Shelter Adoption Events
The MCRS works with local shelters to hold rabbit adoption events throughout the year. While most of these events are held during Adopt-A-Rabbit month, there are some events held during the rest of the year as well. While MCRS volunteers helps staff these events, the adoptable rabbits are all shelter rabbits looking for homes.
What is the difference between an MCRS adoption event and a Shelter adoption event?
At an MCRS adoption event, adopters must be pre-approved to adopt. All rabbits adopted are MCRS foster rabbits and are adopted at MCRS fees to adopters meeting MCRS requirements.
At a Shelter adoption event, adopters are not pre-approved. All rabbits adopted are resident at the shelter where the event is being held and are adopted at that shelters fees to adopters meeting that shelters requirements.
What can you do?
- Meet rabbits! Up to 40 different bunnies may be in attendance at each event. If you are thinking about adopting or just want a bunny fix please stop in a visit with the bunnies. During shelter adoption events, the MCRS volunteers set up exercise pens or take over the small dog/puppy room at the shelter. The rabbits then cycle through so that they can all get some time out of their cages and have a personality profile written about them.
- Ask questions and get answers about rabbits. Several knowledgeable volunteers are always on hand at the Adoption Events to answer questions from other members or the general public about rabbits and rabbit care. We LOVE to talk about how special and wonderful rabbits are! Any question is welcome :) Troubles with litterbox training? No problem. Need help finding a rabbit-savvy vet? We can help. Need tips on how to get your rabbit to eat more hay? We got'em! Just stop by during an event and ask one of our volunteers.
- Volunteer to help! Would you like to be a part of the fun and excitement at a future Adoption Event or help support other MCRS activities? Check out the list of volunteer opportunities (link to volunteer page)
What do the bunnies do?
- Exercise, exercise!! That's right; those bunnies need to exercise! When not in use for introductions to potential adopters, the exercise pens turn into romper rooms for the bunnies:) Each bunny gets a chance to romp and play in the pen either by themselves or with a human friend.
- In addition to getting to meet people, the bunnies may get to meet other bunnies. If an adopter has a rabbit who might want a friend, then the MCRS will chaperone a Bunny Date. What is a bunny date, you ask? Well, rabbits are much like people in that they prefer to choose their live-in companion, and need time to bond with another rabbit. Rabbits have strong opinions about likes and dislikes and it is best to introduce your rabbit to at least three rabbits to determine which has the best potential.
What does the MCRS do?
- We work with potential adopters to help them find the right rabbity companion for their family.
- Exercise pens are set up at the event so that adopters can spend one-on-one time with each rabbit at the rabbit's level. This a great way to see what fun personalities the rabbits have!
- Bunnies are adopted!!! Of course, this is the most important function of our Adoption Events. We love finding happy, forever homes for our adorable foster bunnies, and most adoptions occur at these events. It is a wonderful sight to see a happy person or family as they excitedly complete the paperwork for their new companion.
- Nail trims, grooming and scent gland cleanings. Although not a favorite amongst the bunnies, these important tasks can often be seen taking place at the events.
- Write rabbit personality profiles. Since many people visiting shelters are not familiar with rabbits, these profiles can help them learn about rabbits in general as well as helping the individual rabbit show of her personality and get adopted.
