulders.Withyourrighthand,supporttherabbit’shindquartersandholditsfeetfirmlyagainstyousothattherabbitcan’tkickout.

Ifyouareanewrabbitowner,oryourrabbitdoesn’tlikebeingliftedandstrugglesinitially,itisagoodideatokneelonthefloorwhenyouliftthemfromtheirhutch.Itgoeswithoutsayingthatyouwanttoavoidyourrabbitfallingatallcosts,butifyoukneelandyourrabbitdoessquirmfree,theywillhaveashorterdistancetofall.

Whenplacingyourrabbitbackinitscage,makesureyoucarefullysupportitwithbothhandsatalltimes.Theymaybeexcitedaboutreturningtotheircagesomakesureyoudon’treleaseyourgripuntiltherabbitissafelyonthefloorofthehutch.

Youshouldneverpickuparabbitbytheears,legsorscruffasthiscancauseseriousdamageandpaintoyourrabbit.Rabbitsmayrespondbytryingtobiteorattackthepersoncausingthepain.

CHaPter 9


Aggressive BehaviorYoumaynotknowaboutthelifeyourrabbitlivedbeforefindinghiswaytoyourhome.Iftherabbitwasnottreatedkindlybeforeyoucamealong,youmightfindyourrabbitactingoutaggressively.Therabbitmightgrowl,lungeatyourfeetasyouwalkpast,orevenbite.Sometimestherabbitmaydoallthesethingstoprotecthimselffromincreasingintrusionintohisterritory.Ifyoufindyou’regreetedbygrowlswhenyouputyourhandintherabbit’scage,compareittoyourneighborwalkingintoyourhomeunannounced.You’dprobablygrowl,too.

Treataggressionthesamewayyouwouldtreat“actingout”inahumanchild.Becalm,patient,andkind.Aswithanypet,donothityourrabbit.Astern“no”isgenerallythebestwaytogetyourpointacross.

Ifyouhavearabbitpronetonippingyourhand,trystrokinghisfacefromthenosetotheearswhilegentlypushinghisheaddownatthesametime.You’llpreventanothernipandgivetherabbittheideawhoisboss.

Uninvitedpettingorplayingthatinterruptsloungingtimemayelicitaresponsedemonstratinghowmuchtheownerhasoffendedtherabbit.Ifyousomehowengageinanoffensivebehavior,therabbitwillletyouknowbyhoppingawayfromyouturningsideways.Hemighthopawayinanexaggeratedmanner,flickinghisfeetatyou.Theexaggeratedfootflickisageneralsignalusedwhenyourrabbitwantsnothingtodowithyou.

Watchforwarningsignstobackoff.Therabbitmayputhisearsback,growl,lungeatyou,andmaybeevennipatyourhandorstompthefloorwithhishindfeet.Youshouldconsidertheseactionsasawarning.

Whileit’seasytooffendarabbit,it’salsoeasytobeforgiven.Waitingalittlewhileandthenofferingsomepettingagainwilllikelyputyourselfbackingoodgraces.Youcanalwaystrythefoodapproach,becausethewaytoarabbit’sheartisdefinitelythroughthetummy.

Occasionally,arabbitmaytakeastrongdisliketoaparticularperson.Thismaybeduetoapreviouseventsuchasroughhandlingorattemptstomedicate.Youmaywanttohavesomeoneelse(whoknowshowtohandlearabbit)bethe“badguy”whenyourrabbitneedstoberestrainedandgivenmedication.Thispreservesyourtrustingrelationship.

The Active RabbitRabbitsarehardworkingandindustrious.Ifyoudonotprovidetherabbitwithanactivity,youmightfindhewilloccupyhimselfwithjobsyoudon’twantcompleted:nibblingplasterwalls,chewingtelephonecords,ordigginginthecarpet.Rememberthataboredrabbitcanbeadestructiverabbit.

