Since 2003, Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue has provided a home-like atmosphere for abandoned, abused, and neglected domestic rabbits. Safe Haven received federal 501(c) 3 designation in February 2004, and on March 20, 2008 was classified as a public charity exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) 3 of the code. Our mission is: To rescue abandoned, stray or abused rabbits, and find permanent indoor homes for them with caring owners. To educate the public about the unique qualities of rabbits, and to educate rabbit owners and humane societies as to the care and maintenance of rabbits. To promote and raise awareness of rabbits as indoor companion pets. Those rabbits who are not eligible for adoption, either due to health, age or temperament, always have a place in one of our foster homes to live out their lives peacefully as sanctuary bunnies.
Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue strives to ensure harmony between the adopter and the rabbit. All of the many questions we will be asking help us to understand the type of rabbit that will be the most suitable for you and your home environment. To ensure the best possible match, the following steps are followed: a. Adoption Application - Please complete the on-line adoption application. Be as detailed as possible. Once received, someone will contact you, either by phone or email within 48 hours. If you do not hear from us, our system did not receive the form from your browser, please let us know via email. b. The Interview - This initial conversation, usually via telephone, is an exchange of information and ideas. We would like to learn as much about you, your family, other pets, home and experience with rabbits. That information helps us suggest which of our rabbits would be most suitable. If you are new to bunnies, we will answer your questions and provide information so that you will understand the requirements of keeping a bunny healthy and happy. If you are wishing to adopt a playmate for an existing rabbit, we will also gather information about him/her. c. Meeting the Bunnies - Once you have decided which of the suitable adoptees you or your rabbit might be interested in adopting, we will set up an initial Zoom call meeting. All family members are encouraged to participate. It is required that the main caregiver(s) be present. Selecting a bunny for someone else is not appropriate. We have found that two or three Zoom (30 - 40 minute video) calls work best for information sharing: Call 1: We will introduce you to the rabbit(s) that you are interested in from their foster home. We will share all known information, history and personality information and answer any questions you might have about him or her. We would also have you show us the area of your home where you plan on setting up the rabbit's main area. Call 2: Once your have made your decision and your application is approved, we can discuss more specifics about the rabbit you are adopting, what items you will need to purchase, about their specific diet needs, toys they like to play with, handling techniques, grooming, etc., etc., etc.! Then, you can start to get all their supplies and set-up their habitat area. Call 3: Virtual Home inspection: When you have everything ready, call 3 will be a virtual walk-thru of the pen set up, the room it is in, as well as any areas where your rabbit to be allowed to play. In most cases, it is best NOT to buy supplies before selecting a rabbit. Many people are surprised to see how our rabbits live in foster care. And, since all rabbits are individuals, it is best to tailor your purchases for the specific rabbit depending on size, personality, athletic ability or inclination, chewing tendencies, etc. etc., etc. Safe Haven requires adopters to use exercise pens (not cages) or small rooms as the bunnies main living quarters in the home. This article will give you some ideas and we can help you tailor them for an individual rabbit. d. Homecoming - When all goes well and the big decision has been made, a representative of Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue will deliver your new companion to your home. Social distancing and mask wearing are still being enforced. Safe Haven volunteers are vaccinated and we hope you are as well. e. Follow-up - Adopters are expected to keep in touch with their new companion’s former foster parent; especially during the first few days and weeks as the bunny adjusts to his new home. Adopters find it comforting to have support and it ensures the bunny will do well in his new home. Follow-up Zoom calls approximately 1 and 2 weeks post adoption is also normal procedure. And, of course, adopters are encouraged to call or email anytime with questions as they arise.
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