Shelter Support
The House Rabbit Network assists area animal shelters to help improve the quality of life for shelter rabbits and support the staff in their work. HRN volunteers visit shelters on a weekly basis to set up playpens with toys and tunnels to provide exercise and socialization for the rabbits. This is often the only exercise some rabbits can get all week. We also help with grooming, nails, and assessment of personality and placement options, and are available to answer questions from the staff and public about rabbit care. Some volunteers deliver hay and fresh greens on a regular basis or donate toys and supplies.
Going to shelters every week allows us to learn first hand which rabbits are in greatest need of rescue as soon as we have space in our foster network. The shelter directors don’t have to call us when they are overcrowded because volunteers have been there. At times we have been able to go above and beyond to find places when it is most needed. For example, we learned about a young, very active Flemish Giant who was clearly unable to tolerate a shelter stay: within days this rabbit, now our Moxie, went to a foster home opened just for her! Dee Dee was starting to bite but shelter visitors realized she would have a chance in a less stressful environment, so began fostering to take her in. Finally, shelter visitors discovered a pair of baby rabbits on the same day they arrived at the shelter with severe wounds due to cruelty. Our network of fosterers responded so Frieda and Svetlana could go home within days with the volunteers they already knew and receive the extensive veterinary care and love they so badly needed.
Shelter volunteering is not for everyone. Sometimes it can be discouraging, especially when dealing with animals confiscated in neglect or cruelty cases, who may stay at the shelter for long periods of time. We have to accept that we cannot save every rabbit: for all those special rescues described above, there are many other wonderful rabbits whom we cannot yet take in. However, it is an opportunity to make a practical difference in the quality of life for shelter buns (and we don’t ALWAYS get peed on!). The rabbits do seem to remember us week to week and respond well to the attention. Especially if you are unable to foster in your own home, shelter support can be very rewarding.
Currently we have volunteers visiting regularly at Animal Rescue League/Boston, MSPCA/Boston, MSPCA/Brockton and MSPCA/Methuen. If you are interested in learning more, please call our information hotline at 781-431-1211. THANKS!
by Suzanne Rubins