Youcanavoidthisdestructivebehaviorbysubstitutingactivities,toys,andprojects.Youmightfindasecondrabbithelpscurbthisbehavior.Abondedpairwilloccupyeachotheranddeternaughtyactivities.

Rabbitsareverycuriousandwillspendconsiderabletimecheckingouttheirsurroundings.Justtokeepthingsinteresting,someownersperiodicallyrearrangetherabbit’slivingspaceorintroducenewobjectsforfun.

PlaytimeDaysandnightsarespenthangingoutorsleepingandearlymorningsandeveningsareforcelebratingandcavorting.Rabbitswillbethehungriestduringthesesamehours,andmayalternatebetweeneatingandplaying.Playfulrabbitswillrun,leapintheair,andtosstheirtoys.Ifgivenfreereignofthehouse,theymayrunupanddownthestairs,jumpontothesofa,downagain,racedownthehall,andcomebackagain.Theymightgreetyoubytossingtheirheadsupandtotheside.That’sgeneralrabbit“talk”andisaninvitationtoplay.Accepttheinvitation,getoutthetoysandletthegamesbegin.


underStandIng BOdy Language

Rabbits use their ears to “talk.” Here is a basic course in reading your rabbit:

Ears Forward “What’sthatyousay?”Therabbitisveryinterestedinwhatyouaredoing.

Ears Back Therabbitissaying“Idon’tlikethat”or“wakemewhenit’stimeforsupper.”Hereit’simportanttoknowwhetheryourrabbitisrelaxedandrestingorfeelingthreatened.Ifyourrabbitputshisearsback,histailup,andgrowls,you’llknowit’sthelatter.

One Ear Back, One Ear ForwardYourrabbitistellingyouthattheyhearwhatyouaresaying,butarenotpayingmuchattention.

Nose Nudge“Petme,petmenow”or“Move,you’reinmyway.”

Tooth Clicking“I’msohappyI’mpurring!”

NippingCanbeeitherawarningorawaytogroomsincerabbitslickandnibbletogroomeachother.

Licking“Iloveyou”or“Wow,youneedabath.”

CirclingIfyourfeetarebeingcircledasyouwalkacrosstheroom,yourrabbitcouldbesaying,“Let’splay!”Ifyourrabbithasnotbeenneutered,you’rebeingtargetedforlove.

DancingAlsocalled“doingbinkies”—Arunfollowedbyajumpanda180degreemid-airturnisanexampleofjoyousabandonandsays,“Yippee!”

Foot ThumpingItcouldbeawarningtoyou“leavemealone”orawarningforyou,“Somethingisamisshereandyouneedtoalerttheothers”.Somethinghasstartledyourrabbitandheisinformingtherestofthewarrenandtryingtowardoffpredatorswithabigsound.

CHaPter 10


cOncLuSIOn

Animalsinourlivesprovideablessingandanopportunitytosharetheworldwithanotherspecies.Itisaresponsibilitytotakeseriously.“Workingthrough”behaviorandmedicalissueswilldeepenyourrelationshipwithyouranimalsandprovideavaluablelessontochildrenandadults,teachingthatthebondisindeedonethatwillenduretoughtimesandlastforthelifetimeofyourpet.“Gettingrid”ofananimalbecauseitdoesnotmeetexpectations,hasnotbeentaughtgoodmanners,orneedsexpensivemedicalcareisapoorexampleofanimalownership.

When the match isn’t right….Sometimesarelationshipisnotsuccessful.Ifkeepingyourcompanionrabbitbecomesimpossible,youwillneedtonotifytheOregonHumaneSocietyofplansforplacementormakeanappointmentat(503)285-7722,ext.211toreturntheanimaltotheshelter.Ifyouwishtoplacetheanimalyourself,pleaseselectthehomewithcare.Oncetransferofownershiphastakenplace,pleasenotifyOHSwiththenewowner’sinformationsothatthemicrochipandownerinformationcanbeupdatedinourdatabase.

