Welcome to the Sacramento House Rabbit Society

The House Rabbit Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and finding loving homes for abandoned and unwanted rabbits. HRS is also committed to educating people about the unique nature and proper care of these wonderful, intelligent companion animals. Find out more about the Sacramento House Rabbit Society.

Our Next Adoption Day: September 11, 2010

Arden Petco, 1878 Arden Way, 916/923-1082

Join Us For Hoppy Hour at Healthy Habits Studio

On Friday, October 15th, 5 to 9 pm HRS and Healthy Habits will host our first Hoppy Hour fundraiser.
We will have wine, beverages, appetizers, vendors, and a silent auction.
The cost is $20 per person pre-paid and $30 at the door for tickets to the event.

Have You Discovered Abandoned or Stray Rabbits?

Please call your local animal shelter immediately!

If they are abandoned, this could lead to a criminal case, especially if there are muliple rabbits. California penal code section 597S states that anyone willfully abandoning an animal is guitly of a misdemeanor.

If you cannot keep your rabbit, never turn them loose or abandon them. Pet rabbits are totally domesticated and depend on humans for shelter and protection. Do the humane thing and surrender your rabbit to an animal shelter. See our poster "Food; not Free"

Wanted: a Few Good Foster Homes

Do you have a little room - and a little love - to share?

Sadly, one of the many effects of a recession is overflowing animal shelters. Not only are more animals coming in, but there are fewer potential adopters willing to make the financial commitment of feeding and providing veterinary care for a pet.

The House Rabbit Society's fostering network provides these overlooked shelter bunnies with a true second chance at a happy life. We give them loving homes, behavioral training and, eventually, visibility to potential adopters. More...

Myxomatosis ( pronounced mix-oh-mah-toe-sis)
is present in Los Angelese area

At first, normally the disease is visible by lumps (myxomata) and puffiness around the head and genitals. It then may progress to acute conjunctivitis and possibly blindness; however, this also may be the first indication of the disease. The rabbits become listless, lose appetite, and develop a fever. Secondary bacterial infections occur in most cases which cause pneumonia and purulent inflammation of the lumps. In typical cases where the rabbit has no resistance, death takes an average of 13 days. Myxomatosis is spread by fleas and mosquitoes. Therefore, pet rabbits should be kept away from these pests. Keep you rabbits indoors to reduce the risk of exposure.

The virus is spread by biting insects or through direct contact with infected rabbits or contaminated hutches, equipment or clothing. Infected rabbits may develop swollen noses, eyelids, lips, ears or genitals, and may die very quickly. There is no good treatment for this fatal disease, so prevention is extremely important. Rabbit owners should take the following preventive measures to safeguard their pets:

• Protect the rabbits from blood sucking insects. Use mosquito nets, and if possible, keep the rabbits indoors at dusk and dawn.
• Reduce mosquitoes on your property by removing any standing water.
• Quarantine new rabbits for at least two weeks.
• Isolate sick rabbits and contact your veterinarian.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands between rabbits. Do not share equipment between rabbit hutches until it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Check these references for more information:

• Wikipedia
• peteducation.com
• Oregon State Unversity, School of Vet Medicine
• exoticpets.about.com/od/rabbitshealth/p/myxomatosis.htm

Spike in Stray Rabbits Observed in Sacramento

We have noticed there has been a marked increase in calls for help to catch rabbits beginning this summer. Summer is the worst time of the year for a domestic rabbit to be on the loose in the Sacramento area because of the intense heat & lack of available water. Also, several of these rabbits are moms about to give birth. We have included links to the national HRS website which has a wealth of knowledge in these areas. Please follow the links for some immediate tips with the sudden situation you are in.

• Catching a stray rabbit
• Stray rabbits are not likely wild
• Keep your rabbit cool in the summer heat
• Is that Peter, a Cottontail, or a Hare? Identifying pet rabbits vs. true wildlife
• Domestic baby bunnies & their mom
• Newborn baby bunny facts
• Why we shouldn't breed rabbits
• Finding a home for an unwanted rabbit

If none of these articles answers your questions, or you need more information, the National site has an excellent search feature for you input additional keywords.

