Adoption Procedures

Adoption fees include: general health exam, spaying or neutering, microchip, RHDV2 vaccinations.
- Single rabbits - $142 each
- Bonded groups - $142 for the first rabbit, plus $70 for each additional rabbit within the existing group.
Consider adding HRS membership at the local and national levels for $28 and access to member-only perks!
All rabbits are to be HOUSE RABBITS only–no exceptions!
Home visits are required.
We do not adopt rabbits to schools or individuals who plan to keep them in school classrooms. Why? Please read this and this.
Other rabbits in your household must be spayed or neutered (see Matchmaking)–check vet referral list for a good rabbit vet near you.
Adoptions to LOCAL area only (MD, DC, Northern VA). Ask us for info about an HRS chapter near you, or check HRS Chapters.
Adopters must be over 18 years old.

Adoption Policies

Primary Caregiver
When a rabbit is adopted from HRS, the primary caregiver must be a responsible adult. The rabbit should be treated as an integral part of the family, i.e., no group ownership (such as a classroom pet). We do NOT adopt rabbits as pets for children. The rabbit must be wanted by the entire family.

Indoor Housing
Adopters of HRS rabbits must understand that our rabbits are to live as household companions. This means that they must have their primary living space indoors, and must spend every night indoors. During the daytime, adopters can allow their rabbits outdoor daytime exercise. If this is the case, the rabbit must be provided with an area with secure fencing, and adequate supervision. Fosterers may require additional safety precautions appropriate to their locale. If a cage is used, it must be at least 16 sqft of floor space. It is preferred that it be larger.

Social Requirements
If the rabbit is going to be alone (i.e. without the company of people, a cat or other household pets) for the majority of the time, then we recommend that the adopter adopt a second rabbit as a companion to the first.

Spaying and Neutering
All HRS rabbits are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Visiting rabbits seeking a friend from HRS must be spayed or neutered prior to introductions.

Returns
If there are such problems with the adopted rabbit that the adopter needs to return the rabbit, we ask that you give the chapter some advance notice. Some common sense and courtesy is expected. Once an animal is adopted from HRS, the space vacated is usually filled within a week. A return requires two preparations: a space must be opened by a new adoption, and another rabbit must be “bumped” from the rescue list at the animal shelter. Nevertheless, all rabbits adopted from this chapter must be returned to this chapter in case of insurmountable problems.

Exchanges
HRS does not exchange animals. Exceptions may be made when:
The fosterer and adopter are working together on making a match between an adoptee and a pre-residing rabbit AND in the fosterer’s judgment, a different match would be less stressful to the animals.

Adoption Fees
HRS adoption fees are donations that cannot be refunded. We are a federally recognized tax-exempt, non-profit organization. Donations made to us are no more refundable than they are to any other public charity.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about adopting from our Chapter.