Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be more RHDV2 vaccine events in our area?
RHDV2 updates will be posted on the RHDV page of this website, via social media, on our Events Calendar, and through our newsletter. Rabbit Advocates is always working on finding additional ways to make the vaccine more affordable and accessible.
How can I support the work of Rabbit Advocates?
There are lots of ways to help! In addition to making a donation, you can volunteer, foster, adopt, pack and deliver hay, donate new/clean items, create house bunny content, respond to email inquiries, or become a Foster, Adoption, or Helpline Counselor. You can learn more about our volunteer opportunities and apply to become a volunteer by visiting our Volunteer page. Rabbit Advocates is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is licensed by the Oregon State Veterinarian under the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
There’s a domesticated rabbit in my neighborhood. What do I do?
Please complete our Rescue Report Form immediately, review the guidance on our Rescue page, and check out the Resources section of this website. We do our best to respond to Rescue Reports within 24 hours, but we receive a large volume of reports. Photos of the rabbit(s) and detailed location information are key. Rabbit Advocates is only able to potentially assist with domesticated rabbits (not wild rabbits). At present, Rabbit Advocates is currently only able to rescue new bunnies from Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Columbia, and Clark Counties in the Greater Portland, Oregon Area.
Someone is abusing/neglecting rabbits. What should I do?
Witnesses should report violations directly to the relevant County Animal Services or Humane Society. Organizations like the Oregon Humane Society and county agencies such as Multnomah County Animal Services and the Bonnie L. Hays Shelter can conduct investigations into allegations of animal cruelty.
In Oregon, ORS 167.340 on Animal Abandonment states: A person commits the crime of animal abandonment if the person intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence leaves a domestic animal or an equine at a location without providing minimum care. It is no defense to the crime defined in subsection (1) of this section that the defendant abandoned the animal at or near an animal shelter, veterinary clinic or other place of shelter if the defendant did not make reasonable arrangements for the care of the animal. Animal abandonment is a Class B misdemeanor. [1985 c.662 §8; 2001 c.926 §11; 2009 c.233 §1] A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum $3,500 fine and/or 6 months in jail.
Where do your bunnies come from?
Many of our bunnies were found in a park, neighborhood, schoolyard, or shopping area in the Greater Portland, Oregon area and reported to the Rescue & Foster Teams at Rabbit Advocates. As domesticated animals, they are not safe living outdoors. Some of our bunnies were born into our care after their pregnant mothers were rescued. Other bunnies are surrendered by their owners who were facing difficult or emergency situations. Abandoning pets is a crime, but a sadly common phenomenon. Rabbit Advocates partners with county shelters and other animal rescues to find safe indoor homes for as many bunnies as we can.
Do you rescue, trap, or relocate wild rabbits?
No, Rabbit Advocates is licensed to assist with domesticated rabbits only. Wild rabbits fall under a completely different licensure process through a different state agency. The Portland Audubon Society is a good resource for information on local wildlife. Rabbit Advocates does not have humane traps to loan out to the public.
Where exactly are you located?
Rabbit Advocates does not have a physical shelter facility. We are an all-volunteer organization with foster providers throughout the Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington metropolitan area to help care for rabbits awaiting adoption.
I have a rabbit that I can no longer keep. Can you help me with rehoming?
Please send an email to foster@rabbitadvocates.org with your county and contact info, the rabbit’s name, sex, whether they are spayed/neutered, any medical conditions and records, along with photos. You can check out our Foster page and fill out a foster application to become a “one-time foster” and find an adoptive home through the Rabbit Advocates Adoption Assistance Program. Unfortunately, given our limited resources as an all-volunteer organization, we are not always able to provide rehoming assistance due to the large number of requests we receive.
Which veterinarians treat rabbits in our area?
Please visit the Vets section on our website for a list of local rabbit-savvy vets.
Does Rabbit Advocates offer help with bunny grooming and nail trims?
We understand how challenging it can be to clip your own bunny’s nails! Rabbit Advocates hosts “Bunny Spa Day” events by appointment, and proceeds from Bunny Spa Days support the mission of Rabbit Advocates. Due to of RHDV2, only fully vaccinated rabbits in good health may attend Bunny Spa Days. Future Spa Days will be announced on our Events page and on social media pages. All bunnies must have up-to-date vaccination against RHDV2 at least 2 weeks prior to attending a Bunny’s Spa Day to ensure they’ve had sufficient time to develop protective antibodies.
My bunny is not feeling well. What should I do?
Please contact your veterinarian about the symptoms immediately and/or seek care at an emergency veterinary clinic. Rabbit Advocates has a list of rabbit-savvy vets in our area, and information in the “Resources” section of our website, including topics such as GI Stasis. Rabbit Advocates is not able to provide veterinary advice or assistance.
The House Rabbit Society, Rabbit.org Foundation, MediRabbit, Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, and the Government of Scotland have some of our favorite online resources for information on pet rabbit health issues. MediRabbit has an excellent overview presentation on common rabbit health issues. When searching for information about rabbits online, always consider the source of the information and whether the source aligns with the philosophy of care of The House Rabbit Society, Rabbit.org, and Rabbit Advocates.
How do I sign up to receive the monthly Rabbit Advocates newsletter?
We welcome you to join our mailing list and check out our newsletter archive! Our newsletter is always filled with helpful information about caring for your bunny.