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How to set up

Easy - just follow the steps below!

How to set up for your rescue rabbit

ADOPT A COMPANION HOUSE RABBIT

It is very important to us that our rescue rabbits be rehomed as companion house pets. 

  • we only adopt to indoor homes so they are safe from viruses, predators and extreme weather conditions. 
  • we ask you to organise an indoor setup and quality hay and pellets as part of the adoption process. 

Example setups:

We made it really easy for you to get everything!

Bunnings has the indoor equipment you need: Playpen, Litter Tray 

What you need for your bunny

Adoption Setup Checklist

Bunnings 8 panel playpen 80cm high with walk through gate
(1) PLAYPEN (Bunnings)
8 panels, 70+ cm high. Soft pens, cages and hutches are not appropriate. 
(2) LITTER TRAY (Bunnings)
50+ cm long. Needs to provide enough space for a rabbit to sit comfortable and turn around. 
Hay Rack in photo is from IKEA.
(3) TUNNEL & SHELF (Bunnings)
Tunnel 25+ cm diameter, ideally fabric. 
Shelf (little book shelf)
Gives the bunny the opportunity to hide and play.
(4) WATER BOWL (Bunnings)
Capacity to hold 500+ ml. Should be difficult for rabbit to tip it over.
(5) PET CARRIER (Bunnings)
Approx. 50 cm long, ideally hard plastic (rabbits can chew fabric carriers).
(6) Mixed Rabbit Hays & Pellets Pack
Fresh, top grade hays. Hand mixed to provide nutrients and variety. Plus Oxbow Rabbit Pellets & Treats
(9) LITTER (Bunnings)
Paper or wood based. No clay, no crystal, no clumping.
Good brands: Catmate, Ozpet, Proteq, Breeders Choice
(10) SETUP INSIDE HOME
For the safety and wellbeing of the rabbit. Best location: corner of a room (not in the center).

How to get pre-approved

We would like to see evidence that you have purchased all items AND are prepared to integrate your bunny’s living quarters in your home.

 

SHARE:

  1. photo(s) or screenshot(s) of your order confirmation(s)
  2. a photo of where in your home you would set up the playpen, or have set up the playpen

 

HOW?

Please use our photo upload form, or send your photos to adoptions@rabbitsanctuary.com.au

 

WHEN?

When you have purchased ALL ITEMS on our checklist. 

How to speed things up

  • Order playpen etc from Bunnings. Send receipt
  • Order our Hay Pellet Pack. Send receipt
  • Send us photos of receipts or products. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    I don't know which bunny is right for me. Can you help me choose?

    Definitely. In your adoption application we will ask you about your adoption preferences and living environment. If you would like advice on which of our rabbits would be a good match for you we are happy to provide that.

    What happens once I get approved?
    You will receive an email confirming you have been approved. Once you have made your pay-it-forward donation and made up your mind which rabbit you would like, please either get in contact with the volunteer who looked after your application, or send us an enquiry.
    What reasons would you have to reject an application?

    We will reject your application if

    • you live in a state where we don't have any rabbits (WA, SA, NT, TAS) or if you live in QLD and do not have a rabbit license.
    • you plan to let your rabbit live outdoors
    • you have one or more rabbits that are not desexed yet (in this case we would put your application on hold)
    • we see any other indication that the rabbit would not be safe in the environment you provide
    Why do you only adopt to indoor homes?

    If you keep rabbits outside you put them at risk of losing them to a virus (myxomatosis or calicivirus) or an animal attack. They are also susceptible to escaping or being stolen from backyards.

    Why do you ask for $295+ for a rabbit?

    All our rabbits are

    • health-checked
    • dental-checked
    • desexed (with ear tattoo)
    • microchipped
    • vaccinated 
    • treated for worms, fleas, mites

    If you get all this done by a vet you end up with a $500 - $700 bill. With this in mind, what we are asking for is a bargain. We are not making a profit by asking for this donation - it just helps contribute to cover our vet costs.
    What are the benefits of adopting from you?
    1. All our rabbits are health-checked, dental-checked, desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, treated for worms, fleas, mites.
    2. All our rabbits come with a lifetime return guarantee!
    3. We know our rabbits really well and can tell you all about their personality and behaviour. This also means we can tell you which rabbits are a good fit for you.
    4. We provide all the advice you need, including e.g. advice with bonding rabbits.
    5. By adopting a rabbit you make room for another rabbit to be rescued - so you are saving two animals, not just one!
    6. You become part of a community. Once you have adopted a rabbit we will invite you to join our Bunny Parents Facebook Group.
      Can I adopt a bunny that's located far away from me?

      Yes, you can. Our volunteers can organise a 'bunny run' to transport the bunny of your choice from the foster carer to your home.