Questions about fostering? If you’ve never had a house bunny before you may have a lot of questions. Rabbits are amazing animals, and they have care needs that are different than cats or dogs. By fostering, you provide a caring and safe environment for a rabbit that needs a home. It is a very rewarding experience!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much space do I need?

The minimum space requirement is 4’ x 4’ for a single rabbit.  We house all of our rabbits in ex-pens but if you have a dedicated room for them that is bunny proofed, that’s even better! We provide the ex-pens for you, as well as a litter box, bowls, etc. Please note we do not use cages for rabbits as they are far too small.

What do foster bunnies come with?

Hoppy Homes will provide you with an ex-pen (which is 4’ x 4’ in size), a litter box, bowls for food and water, wood pellets for litter, food pellets, and Timothy hay. All the essentials you need to get started!

What is the time commitment?

Since the time it takes a rabbit to get adopted varies so much, it is difficult to give a time frame. We try to minimize the amount of transition rescued rabbits’ experience as it is stressful on them, so we like fosters to be able to commit to at least a few months. Fostering can range from a few weeks, a few months to more, depending on the situation.

Can I foster temporarily or just for a few months?

There are times when we need temporary fosters such as when a regular foster family goes on vacation. If you are interested in short term fostering, please indicate that on your application.

Who pay for the bunny’s food and hay?

Hoppy Homes will provide food, hay and litter to any foster that requests it! We will give you all supplies you need to get started. You are asked to provide daily greens/vegetables which costs about $7 per week. Since we are completely volunteer and donation based, many fosters like to help us out by purchasing their own supplies, but if that’s not in your budget we will assist with food, hay and litter as needed.

What do I need to do on a daily basis?

The job of a rabbit foster parent is to provide daily care and socialization, offering the rabbit a sense of security and routine. Rabbits are provided daily food pellets, fresh greens, hay, water, and exercise. Fosters keep the rabbit’s area clean and reinforce litter box training. Your main job is to make sure the rabbit is safe, cared for, and loved! Best job ever!

Can I foster if I have other pets?

Yes. Although it is best to keep your foster rabbits physically separated from your own pets (preferably in a different room), at least initially. Some rabbits may be afraid of cats and/or dogs, while some rabbits are accustomed to other pets. Our foster coordinator will help you decide which rabbit is a good fit for your home.

Can foster parents adopt their own foster bunnies?

Absolutely! Many adopters start out as foster parents and then chose to adopt. We give foster parents first chance at adopting the rabbits which they are fostering. Like all adopters, fosters must apply to adopt and pay the adoption fee.

Can I keep the rabbits outside?

No. All our rabbits are house rabbits and must be kept indoors. Rabbits do not handle extreme temperatures or wet weather well. Heatstroke can kill a rabbit in 2 hours – even if they’re kept in the shade or a barn. While they can more easily withstand colder temperatures, they’re still at risk of hypothermia and frostbite, as well as predator attacks, parasites and so on.

Can rabbits be litter trained?

Yes! Rabbits can learn to use litter boxes and spaying and neutering helps with this greatly. They may still leave the occasional dropping around to mark their territory, but they will mainly use the litter box as they like to be clean. Most of the rabbits that are in the care of the rescue are already litter trained.

Who pays for the foster bunny’s medical care?

Hoppy Homes covers all veterinary expenses while rabbits are in foster care, including the spay or neuter surgery if it hasn’t already been done.

Have a question that hasn’t been answered here?

Send us an email at hoppyhomesrescue@gmail.com.