Insomecases,anexchangewillbeofferedtoyouforanotheranimal.Dependingonthereasonforsurrender,OHSmayplacerestrictionsonthetypesofanimalsyouselecttopreventanotherpoormatch.Forinstance,iftherabbityouselecteddidnotinteractwellwithkids,itwillimportantthatthenextanimalhasagoodhistorywithchildren.

All of us at the Oregon Humane Society want to help you make the right pet choice and to keep the loving bond for the lifetime of the pet. Please give us a call at 503-285-7722 with any questions you may have; we are glad to assist!

CHaPter 11


ServIceS dIrectOryOHS is dedicated to making our community a better place. Call (503) 285-7722 for more information of visit us online at www.oregonhumane.org.

anImaL adOPtIOnSCats, dogs, birds, rodents and rabbits are available for adoption. (503) 285-7722 • oregonhumane.org/adopt

anImaL aSSISted InteractIOnS(aaI) traInIngThe AAI prep school prepares people and pets for the national evaluation exam.(503) 802-6713 • oregonhumane.org/pet_training

anImaL crueLty InveStIgatIOnSOHS officers investigate animal neglect and abuse. (503) 285-7722 x214 • oregonhumane.org/services

anImaL reScueOHS responds to situations where an animal is trapped and needs human help (in case of emergency, call your local police). (503) 802-6707 • oregonhumane.org/rescue

anImaL SHeLter aSSIStanceFood, supplies and training are offered to animal agencies throughout Oregon. (503) 416-2993 • oregonhumane.org/services

BeHavIOr HeLP LIne & weB PageSIf you have questions about problem pet behavior, call our free help-line at (503) 416-2983 or visit us on the web at oregonhumane.org/pet_training

emergency anImaL BOardIngOHS works through various agencies to provide emergency animal care for victims of disasters and domestic violence(503) 285-7722 • oregonhumane.org/services

FInd a HOme FOr yOur PetIf you are unable to keep your pet, OHS may be able to place your pet in a new home. Call first to schedule an appointment.(503) 285-7722, x211 • oregonhumane.org/services

Humane educatIOn FOr yOutHSOHS offers classroom presentations, after-school clubs, summer camps and more.(503) 416-2986 • oregonhumane.org/services

LOSt and FOund PetSOHS does not accept stray dogs; call your local animal control agency. We accept other stray animals under certain circumstances. Call ahead before bringing in a stray and visit our website for more resources. (503) 285-7722, x211 • oregonhumane.org/lost_pets

Pet memOrIaLSOHS maintains an animal mausoleum, columbarium and cemetery and provides private cremation services. Euthanasia services are offered if no other options are available. (503) 285-7722 • oregonhumane.org/services

Pet traInIngOHS offers classes and consultations to help with basic manners and resolve pet behavior issues. (503) 285-7722 x225 • oregonhumane.org/pet_training

SPay & neuter FInancIaL aIdOHS offers interest-free loans and discount coupons. (503) 285-7722 • oregonhumane.org/services


wayS tO HeLPTo learn more about opportunities to help animals, call (503) 285-7722 or visit us online at oregonhumane.org.

autOS FOr anImaLSDonate your vehicle to OHS and claim a charitable deduction. (503) 416-7079 • oregonhumane.org/donate

cHarItaBLe gIFt annuItIeSLifetime income plus a tax deduction. Contact Gary Kish, (503) 416-2988 • [email protected]

cOrPOrate PartnerSHIPSSponsor an OHS event or organize a benefit.(503) 416-7084 • oregonhumane.org/donate

eState gIFtSInclude OHS in your will, trust or with a beneficiary designation. Contact Gary Kish, (503) 416-2988 • [email protected]

FrIendS FOrever™Ensure the welfare of pets who may outlive you. Contact Gary Kish, (503) 416-2988 • [email protected]

gIFtS OF StOckTo make a gift of securities.(503) 416-7083• oregonhumane.org/donate

