ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS & PROCEDURES
Please be sure to read all the information on this page carefully before submitting your application.
Understanding our process and requirements helps ensure the best match for both you and our rabbits.
WE ONLY ADOPT IN PAIRS — FOR A GOOD REASON!
At Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue, we only adopt rabbits out in bonded pairs.
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If you already have a rabbit, our single bunnies are available as potential companions for your bunny.
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Why? Because rabbits are incredibly social creatures — they thrive with a friend. Without companionship, they can become lonely, bored, and even depressed.
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Let’s help your rabbit find their perfect match!
Why Rabbits Need a Friend
While it's rare, some rabbits simply prefer living solo. In those special cases, we still place them in homes where other rabbits are present, so they can benefit from nearby companionship — even if not sharing a space.
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Caring for two rabbits is just as easy as caring for one, and the benefits for them are immeasurable.
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While human interaction is important, it can’t fully replace the comfort and connection of a same-species friend. When you’re away, rabbits can keep each other company, reducing stress and boredom.
LOOKING TO ADOPT A SINGLE RABBIT?
Our single rabbits are only available as companions for your current rabbit.
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Please note: We are unable to create custom pairs for adopters looking to adopt two rabbits.
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As mentioned above, rabbits are much happier with a friend — and trust us, your heart will melt when you see them snuggled up together!
Important Requirements for Bonding Appointments
To bond your rabbit with one of ours, the following must be completed before your bonding appointment:
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Spay/Neuter: Your rabbit must be spayed or neutered at least one month prior to the appointment.
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RHDV-2 Vaccination: Your rabbit must be vaccinated at least one week before the appointment. The vaccine must be current (renewed annually), and you’ll need to provide a copy of the vaccination certificate.
Because our bonding schedule is very full, please do not submit an application until your rabbit meets
both of these requirements.
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Thank you for your understanding and cooperation — it helps us ensure a safe, healthy bonding experience for all!
ADOPTION APPROVAL POLICY
Submitting an adoption application does not guarantee approval.
Final approval will only be given after you:
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Attend your adoption appointment
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Complete all pre-adoption procedures
While we don’t conduct in-person home visits, we do require detailed photos of your bunny’s new habitat.
Our rabbits have already experienced life without a home — and our top priority is ensuring their next one is truly forever.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU APPLY?
Once you submit your adoption application, one of our adoption experts will review it and contact you to begin the pre-approval process.
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After you're pre-approved, you'll schedule an appointment with an adoption counselor to meet some of our adoptable bunnies!
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Your counselor will work closely with you to help find the best match for your home and lifestyle.
How Bunny Bonding Works
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We follow a rabbit-led bonding approach — meaning the rabbits themselves choose their companions. This means putting aside our assumptions about who “should” get along and instead creating a calm, positive space where bunnies can be themselves. It’s not a trend or a technique, just good old-fashioned listening.
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Before bonding, we ask adopters about important preferences like health needs, personality traits, and other non-appearance factors. Based on that, we suggest potential matches — but bonding is never forced. The rabbits always lead. If one bunny isn’t interested, we respect their choice. Just because a person falls in love with a rabbit doesn’t mean their bunny will!
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For those adopting a companion for their current rabbit, your bunny will go on one or more “speed dates” at our shelter to meet possible matches.
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Once a match is made, the full bonding process happens at the home of one of our expert bonders, usually taking about a week. Sometimes a promising match doesn’t work out — if that happens, we’ll try again with a different rabbit, either right away or later on.
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Throughout the entire process, the safety and well-being of both rabbits is our highest priority.
ADOPTION FEES
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Adopting a bonded pair: $200
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Adopting a single friend for your current bunny: $200
(Includes $150 for the bunny + $50 bonding service fee)
The adoption fee covers:
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Spay/neuter surgery
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Current RHDV-2 vaccination for the shelter bunny
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Ongoing access to our network of bunny experts for any questions or support
We’re here to help make your adoption a success!
ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS:
CREATING A SAFE, LOVING HOME
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Indoor homes only: No unsupervised outdoor time or overnight stays outside. For more on why, visit rabbit.org’s outdoor FAQ.
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Primary adopter: Must be 21 years or older.
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Primary caregiver: Must be an adult. Children and teens can help but cannot be the main caregiver.
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Family pets, not children’s pets: Rabbits are adopted as family pets and must live in a shared family space with adult supervision at least twice daily. They are not adopted as gifts, classroom pets, or community animals (e.g., nursing homes).
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Lifetime commitment: Rabbits typically live 8-12 years, sometimes up to 15. Be ready to care for them through life’s changes—moving, new jobs, babies, or other big events. Rabbits are not a short-term commitment.
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Daily care time: Adopters must provide at least 3 hours of supervised out-of-cage time daily.
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Rabbit health: No unaltered rabbits in the home unless approved with veterinary documentation. We cannot bond our rabbits with unaltered rabbits.
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Pets in the home: Dogs, cats, and other predatory pets are considered on a case-by-case basis.
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No smokers:
Rabbit respiratory systems are very sensitive; smoking in the home is not allowed. -
Renters: Must have landlord approval.
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Housing: No small commercial cages or hutches. Multi-tiered wooden hutches are accepted if open at all times and part of a free-roaming setup. Extra-large dog crates or puppy pens are recommended; free roaming with a home base is ideal.
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Return policy: If you cannot keep your rabbits, they must be returned to RMHRR—no exceptions.
READY TO APPLY?
You can access our adoption applications by clicking one of the links below:
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Adopt a bonded pair
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Notice: Single Rabbit Adoptions Temporarily on Hold
Due to current capacity and resource limitations, we’re taking a short pause on applications for single rabbit adoptions and new bonding service requests. This allows us to focus on the care of our rabbits and meet the current bonding needs already in progress. We truly appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Please check back soon for updates — and if your heart (and home) might be open to a bonded pair, we’d love to introduce you to some of our sweetest duos!
By clicking either link, you confirm that you have read all the required information and are ready to proceed with your adoption application.