Rabbits are wonderful & adorable pets, but very different from dogs or cats. They have different behavior & care needs. Learn about the basic differences. Read our 9 Rabbit Myths Poster Our handy Shelter Poster highlights the main points to consider a rabbit as a housepet.

A pet rabbit should not live outside. You will be able to enjoy & care for them better when they are inside with you. Consider these reasons.

Rabbits are cute & cuddly. Are you primarily interested in getting a bunny for your child? Find out if a rabbit is good pet for your child.

Rabbits are better suited to certain adults & households. See if you qualify.

Rabbits are not "starter pets". They deserve as much care & attention as a dog or cat that you would keep forever. Carefully consider your commitment to keeping a rabbit. Read our Easter Bunny Poem

Although rabbits do not need vaccinations like cats & dogs, they have their own medical concerns due to their unique physiology.

Observe house rabbits in their natural habitat on our video page.

Hop to our library of fliers to learn the essentials of rabbit care & behavior.

SacPaws

The Sacramento House Rabbit Society joins with SacPaws, the area's newest pet portal, in providing information to the public about caring for our beloved bunnies.

Reject Rabbit Meat

The Alabama HRS chapter has been monitoring that state's government to widely expand rabbit meat production as an avenue of economic development. Learn about the issues by going to that chapter. Find out what you can do to discourage this misguided effort.

Rabbits are classified as poultry by the USDA and are not protected by humane slaughter laws, meaning they maybe fully aware when they are painfully & brutally killed. Like poultry, they live short lives of only a few weeks in miserable and overcrowded conditions.

Tell UC Davis about your Rascally Rabbit

The UC Davis Vet school is conducting a web survey about the effects of altering on rabbit behavior. These surveys are for PET rabbits only, not rabbits used for commercial or scientific purposes. For those who have multiple rabbits, please complete ONLY ONE survey for ONE rabbit in your household. Please choose the rabbit that you have owned for at least 3 months and whose name begins with the letter(s) closest to the beginning of the alphabet.

There are 3 surveys depending on the alteration status of your rabbit.

• Rascally Rabbits I - for rabbits that were intact when acquired but are now spayed or neutered:
  http://intercom.virginia.edu/SurveySuite/Surveys/RabbitBehaviorPart1
  
• Rascally Rabbits II - for rabbits that were already spayed or neutered when acquired:
  http://intercom.virginia.edu/SurveySuite/Surveys/RascallyRabbitsII
  
• Rascally Rabbits III - for intact rabbits (i.e. rabbits that have not been spayed or neutered):
  http://intercom.virginia.edu/SurveySuite/Surveys/RascallyRabbitIII
  

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Looking for Christopher Radko ornaments? We have a unique selection of new and retired ornaments available for purchase. See our catalog here. Email Brandon for purchasing information. New ornaments available

Show me the Bunny!
See our foster bunnies available for adoption here

• See pictures of rabbits at local animal shelters here

Are You Looking to Find a New Home for Your Rabbit?

Unfortunately, the Sacramento House Rabbit Society cannot take in rabbits from private homes. This is because our first responsibility is to the rabbits at the local shelters -- they are truly "eleventh hour" rabbits and for them, the SHRS foster program may be the last chance. Because there are so many rabbits at the shelter (especially in the springtime!), our foster spaces fill quickly and we have no room to take in rabbits from other sources. If you have found a rabbit, or if you wish to find another home for your own rabbit, take a look at our flyer Finding a Home for an Unwanted Rabbit. This will give you ideas for things you can do to find a loving home for your bunny.

Support Rabbit Rescue Efforts in Sacramento!

Thank you for your donations and membership. Would you like to join the Sacramento House Rabbit Society or make a donation? Click here for a printable, mail-in form.

Last updated August 30, 2010

Copyright © 2001 Sacramento House Rabbit Society
PO Box 19850 Sacramento, CA 95819-0850
(916) 863-9690
Hotline Email
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