The VCAS Bunny Brigade is an all volunteer-run organization that provides care and enrichment for all of the Ventura County Animal Services' homeless rabbits, works to place VCAS rabbits in loving forever homes, educates the public about proper rabbit care, raises funds for medical treatments and supplies, and promotes rabbit welfare and spaying/neutering throughout the county.
Adopt. Once you have determined that a rabbit is a good fit for your home, ask yourself if you are ready to commit to providing daily love and care for the next 8-12 years. The adoption fee is $50 and each rabbit is spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Your bunny will also be eligible for a free wellness visit with a rabbit savvy veterinarian and will receive a free bag of hay and a chewable grass mat upon adoption!
View all of our adoptable rabbits here: http://www.vcas.us/new-search-result?Search=Search&selType=Rabbit&showpix=12
RABBIT CARE:
Living arrangements: Rabbits should live inside the house as part of the family. As an indoor house rabbit, they receive more attention from their families, health issues are more quickly discovered, and they are protected from numerous predators, extreme temperatures and parasites/diseases. There are several great options for indoor housing: an x-pen, an extra-large metal dog crate or home-made rabbit condo made out of “Neat Idea Cubes”. Many people even bunny-proof a whole room of their home to provide spacious accommodations. The typical cages sold in pet stores and hutches do not provide nearly enough room and should be avoided. For more on rabbit housing and living arrangements, please see our informative note: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vcas-bunny-brigade/living-arrangements/1346940155472933/.
Diet: 80% of a rabbit’s diet should be grass hay, such as timothy or orchard. It is crucial for healthy digestive systems and teeth. Pile your rabbit’s litter box high with fresh hay at least once a day. Rabbits also need fresh leafy greens every day. Pellets should be limited. Excellent diet information if available here: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vcas-bunny-brigade/feeding-your-rabbit/1347036515463297/
Bonding: Rabbits are social animals and need plenty of attention from their humans, but nothing replaces the constant companionship of another bunny. Rabbits in pairs are generally healthier and happier than those living alone. They must be spayed/neutered before bonding can begin, and they must be introduced slowly in neutral territory. Bonding can be tricky and time-consuming; it is not safe to just put 2 rabbits together. Contact us for help choosing a mate. Check out the following link for great info and resources on bonding: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vcas-bunny-brigade/bonding/1346851855481763/.
Spaying & Neutering: There are many great reasons for spaying and neutering rabbits. Even if your rabbit lives alone, this is very important as it can prevent serious health issues and extend life expectancy. Altering your rabbit can improve its overall behavior, making them better family companions. Spaying and neutering is essential for preventing overpopulation and, consequently, euthanasia. Check out the following link for more detailed information and facts as to why you need to spay or neuter your rabbits: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vcas-bunny-brigade/spaying-and-neutering/1346759152157700/.
Rabbits & Children: Rabbits do not make the best pets for young children as rabbits are fragile and, being at the bottom of the food chain, do not like loud noises, fast movements, or being picked up and held. If you have children in your home, please read this excellent info: https://www.facebook.com/notes/vcas-bunny-brigade/rabbits-children/1346802638820018/
Additional Rabbit Resources:
House Rabbit Society: www.rabbit.org
House Rabbit Network: www.houserabbitnetwork.org
Bunny World Foundation: www.bunnyworlfoundation.org
Bunny Bunch: www.bunnybunch.org
VOLUNTEERING:
We are always looking for dedicated, animal-loving volunteers to care for the VCAS shelter rabbits and provide lots of TLC. With more volunteers, we can save more lives! Volunteers must 14 or older (14-17 year old volunteers must be accompanied by an adult) and be able to commit to a regular schedule of at least 8 hours a month. To get started, fill out the VCAS volunteer application here: http://www.vcas.us/help-the-animals/volunteering-at-vcas. Once you submit your application, send us a message on our page or email us at [email protected] so we can get you scheduled!
LOW-COST RABBIT SPAY & NEUTER CLINIC IN VENTURA COUNTY:
Mercy Crusade Spay & Neuter Clinic
2252 Craig Dr, Oxnard, CA 93036
(805) 278-4433
$105 for bunny neuters and $125 for bunny spays
http://www.dogcatfix.com
