By Katie Johnson
With the Peter Rabbit movie out in theaters and Easter just around the corner, the Seattle Animal Shelter is fielding more questions about rabbit adoptions. We love rabbits here at the shelter, and we have many rabbits looking for their forever families! And while they are incredibly cute critters, rabbits are personable, unique animals that need specialized care — so make sure to do your homework prior to adopting.
Peanut and her sister Pippin are available for adoption together as a bonded pair.
Here are some quick rabbit facts:
Rabbits live eight to 12 years.
A rabbits is a long-term commitment. Are all family members committed to caring for your new bunny for the rest of its life?
Rabbits are social butterflies!
Many rabbits need rabbit friends or close human companions to keep them healthy and happy. Make sure you factor in the care, time and space to meet your rabbit’s needs.
Rabbits require a lot of daily care.
Rabbits need daily attention, exercise, playtime, feeding and cleaning. These are bunny care basics!
F-R-A-G-I-L-E
Rabbits are extremely fragile animals. While movies and cartoons may portray them doing backflips off walls, the truth is rabbits can be injured very easily. Also, a rabbit’s digestive system is very unique, which requires a specialized diet.
Do your research.
Find more information online and by using local resources:
- House Rabbit Society, a nonprofit rabbit rescue and education organization (https://rabbit.org)
- Talk to a veterinarian who specializes in “pocket pets” or exotics about rabbit care. Not all veterinarians see rabbits.
- Visit a local rabbit rescue or animal shelter to learn more about care needs and meet some cool rabbits!
Rabbits can make excellent pets for the knowledgeable, prepared and committed family. They are smart and interactive, exude personality and have the cutest little hop-hop. They can be litterbox-trained and can solve puzzles, too.
Last, remember to “adopt, don’t shop!” Seattle Animal Shelter has rabbits of all shapes, sizes and colors just waiting to join your family.
The Seattle Animal Shelter is located at 2061 15th Ave. W. The shelter is open Wednesday-Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Learn more at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.