In-kInd dOnatIOnSSee our wish list on-line at: oregonhumane.org/donate/needed_supplies.asp

memBerSHIPA $30 membership includes a 10% discount at OHS retail shelter stores, and more. (503) 416-5024 • oregonhumane.org/donate

mOnetary dOnatIOnSOHS relies entirely on private donations. (503) 416-2989 • oregonhumane.org/donate

One cOOL tHIngDonate fine art, jewelry, popular electronics, or memorabilia.(503) 416-7079 • oregonhumane.org/donate

PawSMonthly gifts through the Planned Account Withdrawal System (PAWS) support OHS throughout the year. (503) 416-5024 • oregonhumane.org/donate

tLcThe Thomas Lamb Eliot Circle (TLC) honors donors contributing $1,000 annually.(503) 416-7083 • oregonhumane.org/donate

trIBute gIFtSTribute gifts can be made in memory of, or in honor of, a pet or loved one. A card will be sent to your loved one. (503) 416-5027 • oregonhumane.org/donate

vOLunteerOHS volunteer programs are available for teens, adults, groups and companies. (503) 285-7722, x204 • oregonhumane.org/volunteer

wOrkPLace gIvIng camPaIgnSTo learn more about workplace giving campaigns.(503)416-7079 • oregonhumane.org/donate

Remember to license your new pet with your local county animal control:

muLtnOmaH cOunty 503-988-7387 cLackamaS cOunty 503-655-8629waSHIngtOn cOunty 503-846-7041 cLark cOunty 360-699-2096


Pet’s Name

Date of Adoption

Feeding Schedule

Morning

Afternoon

Night

Medicine/Treatments

Morning

Afternoon

Night

Veterinarian

Veterinarian Phone

Veterinarian Address

Notes

PLan FOr Pet durIng dISaSter

REMEMBER: If you must evacuate, take your pet(s) with you!TheOregonHumaneSocietyencouragespetownerstokeeptheirpetsinmindwhenpreparingfordisasteroranemergency.Whilethesunisstillshining,considerpackinga“petsurvival”kitwhichcouldbeeasilydeployedifdisasterhits.

Inordertocontainandcontrolyourpetsduringanevacuation,you’llneedaharnessandleashforeachrabbit.Inchoosingarabbitcarrier,chooseonethatislargeenoughtoserveasatemporaryapartmentforyourrabbit.

Pre-packyourpet’skitinabackpackforeaseintransportationandincludesuppliesforatleastoneweek.Includepellets,water,servingdishes,smalllitterbox,hayandplasticbagsforwastedisposal. Petfirstaidkitsandvaccinationrecordsareamust.

Rememberanypetmedication,favoritetoyorbed,andsometreats.

Tag,microchip,andphotographyourpets. Currentidentificationisthesinglemostimportantthingyoucandotohelpensurethatyouwillbereunitedwithalostpet.Makecertainyourpetiswithvisibleidentificationtagswithyourphonenumber.Amicrochipimplantisasecureformofidentificationthatcan’tbelost.Besuretocarryaphotographwithyoutoincreasethelikelihoodoffindingamissingpet.

tip:Ifyourcellphonehasthecamerafeature,takeandstorephotosofyourpetsonyourcellphone.

CoNGratuLatioNS oN Your New rabbit!

28 Oregon Humane Society • Rabbit Adoption BookletOregon Humane Society | 1067 NE Columbia Blvd | Portland, OR 97211 | 503.285.7722 | oregonhumane.org

Founded in 1868, the Oregon Humane Society fosters an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals through education, legislation and leadership.

With your support, we take care of the homeless, defend the abused, and fight with unrelenting diligence for the recognition of the integrity of all animals.

your new rabbit - oregon humane society · oregon humane society • rabbit adoption booklet 1...

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